China Ferro Molybdenum Prices in February: Reading the FeMo60 Market
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What Is Ferro Molybdenum (FeMo60)?
Ferro molybdenum is an iron-molybdenum alloy produced by reducing roasted molybdenum concentrate with ferrosilicon and aluminum in a thermite or electric furnace process. A grade such as FeMo60 typically contains 55.0-65.0% molybdenum, with carbon, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus and copper controlled to specified limits. It is the most widely used molybdenum additive in steel and cast iron production, improving hardenability, creep strength and corrosion resistance in stainless, tool and high-temperature steels.
How Ferro Molybdenum Prices Are Quoted in China
Domestic quotations are commonly expressed in ten thousand yuan per ton (RMB 10,000/ton) for a reference grade such as FeMo60. Quotations are distinguished in two ways: cash versus acceptance settlement, where acceptance means payment by bank acceptance bill with a discount margin added; and quotation versus transaction price, where the quotation is the seller's offer and the transaction price is what buyers actually pay after negotiation. Export prices are normally quoted in USD per ton or per kilogram of molybdenum content, FOB main Chinese ports such as Tianjin or Shanghai.
February 2023 Domestic Price Movement (Historical Reference)
| Date | Cash quotation | Cash transaction | Acceptance quotation | Acceptance transaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2-16 | 36.6-37.3 | 36.4-36.8 | 36.8-37.5 | 36.6-37.0 |
| 2023-2-15 | 36.6-37.3 | 36.4-36.8 | 36.8-37.5 | 36.6-37.0 |
| 2023-2-14 | 36.6-37.3 | 36.4-36.8 | 36.8-37.5 | 36.6-37.0 |
| 2023-2-13 | 36.8-37.5 | 36.7-36.8 | 37.0-37.7 | 36.9-37.0 |
| 2023-2-10 | 37.0-37.8 | 37.0-37.3 | 37.2-38.0 | 37.2-37.5 |
| 2023-2-9 | 37.3-38.0 | 37.0-37.7 | 37.5-38.2 | 37.2-37.9 |
| 2023-2-8 | 37.3-38.0 | 37.0-37.7 | 37.5-38.2 | 37.2-37.9 |
| 2023-2-7 | 37.4-38.3 | 37.2-37.8 | 37.6-38.5 | 37.4-38.0 |
| 2023-2-6 | 37.5-39.0 | 37.5-38.3 | 37.7-39.2 | 37.7-38.5 |
| 2023-2-3 | 37.5-39.8 | 37.5-38.3 | 37.7-40.0 | 37.7-38.5 |
| 2023-2-2 | 37.5-39.8 | 37.0-38.3 | 37.7-40.0 | 37.2-38.5 |
| 2023-2-1 | 37.0-39.8 | 36.5-37.8 | 37.2-40.0 | 36.7-38.0 |
The table records the cash quotation range moving from 37.0-39.8 on February 1 to 36.6-37.3 by February 16, a decline of roughly 1-2% over the first half of the month. It reflects easing molybdenum concentrate costs and moderate steel mill buying after the Spring Festival period. These figures are historical market references only and should not be used as current prices.
Key Factors That Move Ferro Molybdenum Prices
Molybdenum concentrate cost: the largest single cost component, tracked daily in the main mining regions.
Steel mill demand: stainless steel and high-alloy steel production schedules drive spot buying.
Converter and trader inventories: low stocks tend to firm up offers between procurement rounds.
Energy and reducing-agent prices: they directly affect conversion margins in the thermite process.
Practical Checklist for Buyers
Confirm the reference grade (for example FeMo60) and the molybdenum content basis before comparing offers.
Clarify whether the price includes tax, inland delivery, port charges and the applicable Incoterm.
Compare transaction prices rather than nominal quotations, and check the settlement term (cash or acceptance).
Verify chemical composition limits against your steel or casting specification before order placement.
FAQ
1. What does FeMo60 mean?
It is a ferro molybdenum grade with a nominal molybdenum content of about 60%; the letter B or A in some labels indicates a specific impurity tolerance class defined by the purchasing standard or supplier specification.
2. Why are cash and acceptance prices different?
Acceptance settlement means payment by bank acceptance bill, which delays cash inflow by roughly three to six months, so suppliers add a discount margin and acceptance prices run higher than cash prices.
3. How is ferro molybdenum priced per kilogram of molybdenum?
A common formula is: (molybdenum oxide price per kg of Mo plus conversion fee) multiplied by the alloy molybdenum content, plus a premium for grade, sizing and packaging. Most converters and traders quote on this basis for exports.
4. Are the February 2023 prices still current?
No. The table is a historical reference for a specific month. Current prices must be confirmed directly with suppliers, as molybdenum prices move with concentrate costs and market demand.
5. What is the difference between a quotation and a transaction price?
A quotation is the seller's offer; the transaction price is the agreed price after negotiation. The gap reflects order volume, payment terms, delivery timing and market conditions on the day of purchase.
