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This table presents detailed data on the industrial consumption of primary antimony in the United States, categorized by product type. It highlights the quantities of antimony content used across various metal products, nonmetal products, and flame retardants. This information is critical for understanding the demand patterns of antimony, a strategic metal widely used in flame retardants, alloys, and other industrial applications. Tracking consumption by product helps stakeholders gauge market trends, assess supply chain needs, and make informed decisions related to manufacturing, trade policies, and resource management.
Analysis of the data reveals that total reported consumption of primary antimony increased from 6,510 metric tons in 2021 to 6,770 metric tons in 2022, indicating a modest growth in demand. Among metal products, the category labeled "Other" saw a rise from 2,720 to 2,880 metric tons, driving much of the increase, while solder consumption decreased from 19 to 14 metric tons. Nonmetal products experienced a slight decline overall, dropping from 1,560 to 1,460 metric tons, with plastics consumption notably falling from 589 to 512 metric tons. In contrast, flame retardants showed a significant upward trend, increasing from 2,210 to 2,400 metric tons, with textiles rising from 381 to 458 metric tons and rubber products from 102 to 125 metric tons. These shifts suggest growing reliance on antimony in flame retardant applications, even as some traditional uses in metal and nonmetal products fluctuate.
| TABLE 3 | |||||||||||
| REPORTED INDUSTRIAL CONSUMPTION OF PRIMARY ANTIMONY IN THE | |||||||||||
| UNITED STATES, BY PRODUCT1 | |||||||||||
| (Metric tons, antimony content) | |||||||||||
| Product | 2021 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Metal products: | |||||||||||
| Antimonial lead | W | W | |||||||||
| Bearing metal and bearings | 7 | 11 | |||||||||
| Solder | 19 | 14 | |||||||||
| Other2 | 2720 | r | 2880 | ||||||||
| Total | 2740 | 2900 | |||||||||
| Nonmetal products: | |||||||||||
| Ammunition primers | W | W | |||||||||
| Ceramics and glass | 205 | r | 187 | ||||||||
| Pigments | W | W | |||||||||
| Plastics | 589 | 512 | |||||||||
| Other3 | 762 | r | 764 | ||||||||
| Total | 1560 | r | 1460 | ||||||||
| Flame retardants: | |||||||||||
| Adhesives | 34 | 40 | |||||||||
| Plastics | 1700 | 1780 | |||||||||
| Pigments | -- | -- | |||||||||
| Rubber | 102 | r | 125 | ||||||||
| Textiles | 381 | 458 | |||||||||
| Total | 2210 | r | 2400 | ||||||||
| Grand total | 6510 | r | 6770 | ||||||||
rRevised. W Withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data; not included in totals. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through September 22, 2023. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Includes ammunition, cable covering, castings, sheet and pipe, and type metal.
3Includes ammunition primers, pigments, and miscellaneous products; excludes rubber products.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Antimony statistics | Mineral commodity prices