Chile Molybdenum Ore HS2613 Export Data 2025 Q3 Overview

Chile Molybdenum Ore (HS 2613) 2025 Q3 Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's Molybdenum Ore (HS Code 2613) exports in Q3 2025 reveal a high-value market dominated by SOUTH KOREA, which accounted for 32.70% of export value, indicating premium-grade ore demand for advanced manufacturing. The market shows volatility, with recent declines signaling the need for diversification. Buyer concentration is high, with Asia and Europe as key destinations, leveraging trade agreements like the Chile-EU deal for smoother access. This analysis is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, covering Q3 2025.

Chile Molybdenum Ore (HS 2613) 2025 Q3 Export Background

Chile's Molybdenum Ore (HS Code 2613), comprising ores and concentrates, is critical for steel alloys and industrial lubricants, driving steady global demand. The recent Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement, effective February 2025, expands tariff-free access for 99.6% of Chilean exports, including molybdenum, boosting competitiveness [Marcachile]. As a top global supplier, Chile's Molybdenum Ore exports—valued at $227M in August 2025—remain pivotal for Q3 2025 trade flows despite recent monthly dips [OEC].

Chile Molybdenum Ore (HS 2613) 2025 Q3 Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Chile Molybdenum Ore HS Code 2613 exports in Q3 2025 saw a sharp quarter-over-quarter rise in unit prices, with August hitting a high of 21.05 USD/kg, up from Q2's average near 15 USD/kg, while export values remained elevated despite volume fluctuations.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Q3 unit prices averaged around 20 USD/kg, a roughly 33% increase from Q2, reflecting strong global demand for molybdenum in steel alloy production, which typically peaks in mid-year industrial cycles. Export volumes dipped in August by 11.2% month-over-month to 9.78 million kg [OEC World], likely due to temporary mining or logistics constraints, but recovered in September to support overall Q3 value growth.

External Context and Outlook

The Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement effective February 2025 [Marcachile] provided tariff advantages, bolstering export competitiveness for products like molybdenum ore. However, ongoing global trade policy shifts, including U.S. reciprocal tariffs (ACCCIMSERC), may introduce volatility, though Chile's strategic trade pacts position it to navigate these headwinds into 2026.

Chile Molybdenum Ore (HS 2613) 2025 Q3 Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In Q3 2025, Chile's Molybdenum Ore exports under HS Code 2613 are dominated by roasted concentrates, specifically the sub-code for "Molybdenum ores and concentrates; roasted" (HS Code 26131010), which holds over 70% of the export value share. The unit price for this roasted product is 21.88 USD per kilogram, compared to 15.85 USD per kilogram for non-roasted variants, showing a clear specialization in higher-value processed goods due to the price premium.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining exports fall into a single category of non-roasted molybdenum ores and concentrates, indicating a simple value-chain split based on processing stage. This structure points to a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where the roasting process adds value by potentially reducing moisture or impurities, making the product more suitable for industrial use without moving into highly differentiated manufactured goods.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Chile's emphasis on roasted molybdenum ore strengthens its pricing power, as the higher unit price reflects added value that buyers may pay for. The Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement, effective from 2025, could support this strategy by reducing tariffs and expanding market access [Marcachile], making it advantageous for Chile to focus on exporting processed variants to maximize returns under HS Code 2613.

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Chile Molybdenum Ore (HS 2613) 2025 Q3 Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q3 2025, Chile's Molybdenum Ore HS Code 2613 exports were highly concentrated, with SOUTH KOREA dominating as the top importer by value at 32.70% and weight at 23.06%. The higher value ratio compared to weight ratio indicates that SOUTH KOREA likely receives higher-grade ore, with an estimated unit price around 27.89 USD/kg, reflecting premium quality for industrial use.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers fall into two main clusters: first, high-value economies like SOUTH KOREA and JAPAN, which demand high-grade ore for advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. Second, European countries such as NETHERLANDS and BELGIUM, which may serve as distribution hubs, benefiting from reduced tariffs under the Chile-EU trade agreement that supports smoother access [Marcachile]. A third group includes BRAZIL, with high weight share but low value, suggesting imports of lower-grade ore for regional processing or re-export.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chilean exporters, prioritizing contracts with high-value markets in Asia and Europe can maximize returns, especially by leveraging trade agreements like the one with the EU (Marcachile). However, recent export decreases highlight volatility [OEC World], so diversifying buyers and securing long-term deals is advised to mitigate risks from global demand fluctuations.

