- Molybdenum oxide supply remains constrained
- Chinese demand drives global price uptrend
Indian ferro molybdenum (Mo: 60%) prices increased by INR 100,000/t ($1,037/t) w-o-w to INR 4,260,000/t ($44,170/t) exw on 22 July 2026, driven by a rise in global prices and demand, along with raw material shortages. Notably, prices reached their highest point in three years, since March 2023, as per data maintained with BigMint.
Deals for around 45 t were recorded by BigMint during the assessment week within the price bracket of INR 4,250,000-4,350,000/t ($44,067-45,103/t) exw.
Market summary (16-21 July)
Global market stays resilient: Ferro molybdenum (Mo:60%) prices in China increased by RMB 3,000/t ($443/t) w-o-w to RMB 334,500/t ($49,438/t) exw-Inner Mongolia. Ferro molybdenum and molybdenum oxide markets remained at elevated levels, supported by firm seller sentiment and steady spot supply.
Smelters maintained offers and avoided aggressive selling, while steel mills continued regular procurement, encouraging active spot trading and frequent resale activity by intermediaries. Both large and small ferro molybdenum transactions were concluded, reflecting healthy market participation.
Meanwhile, molybdenum oxide prices also held within a narrow range at high levels, as roasters and traders retained firm offers and low-priced material remained scarce. Downstream buyers in both markets continued purchasing only for immediate requirements, resisting higher prices but maintaining essential demand. Trading in molybdenum oxide was mainly limited to small-volume deals, while ferro molybdenum recorded comparatively stronger activity.
In Europe, prices were largely stable w-o-w at $73/kg, although market activity was limited amid the ongoing summer slowdown.
Molybdenum futures on the London Metal Exchange edged up by $0.45/lb w-o-w to $32.13/lb on 21 July.
Indian prices gain on global strength: Indian ferro molybdenum prices moved up w-o-w, supported by firm global market trends and steady domestic trading activity. As the Indian market is largely influenced by international prices, the continued rise in global ferro molybdenum and molybdenum oxide prices encouraged domestic sellers to increase offers. Stable trade volumes further reinforced market sentiment and helped sustain higher price levels.
A leading domestic supplier told BigMint, “Ferro molybdenum is super strong right now. Internationally, there is an acute shortage of molybdenum oxide, pushing prices higher every day. China’s robust demand is driving the market upward, while profit booking is also taking place in India.” Meanwhile, imported molybdenum oxide prices edged up to $31.81/lb CNF, providing additional cost support and keeping Indian ferro molybdenum prices firm.
Raw material costs lift stainless steel prices: India’s stainless steel flat products market strengthened this week, driven by a price hike from a leading domestic coil producer, improving demand, and higher raw material costs. Firmer LME nickel prices, elevated molybdenum prices, and the depreciation of the Indian rupee further supported market sentiment.
Outlook
Indian ferro molybdenum prices are expected to remain firm in the coming week, supported by elevated global ferro molybdenum and molybdenum oxide prices, tight raw material availability, and higher import costs. Steady procurement from domestic consumers is likely to sustain market sentiment, while China’s strong demand and limited molybdenum oxide supply should continue supporting international prices. However, any resistance from buyers at higher price levels may limit the pace of further gains.
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