- Supply stays adequate, demand remains need-based
- Imported molybdenum oxide prices dip by $0.5/lb
Indian ferro molybdenum (Mo 60%, 10-100 mm) prices remained largely stable, edging up slightly by INR 23,000/t ($250/t) as compared to the assessment on 3 March 2026. Although prices remained firm, trading activity remained limited due to cautious demand from end users.
According to BigMint’s assessment on 11 March, ferro molybdenum prices stood at INR 3,514,000/t ($38,203/t) exw-India. Trades for around 40 t were recorded during the week, within the price range of INR 3,540,000-3,550,000/t ($38,486-38595/t) exw.
Market updates (5-10 March 2026)
Global prices show mixed trends: Ferro molybdenum prices in China edged down by RMB 1,500/t ($218/t) to RMB 283,500/t ($41,224/t) ex-Inner Mongolia as market activity remained cautious. Tight supply of upstream molybdenum concentrate continued to support costs, while smelters maintained firm pricing. Downstream steel mills mainly purchased to meet immediate demand, with stable bidding activity and steady acceptance of current prices. Overall, market transactions were mainly driven by need-based demand.
International molybdenum prices remained largely stable with minor fluctuations. European ferro molybdenum and molybdenum oxide prices stayed at elevated levels, while the price gap between international and domestic markets continued to support domestic prices.
European ferro molybdenum (Mo: 70%) prices increased slightly by $0.1/kg w-o-w to $67/kg, even as market activity remained quiet, while US ferro molybdenum (Mo: 70%) prices increased by $2/kg w-o-w to $80/kg.
LME futures prices hold firm w-o-w: Molybdenum futures on the London Metal Exchange inched down by $0.08/lb w-o-w to $26.95/lb on 10 March 2026.
Indian prices remain largely stable: The ferro molybdenum market remained largely stable during the week, with no significant price fluctuations. There was adequate material availability in the market. However, overall trading activity remained limited, as buyers continued to adopt a cautious approach, purchasing mainly on a need-based basis rather than building inventories. In addition, end-user demand remained slow amid ongoing global uncertainty, which further weighed on overall market sentiment.
Moreover, imported molybdenum oxide (Mo: 57% min) prices in India remained largely stable, edging down by $0.5/lb w-o-w to $27.20/lb CNF as of 11 March 2026.
End-user market trends: Prices of 316-grade stainless steel hot-rolled coils (HRCs) increased by INR 10,000/t ($109/t) w-o-w to INR 365,000/t ($3,964/t) exw Mumbai. Effective 9 March 2026, a leading manufacturer raised prices for 316 grade by INR 10,000/t ($109/t), mainly due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and restrictions on gas supply. Although prices and overall market sentiment have strengthened, buyers remain cautious because of continued global uncertainties. Demand is still weak, leading to slow trading activity across the market.
Outlook
Ferro molybdenum prices are expected to remain stable in the coming week, although changes in end-user demand or global market trends are likely to influence domestic price movements.
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