Back | Latest news overview
Molybdenum production and use rises worldwide
01/09/2011
Global production of molybdenum rose by 14 per cent in the first three months of this year compared with the same period in 2010, according to figures released by the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA).
China led the way, increasing its production by 21 per cent to 44.8 million lbs, closely followed by South America with a 19 per cent increase, up to 29.8 million lbs. In North America, the production total was 45.7 million lbs, a rise of nine per cent. Production in other parts of the world fell by one per cent in the first quarter of the year, compared to 2010.
In comparison with production figures for the final quarter of 2010, the figures for the first quarter of 2011 show a decline of four per cent each for North and South America and by the same amount in other molybdenum producing regions of the world. However, a rise of 27 per cent in Chinese production gives an overall increase of five per cent in the first three months of this year compared with the last three months of 2010.
Usage of molybdenum worldwide was up 16 per cent in the first quarter of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010, with the CIS’s total usage of 6.9 million lbs representing a 58 per cent increase. Europe was in second place, using 35.7 million lbs, up 27 per cent, followed by China, up 15 per cent at 39.5 million lbs and the USA up eight per cent at 19 million lbs. In Japan, use of molybdenum dropped one per cent to 14.2 million lbs.
Put alongside the usage figures for the last quarter of 2010, the first three months of 2011 show a global increase of nine per cent. Usage rose in every region except Japan, where it fell by 10 per cent in comparison.
IMOA now releases quarterly statistics as part of a strategic initiative to improve services to its members.
General information for media
IMOA is a non profit trade association, representing the majority of the molybdenum industry worldwide. It works to raise awareness about the unique properties of molybdenum, its beneficial effects on materials performance, its safety in use and its contribution to sustainable development.
Molybdenum is added to alloy steels to improve strength, toughness, hardenability and weldability for numerous applications in the automotive, shipbuilding, construction, mining, chemical, oil & gas and energy generation industries. In stainless steels and superalloys, it improves corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance and finds uses in many industrial applications. It is also used in a variety of products from catalysts and lubricants to pigments and paint.
IMOA has a strict antitrust compliance policy which delegates of all meetings are required to observe. All such meetings are observed by legal counsel.
For more information please email the communications team at media@imoa.info.
For up-to-date information please follow IMOA on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Back | Latest news overview
