In 2012, the global economic growth was weak, the bulk commodity demand was reduced, and the prices generally declined. As a result, the molybdenum market remained in the doldrums, the prices showed a downward trend, and the annual average price was USD 12.74 per pound of molybdenum, a decrease of 17.5% from 2011. At the end of 2012, the supply of molybdenum ore decreased, the demand from steel mills increased, and the molybdenum price began to rise.