- Prices rise across China, US, and Europe
- LME futures inch up by $0.93/lb w-o-w
Indian ferro molybdenum prices rose by INR 165,000/t ($1,834/t), about 6%, w-o-w to INR 2,890,000/t ($32,126/t) exw as of 7 January, according to BigMint’s assessment. The prices are hovering at two-month high as such levels were seen in early Nov’25. The increase was driven by a rise in global market trends, particularly in China, along with higher molybdenum oxide prices and stronger LME molybdenum futures. During the week, around 31 tonnes of material were traded within the price range of INR 2,700,000-2,950,000/t ($30,016-32,796/t) exw
Market updates (1-6 January 2026)
Global price witness increase: Ferro molybdenum (Mo 60%) prices in China rose by RMB 15,000/t ($2148/t) w-o-w to RMB 262,500/t ($37,588/t) exw-Inner Mongolia. The market witnessed a price uptrend, supported by disruptions in international molybdenum mine supply. Persistently high molybdenum concentrate prices kept raw material costs elevated, providing strong cost-side support to producers.
Meanwhile, bulk restocking demand from steel mills improved procurement activity and market transactions. Supported by higher costs and near-term stocking demand, producers maintained firm price sentiment, leading to a gradual rise in the market.
In addition, buying interest strengthened as market participants built inventories ahead of the Lunar New Year break, providing further support to prices.
European ferro molybdenum (Mo 70%) prices rose by $4/kg w-o-w to $57/kg, while US ferro molybdenum (Mo 70%) prices edged up by $2/kg w-o-w to $58/kg. The gains were supported by rising global molybdenum oxide prices and strong buying interest from Asia.
LME futures inch up w-o-w: On the London Metal Exchange (LME), molybdenum futures increased by $0.93/lb w-o-w to $22.56/lb on 6 January.
Global cues lift Indian ferro molybdenum prices: Indian ferro molybdenum prices increased last week, tracking higher international molybdenum oxide prices and a rise in global ferro molybdenum prices, particularly in China. The upward momentum in global markets continued to reinforce domestic price sentiment.
Meanwhile, sellers raised their offers in response to elevated costs, while strong demand from end-user segments further supported the price uptrend.
Price hike supports strength in Indian stainless steel market: Prices of 316-grade stainless steel hot-rolled coils (HRCs) inched up by INR 1,000/t ($11/t) w-o-w to INR 331,000/t ($3,682/t) ex-works Mumbai. The stainless steel market remained firm, with prices moving higher, supported by rising raw material costs, particularly nickel and the impact of a stronger dollar, and improved demand for finished flats.
Additionally, a leading stainless steel coil producer announced its second price increase in early Jan’26, effective 7 Jan. The company raised 316-grade coil prices by INR 7,000/t, driven by elevated nickel prices and strengthening domestic demand.
Outlook
Ferro molybdenum prices are expected to remain range-bound in the upcoming week, with global market sentiment and domestic demand likely to shape the Indian domestic market.
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