Global production of molybdenum remained almost unchanged in the third quarter of 2018 at 137.8 million pounds compared to 138.2 million pounds in quarter two, figures released by the International Molybdenum Association show. Global use was 141.1 million pounds in the third quarter, down 6% from 149.6 million pounds in quarter two, but 2% higher than the same period in the previous year.
South America was the biggest producer with 49.4 million pounds in the third quarter, up 8% from 45.9 million pounds in the previous quarter, but 1% lower than the same quarter in the previous year. Production in North America was 32.8 million pounds, up 1% from 32.6 million pounds in quarter two and up 2% in comparison to the same quarter of the previous year. Production in China fell to 45.9 million pounds, an 8% decrease from the 50 million pounds produced in the second quarter and a 5% decrease in the same quarter of the previous year. Production in other countries rose slightly to 9.7 million pounds, a 1% increase from 9.6 million pounds in quarter two, but an 8% decrease when compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
China remained the biggest user, at 49.6 million pounds, but this represented an 8% decrease from 54 million pounds in quarter two and a 5% decrease in the same quarter of the previous year. Europe was the second largest user at 33.9 million pounds, a 9% drop from 37.2 million pounds in the second quarter, but a 5% increase on the same quarter of the previous year.
Usage in Japan was 15.3 million pounds, a 1% decrease from 15.4 million pounds in the second quarter, but a 25% rise in comparison to the same quarter of the previous year. Usage in the USA was 14.8 million pounds, a drop of 4% from 15.4 million pounds in quarter two, but unchanged when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Usage in the CIS remained static at 5.4 million pounds, a 6% increase on the same quarter of the previous year, while usage in other countries remained static at 22 million pounds, a 4% increase on the same quarter of the previous year.
