Tungsten and molybdenum (refractory metals)
BOTTLENECKChina's 2025 tungsten export controls physically constrain refractory metal supply for interconnect metallization and sputtering targets.
Tungsten from wolframite/scheelite via ammonium paratungstate and molybdenum from copper by-products or sulphides, refined to metal powder and mill products for interconnect metallization, high-temperature components, and sputtering targets. APT and high-purity sputtering products command premiums; China's 2025 tungsten export controls strengthen upstream bargaining power.
What the evidence shows
China holds a dominant position, accounting for approximately 40% of the global refractory metals market.
intelmarketresearch.comThe steel industry is the largest consumer of the global refractory metals industry.
expertmarketresearch.comWho controls it
No independently verified market-size figure is published for this node yet.
Where it sits in the stack
Takes in: Wolframite and scheelite ore (W); molybdenite, copper-porphyry by-product (Mo); process chemicals, energy
Sends on: Ammonium paratungstate (APT), tungsten oxide and metal powder; molybdenum oxide and metal; sputtering targets and high-purity mill products
Related nodes
Full scorecard, owner shares, supply edges and the full tracked roster are in the desk letter.
GET THE BRIEFING