Core Insights - The price of 316L stainless steel hot-rolled futures for September has surged to 24,600 yuan/ton, marking an increase of 300 yuan/ton from the last opening price [1] - Rising raw material costs, particularly for molybdenum iron, are contributing to the upward trend in stainless steel prices, with cold-rolled 316L stainless steel currently quoted between 25,600 and 25,700 yuan/ton [1] - Factors such as steel mill shutdowns for maintenance, increasing raw material prices, and reduced procurement demand are influencing stainless steel prices, leading to a market primarily driven by essential needs with minimal stockpiling observed [1] Price Summary - The mainstream price for cold-rolled 316L stainless steel is currently between 25,600 and 25,700 yuan/ton, while hot-rolled 316L stainless steel is expected to approach around 25,000 yuan/ton [1] - A detailed price list for hot-rolled 316L stainless steel plates shows various specifications with prices ranging from 21,750 to 26,100 yuan/ton as of August 19, 2025 [2]

Core Insights - Molybdenum prices have reached a new high, with ferromolybdenum prices rising to approximately 280,000 yuan per ton, marking a significant increase in the market [1][2] - The increase in molybdenum prices is attributed to a combination of tight supply from upstream sources and increased demand from downstream industries, leading to a notable rise in transaction volumes [2][4] - Major steel companies in China have issued a joint statement to halt ferromolybdenum purchases to stabilize the industry and resist speculative pricing [3] Price Trends - Since April, molybdenum prices have increased significantly, with molybdenum concentrate prices rising over 1,000 yuan per ton, reflecting a more than 35% increase [2] - The price of molybdenum concentrate reached 4,380 yuan per ton, while the main price for ferromolybdenum also surged to 280,000 yuan per ton [1][2] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The supply of molybdenum concentrate has been constrained due to production issues at some mines, leading to a decrease in output in August [2][5] - Molybdenum inventories are at their lowest levels in nearly three years, with downstream demand expected to grow, projecting a near 7% increase in molybdenum demand by 2025 [2][3] Industry Response - The joint statement from major steel companies emphasizes the need for industry self-discipline and cooperation to stabilize prices and ensure sustainable development across the molybdenum supply chain [3] - Despite the temporary halt in ferromolybdenum purchases by steel companies, the overall demand for ferromolybdenum remains strong, with significant bidding activity observed in August [4][5] Future Outlook - Analysts predict that the tight supply situation for molybdenum concentrate is unlikely to change in the short term, maintaining high cost levels for ferromolybdenum [4][5] - The upcoming traditional peak demand season in September and October is expected to further support molybdenum prices, driven by government infrastructure investments and policy support [4][5]

Core Insights - Molybdenum prices have reached a new high, with ferromolybdenum prices rising to approximately 280,000 yuan per ton, marking a significant increase in demand and activity in the market [1][4] - The price of molybdenum concentrate has also surged, reaching 4,380 yuan per ton, driven by a combination of supply constraints and increased downstream demand [1][2] - The recent price increases are attributed to a tight supply situation and a recovery in demand, with expectations for continued growth in molybdenum demand through 2025 [2][5] Group 1: Price Trends - Molybdenum prices have been on an upward trend since April, with molybdenum concentrate prices increasing by over 1,000 yuan per ton, representing a rise of more than 35% [2] - The current price levels are the highest seen in the year, with significant activity in the market as major steel mills begin to bid for molybdenum [1][4] - The price increase is expected to benefit upstream molybdenum mining companies, while downstream companies may face increased operational pressures due to rising costs [2][3] Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The supply of molybdenum concentrate is at a near three-year low, with global molybdenum mine growth at only 1.2%, contributing to the price surge [2][5] - Domestic steel mills have reported a 10.47% increase in molybdenum bidding volume compared to the previous year, indicating strong demand [3] - Despite a recent joint statement from major steel companies to halt ferromolybdenum purchases, the overall market demand remains robust, with expectations for increased bidding activity in August [4][5] Group 3: Industry Responses - Major steel companies have called for a halt to speculative trading in the molybdenum market to stabilize prices and ensure they reflect true supply and demand [3] - The industry is focusing on maintaining a healthy supply chain for molybdenum, which is essential for high-end stainless steel production [3] - Analysts predict that the combination of government policies and increased infrastructure investment will support molybdenum demand in the coming months [4]