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Chile Molybdenum Ore (HS 2613) 2025 Q3 Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

The Chile Molybdenum Ore Export 2025 Q3 market under HS Code 2613 is highly concentrated, with one segment of buyers dominating the trade. Buyers who make frequent, high-value purchases control 83.56% of the export value and 73.49% of the transaction frequency, indicating a market driven by consistent, large-scale orders from key players like SIERRA GORDA SCM and ANGLO AMERICAN CHILE LTDA. This reflects a commodity market where bulk, regular shipments are the norm, with median order patterns skewing towards high volume and high engagement.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

The other three segments of buyers play distinct roles. Buyers with high-value but infrequent orders, such as MINERA LOS PELAMBRES, contribute 9.31% of value, likely representing large but irregular projects or stockpiling. Buyers with low-value but high-frequency transactions, like GLENCORE CHILE S.A, account for 13.15% of frequency but minimal value, suggesting smaller, testing or spot purchases common in commodity markets. Finally, buyers with low-value and low-frequency activity, including companies like CIA.MINERA TECK QUEBRADA BLANC, add 7.13% of value, possibly indicating occasional or emerging market participants.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

For exporters in Chile, the strategy should focus on nurturing relationships with dominant high-volume buyers to maintain stability, while exploring opportunities with infrequent high-value buyers to diversify. The high dependency on a few buyers poses a risk if demand shifts, but the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement that entered force in February 2025 [Marcachile] could support export growth by reducing tariffs. Sales models should prioritize long-term contracts to leverage this agreement and mitigate volatility.

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Chile Molybdenum Ore (HS 2613) 2025 Q3 Export: Action Plan for Molybdenum Ore Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Chile Molybdenum Ore Export 2025 Q3 under HS Code 2613 operates as a bulk commodity market. Price is driven by product processing level. Roasted concentrates command a premium. Trade agreements like the Chile-EU deal reduce tariffs. Buyer concentration also influences price. A few large buyers dominate volume.

Supply chain implications are clear. Chile acts as a key processing hub for roasted ore. This adds value before export. But high reliance on major buyers creates risk. Geopolitical shifts or demand changes could disrupt flows. Markets in Asia and Europe offer the best returns. They value higher-grade material.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Molybdenum Ore Market Execution

• Negotiate long-term contracts with dominant high-volume buyers. This ensures stable demand and protects against market volatility. Use trade data to identify their order cycles.
• Diversify buyer base by targeting infrequent high-value importers. Analyze transaction records to find partners like MINERA LOS PELAMBRES. This reduces dependency on a few clients.
• Track and promote roasted concentrate shipments to high-value markets. Monitor unit prices to prioritize destinations like SOUTH KOREA. This maximizes revenue per kilogram exported.
• Leverage the Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement for tariff advantages. Use customs data to streamline exports to European hubs. This lowers costs and boosts competitiveness.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Molybdenum Ore Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Molybdenum Ore Export 2025 Q3?

A1. Unit prices surged 33% in Q3 2025, averaging 20 USD/kg, driven by strong global demand for steel alloy production. Export volumes dipped temporarily in August but recovered, supported by tariff advantages under the Chile-EU trade agreement.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Molybdenum Ore Export 2025 Q3?

A2. SOUTH KOREA dominates with 32.70% of export value, followed by JAPAN and European hubs like NETHERLANDS and BELGIUM, which benefit from reduced tariffs under the Chile-EU agreement.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Molybdenum Ore Export 2025 Q3 partner countries?

A3. Prices vary due to product specialization: roasted concentrates (HS Code 26131010) command 21.88 USD/kg, while non-roasted variants average 15.85 USD/kg. SOUTH KOREA pays a premium (27.89 USD/kg) for higher-grade ore.

Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Molybdenum Ore export market?

A4. Prioritize contracts with dominant high-volume buyers (83.56% of value) like SIERRA GORDA SCM, while diversifying into infrequent high-value buyers (9.31%) to mitigate concentration risks. Leverage the Chile-EU agreement for tariff advantages.

Q5. What does this Chile Molybdenum Ore export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

A5. High-value markets like SOUTH KOREA and JAPAN can secure premium-grade ore, while European hubs benefit from stable supply chains under trade agreements. Smaller buyers face competition for limited high-grade stock.

Q6. How is Molybdenum Ore typically used in this trade flow?

A6. Roasted molybdenum ore is primarily used in steel alloy production for industrial applications, where its higher purity and reduced impurities add value in manufacturing processes.

Q7. What is yTrade?

yTrade is a global trade data platform that provides SaaS and API access to provide accurate, structured, and searchable import-export trade data for international business decisions. It enables users to access verified shipment records, analyse buyer and supplier activity, review company trade overviews, assess compliance risks, and monitor real market demand — all from a single, scalable system.

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Q9. What features does yTrade offer?

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