U.S. Exports Of Natural Barium Sulfate (Barite), By Country Or Locality

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of natural barium sulfate (barite) exported from the United States to various countries and localities. Tracking these exports is important because barite is a critical industrial mineral widely used in oil and gas drilling, as well as in manufacturing and chemical industries. Understanding export patterns helps gauge the demand for U.S.-produced barite in global markets, informs trade policy decisions, and supports economic planning within the mineral sector.

Analysis of the data reveals that total U.S. exports of natural barium sulfate decreased from 86,500 metric tons valued at $25.4 million in 2022 to 74,700 metric tons valued at $19.8 million in 2023, indicating a notable decline in both volume and value. Canada remains the dominant export destination, accounting for 63,600 metric tons valued at $13.1 million in 2023, a slight decrease from the previous year. Mexico also experienced a significant drop, with exports falling from 15,400 metric tons ($8.87 million) in 2022 to 8,130 metric tons ($4.46 million) in 2023. Several countries, including Guyana and Peru, saw exports cease entirely in 2023, while Nicaragua emerged as a new export market with 138 metric tons valued at $60,000. Smaller markets such as Brazil and Thailand showed modest declines in quantity but mixed trends in value, and exports to China dropped sharply to 64 metric tons valued at $48,000. These shifts highlight changing trade dynamics and demand fluctuations in the global barite market.