Molybdenum ore trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in molybdenum ore was worth $8.12 billion in 2024, about 380.6 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 157% since 2017, and down 10% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.12B | 380.6K t |
| 2023 | $9.06B | 361.9K t |
| 2022 | $6.33B | 312.2K t |
| 2021 | $5.66B | 355.8K t |
| 2020 | $3.93B | 388.6K t |
| 2019 | $4.81B | 364.6K t |
| 2018 | $4.74B | 351.4K t |
| 2017 | $3.16B | 332.4K t |
Top molybdenum ore exporting countries
Exports are led by Chile (24%), Peru (20%) and the United States (16%). 72 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 59%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | $1.93B | 24% |
| Peru | $1.59B | 20% |
| United States | $1.28B | 16% |
| Netherlands | $851.9M | 11% |
| Mexico | $738.0M | 9.1% |
| China | $434.2M | 5.4% |
| Armenia | $244.9M | 3% |
| Kazakhstan | $187.0M | 2.3% |
| Belgium | $150.7M | 1.9% |
| Mongolia | $130.5M | 1.6% |
| Thailand | $106.3M | 1.3% |
| Australia | $78.4M | 1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are South Korea (13%), China (13%) and the Netherlands (11%). 72 countries imported it, and the top three take 37% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $1.07B | 13% |
| China | $1.02B | 13% |
| Netherlands | $908.2M | 11% |
| Chile | $819.3M | 10% |
| Japan | $761.0M | 9.4% |
| United States | $611.4M | 7.5% |
| Belgium | $531.1M | 6.5% |
| India | $451.3M | 5.6% |
| United Kingdom | $406.9M | 5% |
| Brazil | $379.9M | 4.7% |
| Thailand | $201.9M | 2.5% |
| Sweden | $184.7M | 2.3% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $21.34 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $27.38 per kg and Armenia $18.84 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2613: Molybdenum ores and concentrates. HS 2613 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most molybdenum ore?
Chile exported $1.93 billion in 2024, 24% of the world total, followed by Peru (20%) and the United States (16%). In all, 72 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most molybdenum ore?
South Korea imported $1.07 billion in 2024, 13% of world imports, ahead of China (13%) and the Netherlands (11%). The top three importers together take 37%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in molybdenum ore?
It was worth $8.12 billion in 2024, about 380.6 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 157% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $9.06 billion. 72 countries reported exports and 72 reported imports.
What is the average price of molybdenum ore per kg?
The world average declared value was about $21.34 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $27.38 per kg and Armenia $18.84 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for molybdenum ore?
The HS code for molybdenum ore is heading 2613, in chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2613 page.
How can I find molybdenum ore buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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