Molybdenum market update on May 19, 2026
The domestic molybdenum market has generally cooled down, mainly reflected in the downward fluctuation of molybdenum raw material prices from high levels, weakened willingness of traders to enter the market, and a slowdown in actual transaction pace. Today, the price of molybdenum concentrate decreased by approximately RMB 50/ton-degree, and the price of ferromolybdenum decreased by approximately RMB 4,000/ton.
CTIA GROUP believes that the current decline in molybdenum prices belongs to a market natural correction. Last week, molybdenum prices rose rapidly, and the downstream was unable to sustain the high prices. Market cautious sentiment intensified, with both inquiries and actual purchase volumes declining simultaneously. In addition, as current molybdenum product prices remain considerable, some suppliers have an increased awareness of profit-taking, leading to further price drops. Moreover, the recent weak trend in the international molybdenum market has, to some extent, limited the space for domestic molybdenum prices to rise again.
In terms of news, data from the China Iron & Steel Association shows that in early May 2026, key steel enterprises produced a total of 19.42 million tons of steel, with an average daily output of 1.942 million tons, a day-on-day decrease of 9.9%. By region, daily steel output in Northeast China decreased by 0.44 million tons, in North China decreased by 0.65 million tons, in East China decreased by 0.61 million tons, in Central-South China decreased by 0.52 million tons, in Northwest China increased by 0.07 million tons, and in Southwest China increased by 0.01 million tons.
Price of molybdenum products on May 19, 2026
Molybdenum boat picture
