Chile Molybdenum Ores HS261390 Export Data 2025 June Overview

Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 June Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's Molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) Export in June 2025 reveals a high-value, concentrated market dominated by Belgium, which commands a 38.14% share of total value, indicating premium-grade shipments. The EU bloc, led by Belgium and the Netherlands, benefits from preferential trade terms, while Asian buyers drive volume demand. This analysis, covering June 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 June Export Background

What is HS Code 261390?

HS Code 261390 covers molybdenum ores and concentrates; other than roasted. These raw materials are critical for producing high-strength alloys, stainless steel, and industrial lubricants, driven by demand from aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors. Global demand remains stable due to their role in corrosion-resistant and high-temperature applications, making them a strategic commodity in 2025.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Chile's molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) exports are positioned amid significant trade policy shifts, including the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement effective February 2025, which phases out tariffs on 96.5% of Chilean products [FreightAmigo]. While molybdenum isn’t explicitly highlighted, Chile’s mining sector benefits from broader tariff reductions under the agreement [Carey.cl]. Chile’s role as a top global copper producer also indirectly supports molybdenum supply chains, given their co-occurrence in mining. With June 2025 marking mid-year trade adjustments, vigilance is key for exporters navigating evolving EU and U.S. tariff landscapes [WTO Tariff & Trade Data].

Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 June Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In June 2025, Chile's molybdenum ores exports under HS Code 261390 reached a value of 52.63 million USD with a volume of 3.24 million kg, marking a moderate recovery from the lower performance in April and May.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Export volumes declined sharply from January's 9.41 million kg to June's 3.24 million kg, while values remained elevated, indicating significantly higher unit prices throughout the period. This pattern aligns with typical industrial demand cycles for molybdenum, used primarily in steel alloys, where reduced supply or increased global manufacturing activity can drive price spikes despite lower shipment volumes. The sequential improvement from May to June, with value up 10% and volume up 12%, suggests a rebound in demand, possibly due to seasonal stock replenishment in key industries.

External Context and Outlook

The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement, effective from February 1, 2025, likely supported export values by easing tariff barriers and enhancing access to European markets, which may have incentivized higher-value shipments [AWB International]. Broader trade tensions, such as US tariffs on metals, could have indirectly bolstered molybdenum prices by affecting related commodity flows, sustaining favorable conditions for Chile's exports into the latter half of 2025.

Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 June Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In June 2025, Chile's export of Molybdenum ores under HS Code 261390 is entirely concentrated on a single product variant. According to yTrade data, the sub-code 26139010, representing 'Molybdenum ores and concentrates; other than roasted', accounts for 100% of the export value, weight, and quantity, with a uniform unit price of 16.25 USD per kilogram, indicating no internal price disparities or anomalies within this period.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The export structure is monolithic, consisting solely of raw, unprocessed molybdenum ores without any roasted or value-added forms. This homogeneity points to a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where products are standardized and typically priced in alignment with global commodity indices, rather than being differentiated by quality grades or processing stages.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Chile's complete dominance in this export for June 2025 provides strong pricing power rooted in commodity market dynamics. Trade agreements like the EU-Chile free trade agreement [WTO Tariff & Trade Data] could further bolster market access by reducing tariffs, potentially enhancing Chile's competitive edge in key regions such as the European Union.

Check Detailed HS 261390 Breakdown

Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 June Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Chile Molybdenum ores HS Code 261390 Export 2025 June is heavily concentrated, with Belgium taking a dominant role by accounting for 31.13% of the total weight and 38.14% of the total value. This significant value-to-weight premium suggests Belgium receives higher-grade material, as its shipments command a notably higher price per kilogram compared to the average.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The export pattern reveals three distinct clusters. The first is the EU bloc (Belgium, Netherlands), which likely benefits from preferential trade terms under the EU-Chile agreement that entered into force [AWB International]. The second cluster consists of major Asian manufacturing and trading hubs (South Korea, China Mainland, Thailand, Vietnam), which source large volumes for industrial consumption. The third is a Americas-based group (Mexico, Brazil), which represents smaller, likely more opportunistic or spot purchases.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For sellers, the strategy is clear: protect premium EU relationships secured by trade agreements (AWB International) while competitively supplying high-volume Asian buyers. Buyers in Asia should work on securing long-term contracts to ensure stable supply of this critical industrial input, while those in other regions may find opportunities in the more volatile spot market represented by smaller partners.

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Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 June Export: Action Plan for Molybdenum Ores Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 June for HS Code 261390 is a pure commodity trade. Price is driven by global molybdenum indices and product grade. Higher grades command premium prices, as seen in EU shipments. Supply chain implications focus on supply security. Chile acts as a raw material processing hub for global industrial consumers.

Trade agreements like the EU-Chile deal boost market access. This reduces tariffs and strengthens Chile's role. Buyer concentration creates both power and risk. Reliance on few large buyers requires careful relationship management. Geographic clusters define trade flows. The EU values quality, Asia needs volume, and the Americas represent spot demand.

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

• Use buyer frequency data to schedule contract renewals with dominant clients. This prevents revenue gaps from demand shifts.
• Leverage EU trade agreement terms to secure premium pricing for high-grade shipments. This maximizes value from quality-driven markets.
• Target Asian buyers with volume-based long-term contracts. This ensures stable offtake for bulk production.
• Monitor spot purchase patterns from smaller partners. This identifies new market opportunities without disrupting core flows.
• Analyze shipment data by destination to align grade with price. This optimizes revenue per kilogram exported.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Molybdenum ores Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 June?

Chile's molybdenum ores exports in June 2025 show a rebound in value (+10%) and volume (+12%) from May, driven by higher unit prices amid declining supply. The EU-Chile trade agreement likely boosted premium shipments to Europe, sustaining demand despite lower overall volumes.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 June?

Belgium dominates with 38.14% of export value, followed by EU peers like the Netherlands and Asian hubs (South Korea, China). The EU bloc benefits from tariff advantages, while Asia sources bulk industrial volumes.

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

Prices vary because Belgium receives higher-grade unprocessed ores (HS Code 26139010), paying a premium. Other markets trade standardized bulk commodities aligned with global indices, resulting in lower per-kg values.

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

Exporters should prioritize high-value EU buyers leveraging trade agreements, while securing large Asian orders for volume stability. Diversifying beyond dominant clients mitigates reliance on a few key accounts.

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

EU buyers enjoy preferential access to premium-grade ores, while Asian buyers must compete for bulk shipments. Smaller markets like Mexico face spot-market volatility but may find opportunistic deals.

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

Molybdenum ores are primarily exported as raw concentrates for steel alloy production, with no value-added processing. Their fungible nature makes them critical for industrial manufacturing chains globally.