Japan: Mercury Market 2025

Mercury Market Size in Japan

In 2021, after four years of growth, there was decline in the Japanese mercury market, when its value decreased by -4.2% to $X. Over the period under review, consumption showed a slight decline. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Mercury Production in Japan

In value terms, mercury production declined modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, showed a pronounced downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Mercury Exports

Exports from Japan

After four years of decline, overseas shipments of mercuries increased by 35% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a drastic downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 51% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, mercury exports expanded slightly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a abrupt contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 12%. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Argentina (X tons) was the main destination for mercury exports from Japan, with a 60% share of total exports. Moreover, mercury exports to Argentina exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Peru (X tons), threefold. India (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 18% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Argentina totaled +100.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Peru (+3.9% per year) and India (-18.5% per year).

In value terms, Argentina ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for mercuries exports from Japan, comprising 52% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Peru ($X), with a 24% share of total exports. It was followed by India, with a 22% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Argentina amounted to +42.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Peru (+1.4% per year) and India (-25.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average mercury export price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -22.9% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a deep contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the average export price increased by 26%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Singapore ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Singapore (+1.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Mercury Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in supplies from abroad of mercuries, when their volume decreased by -55.5% to X kg. Overall, imports, however, recorded a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 138% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons, and then fell remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, mercury imports dropped markedly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, posted notable growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 119% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X kg) was the main mercury supplier to Japan, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the United States amounted to +6.0%.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of mercuries to Japan.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States totaled +4.9%.

Import Prices by Country

The average mercury import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 83% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a mild curtailment. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for the United States.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United States amounted to -1.1% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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