Global production of molybdenum remained almost unchanged in the third
quarter of 2018 at 137.8 million pounds compared to 138.2 million pounds in
quarter two, figures released by the International Molybdenum Association
show. Global use was 141.1 million pounds in the third quarter, down 6% from
149.6 million pounds in quarter two, but 2% higher than the same period in
the previous year.
South America was the biggest producer with 49.4 million pounds in the third
quarter, up 8% from 45.9 million pounds in the previous quarter, but 1% lower
than the same quarter in the previous year. Production in North America was
32.8 million pounds, up 1% from 32.6 million pounds in quarter two and up 2%
in comparison to the same quarter of the previous year. Production in China
fell to 45.9 million pounds, an 8% decrease from the 50 million pounds
produced in the second quarter and a 5% decrease in the same quarter of the
previous year. Production in other countries rose slightly to 9.7 million pounds,
a 1% increase from 9.6 million pounds in quarter two, but an 8% decrease
when compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
China remained the biggest user, at 49.6 million pounds, but this represented
an 8% decrease from 54 million pounds in quarter two and a 5% decrease in
the same quarter of the previous year. Europe was the second largest user at
33.9 million pounds, a 9% drop from 37.2 million pounds in the second quarter,
but a 5% increase on the same quarter of the previous year.
Usage in Japan was 15.3 million pounds, a 1% decrease from 15.4 million
pounds in the second quarter, but a 25% rise in comparison to the same
quarter of the previous year. Usage in the USA was 14.8 million pounds, a drop
of 4% from 15.4 million pounds in quarter two, but unchanged when compared
to the same quarter of the previous year. Usage in the CIS remained static at
5.4 million pounds, a 6% increase on the same quarter of the previous year,
while usage in other countries remained static at 22 million pounds, a 4%
increase on the same quarter of the previous year.