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This table provides detailed information on the quantities and values of molybdenum ore and concentrates exported from the United States to various countries and localities. It includes both roasted and unroasted concentrates, measured in metric tons of molybdenum content, alongside their corresponding export values in thousands of dollars. This data is crucial for understanding the role of the U.S. in the global molybdenum market, which is significant due to molybdenum’s widespread industrial applications, including steel alloy production, electronics, and chemical manufacturing. Tracking export trends helps policymakers and industry stakeholders assess market demand, trade balances, and economic impacts related to this critical mineral resource.
Analysis of the 2023 data reveals an overall increase in U.S. molybdenum exports, with total quantities rising from 46,200 metric tons in 2022 to 49,000 metric tons, and total export value surging from $1.06 billion to $1.54 billion. Notably, exports to the Netherlands, the top destination, increased both in quantity (from 28,300 to 29,500 metric tons) and value (from $595 million to $856 million), reflecting strong demand. The United Kingdom also saw significant growth, with quantities rising from 6,740 to 8,770 metric tons and values climbing from $168 million to $287 million. Exports to Chile and China more than doubled in quantity, reaching 1,460 and 1,870 metric tons respectively, with corresponding value increases to $53.9 million and $63.2 million. Conversely, exports to Belgium and India declined sharply in both quantity and value. These shifts highlight evolving trade patterns and emerging markets for U.S. molybdenum exports.
| TABLE 5 | ||||||||
| U.S. EXPORTS OF MOLYBDENUM ORE AND CONCENTRATES | ||||||||
| (INCLUDING ROASTED AND UNROASTED CONCENTRATES), BY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY1, 2 | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||
| Quantity | Quantity | |||||||
| (metric tons, | Value | (metric tons, | Value | |||||
| Country or locality | molybdenum content) | (thousands) | molybdenum content) | (thousands) | ||||
| Belgium | 2130 | 46700 | 875 | 20400 | ||||
| Canada | 408 | 10800 | 871 | 28300 | ||||
| Chile | 98 | 2260 | 1460 | 53900 | ||||
| China | 374 | r | 8930 | r | 1870 | 63200 | ||
| India | 515 | r | 20100 | r | 351 | 17200 | ||
| Japan | 3430 | r | 118000 | r | 3280 | 155000 | ||
| Korea, Republic of | 681 | 17900 | 533 | 24200 | ||||
| Netherlands | 28300 | 595000 | 29500 | 856000 | ||||
| United Kingdom | 6740 | 168000 | 8770 | 287000 | ||||
| Vietnam | 1130 | 14500 | 868 | 13200 | ||||
| Other [16 countries and (or) localities] | 2330 | r | 60600 | r | 615 | 16700 | ||
| Total | 46200 | 1060000 | 49000 | 1540000 | ||||
rRevised.
1Table includes data available through July 30, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Presentation of annual data is based on the quantities (molybdenum content) of the 10 leading countries and (or) localities in 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Molybdenum statistics | Mineral commodity prices