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Global molybdenum production falls while usage rises in Q2 2026
01/10/2026
Global molybdenum production fell 3% to 167.2 million pounds (mlbs) in Q2 2026, compared with the same quarter of the previous year, and fell 1% from the previous quarter, figures released by the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA) show.
Global usage of molybdenum rose 8% to 177.5 mlbs in Q2 2026, a 2% fall compared with the previous quarter.
China, one of the only regions not to see a fall in production in Q2, remained the largest producer of molybdenum at 79.5 mlb – this was almost static when compared to the same quarter of the previous year and a 1% rise when compared to the previous quarter. South America, the second-largest producer, saw the largest fall in production, down 9% to 39.9 mlbs from the same quarter of the previous year, and down 4% from the previous quarter. Production in North America remained static at 33.3 mlbs compared with the same quarter of the previous year, a 1% fall from the previous quarter. Production in Other Regions fell 7% to 14.4 mlbs compared with the same quarter of the previous year, a 5% fall from the previous quarter.
China remained the largest user of molybdenum at 90.2 mlbs up 10% from the same quarter of the previous year, although a 1% fall when compared to the previous quarter. Europe remained the second-largest user of molybdenum at 30.7 mlbs, up 1% from the same quarter of the previous year and up 3% from the previous quarter. Use in Other Regions rose 13% to 24.5 mlbs compared with the same quarter of the previous year, a 2% fall compared to the previous quarter. Use in the USA saw the largest increase, 12%, to 17.1 mlbs compared with the same quarter of the previous year, although this represented a 12% fall from the previous quarter. Use in Japan rose 5% to 11 mlbs compared with the same quarter of the previous year, although this was a 4% fall from the previous quarter. Use in the CIS saw the largest fall, 21%, to 4.1 mlbs compared with the same quarter of the previous year, although it rose 4% compared with the previous quarter.
General information for media
- IMOA’s Annual Review offers more information on IMOA’s work and achievements
- 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 LinkedIn.
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