U.S.: Alkali Metals Market 2024

Alkali Metals Market Size in the U.S.

In 2021, the U.S. alkali metals market decreased by -5.6% to $X, falling for the second consecutive year after four years of growth. In general, consumption, however, posted significant growth. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Alkali Metals Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, shipments abroad of alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, mercury increased by 18% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, exports, however, showed a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, alkali metals exports declined to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 41% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Canada (X tons) was the main destination for alkali metals exports from the United States, accounting for a 31% share of total exports. Moreover, alkali metals exports to Canada exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Mexico (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by the UK (X tons), with an 8.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Canada totaled +3.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Mexico (+0.7% per year) and the UK (-6.5% per year).

In value terms, the UK ($X), Canada ($X) and China ($X) constituted the largest markets for alkali metals exported from the United States worldwide, together accounting for 49% of total exports. These countries were followed by Belgium, Mexico, Australia, France, Singapore, Brazil, Spain, Vietnam, South Africa and Hong Kong SAR, which together accounted for a further 25%.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +32.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average alkali metals export price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -20.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 19%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat 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 the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to South Africa ($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 China (+17.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Alkali Metals Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, overseas purchases of alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, mercury decreased by -11.5% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after three years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, enjoyed tangible growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 82%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, alkali metals imports rose sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate a mild reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 60% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), France (X tons) and Russia (X tons) were the main suppliers of alkali metals imports to the United States, with a combined 99% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +11.1%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, China ($X), Russia ($X) and France ($X) were the largest alkali metals suppliers to the United States, together accounting for 96% of total imports.

Russia, with a CAGR of +7.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average alkali metals import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 25% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a deep downturn. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while the price for France ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Russia (+2.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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