Chile Roasted Molybdenum Ores HS261310 Export Data 2025 Q1 Overview

Chile Roasted Molybdenum Ores (HS 261310) 2025 Q1 Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's roasted molybdenum ores (HS Code 261310) exports in 2025 Q1 reveal Japan as the dominant high-value market, accounting for 37.56% of export value but only 23.64% of weight—indicating premium-grade demand for advanced industrial use. The market splits into two clusters: high-value buyers like Japan and India versus bulk purchasers like Brazil, highlighting strategic pricing opportunities. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, underscores Japan’s critical role and Chile’s potential to prioritize premium markets for revenue maximization.

Chile Roasted Molybdenum Ores (HS 261310) 2025 Q1 Export Background

What is HS Code 261310?

HS Code 261310 refers to molybdenum ores and concentrates, roasted, a critical raw material primarily used in steel alloy production, chemical catalysts, and high-temperature industrial applications. Global demand for roasted molybdenum ores remains stable due to its essential role in strengthening steel and corrosion-resistant alloys, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors. Chile, a key global supplier, leverages its mining expertise to export this high-value commodity, with 2025 Q1 trade flows closely tied to industrial production cycles and commodity pricing trends.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (ITA), effective February 2025, introduces new origin documentation requirements for Chilean exports, including roasted molybdenum ores [FreightAmigo]. Exporters must now provide a Chilean Tax Identification Number (RUT) in statements of origin, replacing EUR.1 certificates [EU-Chile ITA Guidance]. Chile’s strategic position as a top molybdenum producer underscores the importance of compliance with these updates, especially amid steady demand from steel and manufacturing hubs. Vigilance in tracking tariff shifts and non-tariff measures is critical for maintaining Chile’s HS Code 261310 export competitiveness in 2025 Q1.

Chile Roasted Molybdenum Ores (HS 261310) 2025 Q1 Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Chile's exports of roasted molybdenum ores (HS Code 261310) in Q1 2025 reached approximately 301.83 million USD in value and 18.78 million kg in volume, showing a mixed performance with underlying volatility driven by industrial demand shifts.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The quarter exhibited notable monthly swings, with value dropping from 113.47 million USD in January to 87.94 million USD in February before recovering to 100.42 million USD in March, mirrored by weight fluctuations from 6.80 million kg to 5.52 million kg and then 6.46 million kg. This pattern aligns with molybdenum's role in steel alloy production, where Q1 often sees inventory adjustments and variable demand from global manufacturing sectors, explaining the February dip as a temporary supply chain recalibration rather than a structural decline.

External Context and Outlook

The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement [EU Taxation and Customs Union], effective February 2025, streamlines origin declarations and reduces trade barriers, potentially stabilizing future export flows for Chilean minerals like roasted molybdenum ores. Although no direct policy targets this product, broader trade facilitation under such agreements supports resilient export channels amid global price volatility in industrial commodities.

Chile Roasted Molybdenum Ores (HS 261310) 2025 Q1 Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In Q1 2025, the export of Chile Roasted molybdenum ores under HS Code 261310 is completely concentrated in a single product: roasted molybdenum ores and concentrates, with no other sub-codes present. According to yTrade data, this item represents 100% of the export value, weight, and quantity, highlighting an undiversified, specialized market. The uniform unit price of 16.07 USD per kilogram reinforces this focus, with no price anomalies detected.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The entire export consists solely of roasted molybdenum ores, indicating a trade in fungible bulk commodities. This structure points to a standardized product likely tied to global commodity indices, with no differentiation in value-add stages or quality grades, emphasizing its role as a raw material input rather than a finished good.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Chile, this high specialization in roasted molybdenum ores under HS Code 261310 provides consolidated export control, but as a commodity, pricing power remains subject to international market fluctuations. Strategic priorities should include cost management and supply chain efficiency to leverage Chile's position in the 2025 export landscape.

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Chile Roasted Molybdenum Ores (HS 261310) 2025 Q1 Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q1 2025, Japan dominates Chile's roasted molybdenum ores exports, accounting for 37.56% of value but only 23.64% of weight, indicating a higher unit price and likely superior product grade. This disparity suggests Japan imports higher-value ores for advanced industrial applications, reinforcing its key role in the Chile roasted molybdenum ores HS Code 261310 export market for 2025 Q1.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Two main clusters emerge: high-value importers like Japan, India, and the Netherlands, with value ratios exceeding weight ratios, pointing to demand for quality ores in manufacturing sectors. In contrast, Brazil and South Korea show higher weight shares but lower value ratios, possibly due to bulk purchases for basic processing or local consumption needs.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chile, prioritizing exports to high-value markets like Japan can maximize revenue, while importers should secure long-term contracts to mitigate price volatility typical of commodity trades. Supply chains must focus on reliable logistics to maintain grade consistency and meet industrial standards.

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Chile Roasted Molybdenum Ores (HS 261310) 2025 Q1 Export: Action Plan for Roasted Molybdenum Ores Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Roasted molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q1 under HS Code 261310 operates as a pure commodity market. Price is driven by global molybdenum index prices and buyer-specific quality demands, particularly from Japan. Supply chains must prioritize secure, high-volume logistics to maintain consistent grade delivery. Extreme buyer concentration creates revenue stability but also high vulnerability to demand shifts from a few key players.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Roasted molybdenum ores Market Execution

• Negotiate long-term contracts with high-frequency Japanese buyers using historical shipment data. This locks in stable revenue and reduces exposure to commodity price swings.
• Monitor real-time molybdenum price indices and adjust shipment timing accordingly. This maximizes per-shipment value during price peaks.
• Audit logistics partners for consistent grade preservation during transit. Buyers pay premiums for quality assurance, protecting Chile's market position.
• Use trade data to identify potential secondary buyers in India or the Netherlands. This diversifies the buyer base and reduces dependency on a single market.
• Track competitor export volumes under HS Code 261310 to anticipate global supply changes. Early awareness of market shifts allows for proactive contract adjustments.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Roasted molybdenum ores Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Roasted molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q1?

The export value and volume fluctuated monthly, with a February dip likely due to industrial demand shifts and inventory adjustments in steel alloy production, followed by a March recovery.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Roasted molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q1?

Japan dominates with 37.56% of export value, followed by India and the Netherlands, which prioritize higher-grade ores, while Brazil and South Korea focus on bulk purchases.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Roasted molybdenum ores Export 2025 Q1 partner countries?

Japan’s higher unit price reflects demand for superior-grade ores, while others like Brazil pay less for bulk commodity-grade material, as the export consists solely of standardized roasted molybdenum.

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

Prioritize relationships with high-value buyers (93.87% of market value) and target premium markets like Japan to maximize revenue, while mitigating risks from low buyer diversity.

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

High-value importers like Japan can leverage consistent quality for industrial use, but all buyers face pricing volatility due to commodity-driven trade and concentrated supply.

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

It serves as a raw material for steel alloy production, with high-grade ores likely used in advanced manufacturing and bulk grades in basic industrial processing.

Detailed Monthly Report

Chile HS261310 Export Snapshot 2025 FEB