Global Molybdenum Production Rose in 2025 as China Demand Strengthened

Molybdenum Production

Global molybdenum production increased in 2025 as mine supply and industrial consumption both expanded. Data from the International Molybdenum Association showed that global molybdenum production rose by 4% on the year to 672.6mn lb.

The increase was broadly matched by demand growth. Global molybdenum consumption also rose by 4% to 671.8mn lb, leaving the market close to balance over the full year.

Global molybdenum production growth was strongest in North America, while China remained the largest producer and consumer. The data showed a market supported by Chinese steel alloy demand, even as Europe, Japan and CIS markets weakened.

North America Led Supply Growth While China Remained Dominant

China remained the world’s largest molybdenum producer in 2025, lifting output by 1% to 302.1mn lb. South America, the second-largest producing region, was almost flat, with output rising by only 0.5% to 175.6mn lb.

North America delivered the strongest regional production increase. Output rose by 17% to 133.7mn lb, helping drive the global supply increase despite limited growth elsewhere.

Combined production from the rest of the world was flat at 61.3mn lb. Fourth-quarter global production reached 168.4mn lb, up 1% from a year earlier.

The supply data suggest that molybdenum remained available, but not heavily oversupplied. With annual production and consumption nearly equal, regional demand shifts became more important than headline global tonnage.

China Consumption Offset Weakness in Europe and Japan

China’s molybdenum consumption rose by 9% to around 337.8mn lb in 2025, reinforcing the country’s role as the main demand engine. The increase likely reflected stronger use in molybdenum-bearing steels, specialty alloys and industrial applications.

Europe moved in the opposite direction. Regional demand fell by 7% to 114.3mn lb, reflecting weaker industrial activity and pressure in steel-linked sectors.

Japan’s consumption declined by 3%, while CIS demand recorded the steepest fall at 12%. These declines showed that molybdenum demand remained uneven across major industrial regions.

Global consumption also softened late in the year. Fourth-quarter demand reached 166.4mn lb, down 2% from the previous quarter, suggesting some cooling after earlier strength.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The molybdenum market stayed balanced in 2025, but the regional split was clear. China’s demand strength supported global consumption, while weaker European and Japanese usage showed that molybdenum remains closely tied to industrial confidence and steel alloy demand.