Molybdenum--Prices slip back, except in North America

摘要

The last month has seen significant improvements in molybdenum prices, although the last week has seen quotes drop back in both China and Europe. From last month's 15-17 dollars/lb range, European oxide climbed substantially to 18.00-18.50 dollars/lb, with some suppliers seeking 19 dollars/lb. At the same time FeMo climbed from a February average of 38.50 dollars/kg to a range of 43-45 dollars/kg. While increases had also been seen in China, the start of this week brought signs of weakness. Chinese concentrates are currently fetching RMB2,300/t with oxide at around 2,400RMB/t. FeMo was reported at around 160,000-163,000RMB/t earlier this week, with transaction prices closer to 158,000RMB/t, though we believe this has now fallen to around 156,000RMB/t.