Molybdenum

摘要

Moly has greeted June on a very buoyant note, with tight supply and resilient demand nudging prices to new highs. Spot quotations have crossed several watersheds, with ferromolybdenum notching up sales close to or even above 100 dollars/kg (over 45 dollars/lb) in most regions, and oxide commanding at least 40 dollars/lb. Europe has perhaps been the strongest market, with dealers reporting sales at over 100 dollars/kg to mainstream customers and 102-106 dollars/kg for small prompt consignments. Not surprisingly there is now a minor backwardation, with suppliers quoting just under 100 dollars/kg for business in July and August. Oxide may not be quite so scarce but prices have also lifted here, with traders quoting 40-41 dollars/lb for powder and up to 42 dollars/lb for briquettes. The latter apparently make an acceptable raw material for some consumers who baulk at paying as much as 47 dollars/lb for ferromolybdenum.