Chile Molybdenum Ores HS261390 Export Data 2025 Q2 Overview
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q2 Export: Key Takeaways
Chile's Molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) exports in Q2 2025 reveal high-grade shipments to Belgium, the dominant buyer accounting for 38% of value, with a premium unit price of $19.83/kg. The market shows tight geographic concentration in industrial hubs like Belgium and South Korea, while China imports lower-grade ore, creating supply chain risks. This analysis, covering 2025 Q2, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q2 Export Background
What is HS Code 261390?
HS Code 261390 covers Molybdenum ores and concentrates; other than roasted, a critical raw material primarily used in steel alloys, aerospace components, and industrial lubricants. Global demand remains steady due to its role in high-strength, corrosion-resistant applications, particularly in manufacturing and energy sectors. Chile, as a key producer, leverages its mining infrastructure to supply this commodity to international markets.
Current Context and Strategic Position
The 2025 trade environment for Chile Molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) exports is shaped by broader mineral trade policies, including a 50% U.S. tariff on Chilean copper imports effective August 2025, reflecting heightened trade protections for raw materials [theboardiQ]. While this measure targets copper, it signals potential risks for related ore exports like molybdenum. Chile’s strategic position is bolstered by the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement, which simplifies preferential access for 96.5% of exports, though HS 261390’s specific benefits remain unclear [carey.cl]. With global industrial demand persisting, Chile’s Q2 2025 exports of molybdenum ores require vigilance to navigate evolving tariffs and certification rules.
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q2 Export: Trend Summary
Key Observations
In Q2 2025, Chile's molybdenum ores exports under HS Code 261390 totaled approximately 142.52 million USD in value and 8.42 million kg in volume, marking a noticeable decline from the previous quarter's performance.
Price and Volume Dynamics
The Q2 figures show a quarter-over-quarter decrease from Q1's 188.59 million USD and 16.97 million kg, with both value and volume down significantly. This drop aligns with typical industrial demand cycles for molybdenum, which is heavily tied to global steel production; Q1 often sees higher export volumes due to post-holiday manufacturing ramp-ups and inventory replenishment, while Q2 can experience a seasonal lull as downstream industries adjust their procurement patterns.
External Context and Outlook
The broader trade environment in 2025 introduces mixed signals for Chile's mineral exports. The US imposition of a 50% tariff on Chilean copper imports [theboardiQ] from August 1, 2025, while not directly targeting molybdenum, reflects rising trade protectionism that could create uncertainty for all mining sectors. Conversely, the EU-Chile trade agreement effective from February 2025 [AWG International] offers preferential access, potentially supporting stable export flows to European markets despite the quarterly dip.
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q2 Export: HS Code Breakdown
Product Specialization and Concentration
In Q2 2025, Chile's export of Molybdenum ores under HS Code 261390 is completely dominated by a single product: Molybdenum ores and concentrates other than roasted, with a unit price of 16.94 USD per kilogram. This total concentration, where this sub-code accounts for all export value and weight, indicates a highly specialized market focused on raw, unprocessed materials, as per yTrade data.
Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis
The export structure consists solely of raw, unroasted molybdenum ores, with no other sub-codes or value-add stages reported. This points to a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where products are standardized and likely priced against global indices, rather than involving differentiated or finished goods.
Strategic Implication and Pricing Power
For Chile Molybdenum ores HS Code 261390 Export in 2025 Q2, the commodity nature means pricing power is tied to international demand and supply cycles. Strategic focus should be on cost efficiency and leveraging trade agreements like the EU-Chile free trade agreement to maintain market access [WTO Tariff & Trade Data]. Exporters must monitor global price trends to optimize returns.
Check Detailed HS 261390 Breakdown
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q2 Export: Market Concentration
Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role
In Q2 2025, Chile's export of Molybdenum ores HS Code 261390 is highly concentrated, with Belgium as the dominant importer, accounting for 37.98% of the value and 32.39% of the weight. The higher value ratio compared to weight ratio suggests that Belgium receives higher-grade ore, with an estimated unit price around 19.83 USD per kg, indicating premium quality shipments from Chile during this period.
Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes
The importers form two main clusters: first, industrial hubs like Belgium, South Korea, and the Netherlands, which have high value and weight ratios, likely due to their advanced metallurgical industries needing high-quality ores for refining. Second, countries like China show a lower value ratio relative to weight, possibly importing lower-grade ore for cost-effective processing or storage, while the United States and Thailand serve as secondary markets with moderate import levels.
Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications
For Chile Molybdenum ores HS Code 261390 Export 2025 Q2, the heavy reliance on Belgium and the EU cluster suggests leveraging the new EU-Chile trade agreement [FreightAmigo] to secure tariff preferences and stabilize supply chains. Diversifying into Asian markets like South Korea could mitigate risks, while monitoring US trade policies, though not directly affecting molybdenum, is prudent given broader mineral export tensions.
| Country | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BELGIUM | 54.13M | 2.69M | 21.00 | 2.73M |
| SOUTH KOREA | 33.69M | 1.80M | 13.00 | 1.83M |
| NETHERLANDS | 22.73M | 1.15M | 12.00 | 1.16M |
| THAILAND | 12.56M | 631.24K | 6.00 | 640.82K |
| CHINA MAINLAND | 7.81M | 1.36M | 21.00 | 1.38M |
| UNITED STATES | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Get Complete Partner Countries Profile
Chile Molybdenum Ores (HS 261390) 2025 Q2 Export: Action Plan for Molybdenum Ores Market Expansion
Strategic Supply Chain Overview
The Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q2 under HS Code 261390 operates as a pure commodity market. Price is driven by global molybdenum demand cycles and ore grade quality. High-grade shipments to partners like Belgium command premium prices. Supply chains depend entirely on a few high-volume buyers and industrial refining hubs. This creates vulnerability to demand shifts or trade policy changes.
Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Molybdenum ores Market Execution
- Track buyer purchase frequency data to anticipate order cycles and align production schedules. This prevents inventory overstock and maximizes cash flow.
- Leverage EU-Chile trade agreement terms for tariff-free access to key markets like Belgium. This protects margin and secures long-term contracts.
- Diversify export destinations using trade data to target high-value Asian buyers like South Korea. This reduces reliance on a single market and spreads risk.
- Monitor US and global trade policy alerts for minerals to anticipate tariffs or quotas. This allows proactive pricing and logistics adjustments.
Forward Outlook: Risk and Opportunity Summary
Chile’s HS Code 261390 export faces high buyer and geographic concentration risk. Any demand drop from major EU buyers impacts revenue significantly. Opportunities exist in new trade deals and Asian market expansion. Success requires agile supply chains and constant market intelligence.
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 Q2?
The Q2 decline in value (142.52M USD) and volume (8.42M kg) reflects seasonal demand cycles tied to global steel production, with Q1 typically stronger due to post-holiday industrial ramp-ups.
Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q2?
Belgium dominates with 37.98% of export value, followed by South Korea and the Netherlands, forming a cluster of industrial hubs importing high-grade ores.
Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q2 partner countries?
Price differences stem from grade variations, with Belgium paying a premium (19.83 USD/kg) for high-quality unroasted ores, while others like China import lower-grade batches.
Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Molybdenum ores export market?
Exporters must prioritize relationships with high-value buyers (91.92% of revenue) and leverage EU-Chile trade agreements to offset reliance on concentrated markets like Belgium.
Q5. What does this Chile Molybdenum ores export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?
Buyers in industrial hubs (e.g., Belgium) secure consistent high-grade supply, while secondary markets face volatility due to Chile’s heavy buyer and geographic concentration.
Q6. How is Molybdenum ores typically used in this trade flow?
The exports consist solely of raw, unroasted ores for metallurgical refining, primarily serving steel production and alloy manufacturing in industrial economies.
Detailed Monthly Report
Chile HS261390 Export Snapshot 2025 APR
Chile Molybdenum Ores HS261390 Export Data 2025 Q1 Overview
Belgium leads Chile Molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) Export in 2025 Q1 with 50%+ value share at 20.56 USD/kg, driven by EU-Chile trade deals, per yTrade data.
Chile Molybdenum Ores HS261390 Export Data 2025 Q3 Overview
Chile's Molybdenum ores (HS Code 261390) exports in Q3 2025 show Belgium leading premium-grade shipments (28.88% value) while China dominates bulk volumes, per yTrade data.
