[ U.S. Steel Breaks Ground on $475 Million Fairfield Quench & Tempering Line ]

The EU Council gave final approval on September 24 to temporary trade measures expected to make about 80% of Armenian exports to the bloc duty-free. The annex covers CN 7202 ferro-alloys and CN 2825 other metal oxides, bringing qualifying Armenian ferromolybdenum and molybdenum oxide within scope. SMM learned that European inquiries and procurement demand for Armenian ferromolybdenum increased today as the market priced in the expected tariff relief, potentially improving the material’s competitiveness. As of September 30, the regulation was still awaiting signature and publication in the EU Official Journal. It will enter into force the following day and apply for two years, meaning the current demand pickup mainly reflects advance positioning ahead of implementation.

Recently, Centinela, a core Antofagasta mine, faced severe labor challenges. On September 28, its Minera Esperanza and Distrito Centinela unions voted 98.73% in favor of a strike over compensation discrepancies, rejecting management's contract offer. As an important associated molybdenum source, Centinela's H1 2026 molybdenum output fell ~17.6% year-on-year to 1,400 tonnes. The strike vote threatens further supply stability. While production continues pending mediation results, the potential impact on operations and long-term project progress requires close monitoring.