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SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of roasted molybdenum ores and concentrates (SITC 28781) totaled $5.9M in April 2026, traded with 4 countries.
Importers of Roasted Molybdenum Ores and Concentrates paid $282K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $2.6M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Roasted Molybdenum Ores and Concentrates imports of $5.9M in April 2026 ran 28% below the year-to-date monthly average of $8.3M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataRoasting converts molybdenite concentrate (MoS₂) into technical molybdic oxide (MoO₃), the standard intermediate form used by steel mills and chemical producers. The roasting step is a critical processing distinction: roasted product is more stable, easier to handle, and directly usable as an alloying addition in high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) and stainless steels. The US is a significant molybdenum producer, but roasted product is also imported and exported depending on processing capacity and market conditions, with classification at this stage affecting whether Section 232 steel-related tariff considerations apply to downstream users.
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Unroasted molybdenite concentrate (MoS₂) requires further processing before use in steelmaking or chemical applications, while roasted concentrate (technical MoO₃) is the directly usable intermediate. Roasted product commands a processing premium and is the standard traded form for steel alloying additions. The distinction is also relevant for classification: roasted and unroasted molybdenum concentrates fall under separate SITC codes (28781 and 28782 respectively), and importers must document the processing stage to ensure correct classification.
Steel producers are by far the largest consumers, using MoO₃ to produce molybdenum-alloyed steels prized for high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and hardness — critical properties for oil and gas pipelines, automotive components, and tool steels. Chemical producers also consume roasted molybdenum to manufacture catalysts (particularly hydrodesulfurization catalysts used in petroleum refining) and molybdenum chemicals for lubricants and pigments.
Monthly import values over time
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNITED KINGDOM | -- | $38.8M | +$38.8M |
| NETHERLANDS | $804K | $27.7M | +$26.9M |
| JAPAN | -- | $17.7M | +$17.7M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | -- | $7.2M | +$7.2M |
| MEXICO | $4.1M | -- | -$4.1M |