Chile Molybdenum Ores HS261390 Export Data 2025 Q1 Overview
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q1 Export: Key Takeaways
Belgium dominates Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q1 (HS Code 261390), accounting for over half the export value with premium-grade ores priced at 20.56 USD/kg, driven by EU-Chile trade agreements. The EU cluster, including Belgium and Netherlands, benefits from tariff reductions, while Asian markets like China and South Korea show strong industrial demand. This analysis covers 2025 Q1 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q1 Export Background
What is HS Code 261390?
HS Code 261390 classifies molybdenum ores and concentrates; other than roasted. These raw materials are critical for producing molybdenum, a metal used in high-strength alloys, industrial lubricants, and electronics. Global demand remains stable due to its applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors, where durability and heat resistance are essential. Chile, a key global supplier, leverages its mining infrastructure to meet this demand, particularly in Q1 2025, as industrial production cycles ramp up post-holiday seasons.
Current Context and Strategic Position
The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (ITA), effective February 1, 2025, introduces new documentation requirements for Chilean exporters, including a shift from EUR.1 certificates to the REX system for origin declarations [AWB International]. This policy shift underscores the need for compliance vigilance in Chile's molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) exports to the EU, a major destination. Chile’s strategic position as a top molybdenum producer is further reinforced by its tariff-free access to 96.5% of EU markets under the ITA [Carey]. With global commodity prices fluctuating, monitoring Q1 2025 trade flows is critical to capitalize on preferential terms and mitigate supply chain risks.
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q1 Export: Trend Summary
Key Observations
In Q1 2025, Chile's exports of molybdenum ores under HS Code 261390 totaled approximately 188.59 million USD in value and 16.97 million kg in volume, marking a strong start to the year for this key industrial mineral.
Price and Volume Dynamics
Month-over-month trends within Q1 showed notable volatility, with value peaking in February at 70.85 million USD despite a sharp drop in weight to 3.93 million kg, suggesting a significant price increase driven by tight supply or heightened demand. This pattern aligns with typical industrial cycles for molybdenum, often used in steel and alloy production, where short-term price spikes can occur due to inventory adjustments or production delays. The overall Q1 performance indicates robust export activity, though year-over-year comparisons are not available in the data.
External Context and Outlook
The February surge coincides with the implementation of the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement on February 1, 2025, which reduced tariffs and streamlined export procedures, likely boosting shipments to the European Union [AWB International]. This policy shift is expected to sustain favorable trade conditions for Chile molybdenum ores exports throughout 2025, supporting continued market strength.
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q1 Export: HS Code Breakdown
Product Specialization and Concentration
In 2025 Q1, Chile's export of Molybdenum ores under HS Code 261390 is entirely concentrated in a single sub-code, 26139010, which covers all trade with a value share of 100 percent and a weight share of 100 percent, as per yTrade data. This sub-code specifically refers to 'Molybdenum ores and concentrates; other than roasted', with a unit price of 11.11 USD per kilogram, indicating a uniform and undiversified export profile for this period.
Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis
The market structure consists solely of raw, unroasted molybdenum ores, with no other sub-codes present. This points to a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where products are likely standardized and priced in alignment with global mineral indices, without any differentiation in value-add stages or quality grades.
Strategic Implication and Pricing Power
For Chile Molybdenum ores HS Code 261390 Export in 2025 Q1, the commodity nature limits pricing power to market-driven rates, but the exclusive focus on raw ores may streamline logistics and negotiations. The EU-Chile trade agreement effective from February 2025 could reduce barriers for exports under this code, potentially boosting access to European markets [FreightAmigo], though exporters must adapt to new origin documentation requirements.
Check Detailed HS 261390 Breakdown
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q1 Export: Market Concentration
Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role
Belgium is the dominant importer of Chile Molybdenum ores HS Code 261390 Export in 2025 Q1, with over half the export value. The value ratio of 54.61 significantly exceeds the weight ratio of 29.51, indicating a higher unit price around 20.56 USD per kilogram, which suggests Belgium imports premium-grade ores for advanced processing.
Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes
Two main clusters emerge: the EU group with Belgium and Netherlands benefits from tariff reductions under the EU-Chile trade agreement [AWB International], while Asian nations like South Korea and China have strong demand for molybdenum in industrial manufacturing, driving their import volumes despite lower value ratios.
Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications
Chile should prioritize maintaining stable exports to high-value EU markets like Belgium, leveraging trade agreements (AWB International) for cost efficiency. Diversifying into Asian markets can hedge against geopolitical shifts, with a focus on ensuring consistent ore quality to meet industrial standards.
| Country | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BELGIUM | 102.99M | 4.95M | 49.00 | 5.01M |
| SOUTH KOREA | 29.49M | 1.40M | 11.00 | 1.42M |
| UNITED STATES | 22.99M | 1.11M | 7.00 | 1.13M |
| CHINA MAINLAND | 14.70M | 2.66M | 46.00 | 8.39M |
| THAILAND | 13.06M | 626.41K | 6.00 | 635.99K |
| NETHERLANDS | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Get Complete Partner Countries Profile
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q1 Export: Action Plan for Molybdenum Ores Market Expansion
Strategic Supply Chain Overview
The Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q1 market under HS Code 261390 is a classic bulk commodity trade. Price is driven by global molybdenum indices and ore grade quality, not product differentiation. High-value EU buyers like Belgium pay premium prices for superior unroasted ores. Supply chain success depends on secure, high-volume logistics to processing hubs. The new EU-Chile trade agreement reduces tariffs but requires strict origin documentation. Heavy reliance on a few major buyers creates vulnerability to demand shifts.
Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Molybdenum ores Market Execution
- Use buyer frequency data to lock long-term contracts with high-volume clients, securing stable revenue against market volatility.
- Track unit price differences by destination to prioritize shipments to premium markets like Belgium, maximizing profit per kilogram.
- Monitor trade agreement updates for HS Code 261390 to ensure compliance and maintain tariff advantages, protecting cost competitiveness.
- Analyze sporadic large-quantity buyers for spot sale opportunities, capturing additional revenue without long-term commitment.
- Diversify export volumes gradually into Asian markets using weight-to-value ratios, reducing geopolitical risk from EU concentration.
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 Q1?
The February 2025 surge in export value (70.85M USD) was likely driven by the EU-Chile trade agreement, which reduced tariffs and boosted shipments to Europe. Price volatility also reflects industrial demand cycles for molybdenum in steel/alloy production.
Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q1?
Belgium dominates with 54.61% of export value, followed by the Netherlands and Asian markets like South Korea and China, which import larger volumes at lower unit prices.
Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q1 partner countries?
Belgium pays a premium (20.56 USD/kg) for raw, unroasted ores (HS 26139010), likely for advanced processing, while Asian buyers prioritize bulk quantities at lower prices for industrial use.
Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Molybdenum ores export market?
Exporters should secure contracts with high-volume frequent buyers (82.83% of value) and leverage EU trade agreements, while monitoring sporadic large purchasers (13.95% of value) for diversification.
Q5. What does this Chile Molybdenum ores export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?
EU buyers benefit from stable, high-grade supply under preferential tariffs, while Asian buyers rely on Chile for cost-effective bulk ores, though both face concentration risks.
Q6. How is Molybdenum ores typically used in this trade flow?
The raw, unroasted ores are primarily used in steel alloys and industrial manufacturing, with higher-grade shipments likely destined for specialized EU processing.
Detailed Monthly Report
Chile Molybdenum Ores HS261390 Export Data 2025 May Overview
Belgium led Chile Molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) Export in May 2025 with 40.25% value share, driven by EU and Asian demand, per yTrade data. Trade stability under EU deal contrasts with reliance risks.
Chile Molybdenum Ores HS261390 Export Data 2025 Q2 Overview
Chile's Molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) exports in Q2 2025 show Belgium as the top buyer (38% share) at $19.83/kg, with supply risks from China's lower-grade imports. Data sourced from yTrade.
