INTELLIGENCE REPORT

Molybdenum Intelligence Report

July 14, 2026 · Intelligence Report · Molybdenum (LME CFD)
BUYER: DEFENSIVE

Molybdenum prices at 612.50 CNY/kg — up 20.1% YTD — remain structurally supported by copper byproduct supply constraints, while the Section 232 negotiation report deadline (July 13) has passed without immediate tariff action. The Grasberg force majeure (Sep 2025) continues to restrict copper output by ~35%, and with ~80% of molybdenum produced as copper byproduct, concentrate availability remains tight. International moly oxide held at ~$40.82/lb in May. The Section 232 report deadline passed yesterday — the administration has not announced immediate tariffs but the risk remains elevated. FocusEconomics consensus range of $38-45/lb through H2 2026 reflects tight supply against stable steel demand. Buyers should maintain 30-45 day coverage. The China export control suspension expiry (Nov 10, 2026) is the next catalyst to monitor.

LME CFD Price
612.5
+20.1% YTD
International Spot
$40.82
/lb moly oxide
7D Change
+0.8%
612.5 vs 607.5
Market Balance
Deficit
Structurally tight
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Data powered by LME CFD (Trading Economics). Molybdenum has no exchange futures — pricing is assessment-based. Updated July 14, 2026.