Global production and usage of molybdenum rose in Q2 2022
Molybdenum , used to strengthen alloy steels , has seen an increase in usage compared to the previous quarter . IMOA discusses some statistics pertaining to both this and its production .
Text by IMOA
Figures released by the International Molybdenum Association ( IMOA ) show that global production of molybdenum rose 2 % to 144.9 million pounds ( mlbs ) in Q2 when compared to the previous quarter , but remained static when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . Global use of molybdenum in Q2 2022 rose 3 % to 161.1mlbs when compared to the previous quarter , although this represented a fall of 6 % when compared to the same quarter of the previous year .
Molybdenum Molybdenum is added to alloy steels to improve strength , toughness , hardenability and weldability for numerous applications in the automotive , shipbuilding , construction , mining , chemical , oil & gas and energy generation industries . In stainless steels and superalloys , it improves corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance and finds uses in many industrial applications . It is also used in a variety of products from catalysts and lubricants to pigments and paint .
Comparing statistics China remained the largest producer of molybdenum at 63.1mlbs – an increase of 4 % when compared to the previous quarter but a rise of 14 % when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . South America , the second largest producer , saw a 1 % fall to 41.5mlbs when compared to the previous quarter , but a 7 % fall when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . North American production fell 6 % to 26.3mlbs , a 13 % fall when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . Production in Other Regions saw a significant rise , 22 %, to 14mlbs compared to the previous quarter , however this represented a 3 % fall when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . China remained the largest user of molybdenum at 67.8mlbs . This represented a 1 % rise when compared to the previous quarter , but an 8 % fall when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . Usage in Europe rose 4 % to 31.8mlbs , however this represented a 10 % fall when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . Usage in Other Regions rose significantly , 19 % when compared to the previous quarter , to 28.7mlbs , although this represented only a 5 % increase when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . Usage in the USA dropped 1 % to 14.9mlbs , a 4 % drop when compared to the same quarter of the previous year . Usage in Japan decreased 3 % to 12.5mlbs when compared to the previous quarter , although this represented a 7 % fall when compared to the previous year . CIS saw the largest decrease in usage , 14 %, to 5.3mlbs , although this represented only an 8 % decrease when compared to the same quarter of the previous year .
About IMOA
IMOA is a non profit trade association , representing the majority of the molybdenum industry worldwide . It works to raise awareness about the unique properties of molybdenum , its beneficial effects on materials performance , its safety in use and its contribution to sustainable development . For more information , please visit www . imoa . info .