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This table presents key statistics related to the production, consumption, trade, pricing, and stock levels of bismuth metal in the United States, along with global refinery production figures. Such data are critical for understanding the supply-demand dynamics of bismuth, a metal valued for its applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics, and as a lead substitute in various alloys. Tracking these metrics helps industry stakeholders, policymakers, and analysts assess market trends, evaluate resource availability, and make informed decisions regarding trade and strategic reserves.
Analysis of the data reveals that the United States has no domestic refinery production of bismuth from 2019 through 2023, indicating reliance on imports to meet consumption needs. Reported consumption fluctuated, peaking at 711 metric tons in 2022 before slightly declining to 691 metric tons in 2023. Apparent consumption showed a notable drop from 2,520 metric tons in 2022 to 1,370 metric tons in 2023, suggesting changes in stock adjustments or reporting. Imports for consumption decreased from 3,080 metric tons in 2022 to 1,840 metric tons in 2023, while exports also declined from 503 metric tons to 460 metric tons over the same period. The average price of bismuth steadily increased from $3.18 per pound in 2019 to $4.08 per pound in 2023, reflecting tightening supply or rising demand. Consumer stocks rose modestly to 365 metric tons at the end of 2023. Globally, refinery production peaked at 19,900 metric tons in 2021 but fell to 16,200 metric tons in 2023, indicating potential supply constraints or shifts in production capacity worldwide.
| TABLE 1 | ||||||||||||
| SALIENT BISMUTH STATISTICS1 | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||
| United States: | ||||||||||||
| Production, refinery | metric tons | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||
| Consumption, bismuth metal: | ||||||||||||
| Reported | do. | 548 | 513 | 597 | 711 | r | 691 | |||||
| Apparent2 | do. | 1610 | 1130 | 947 | 2520 | 1370 | ||||||
| Exports of metal, alloys, and scrap: | ||||||||||||
| Containing more than 99.99% bismuth, by weight | do. | NA | NA | NA | 144 | 131 | ||||||
| Other | do. | NA | NA | NA | 360 | 329 | ||||||
| Total | do. | 636 | 699 | 1010 | 503 | r | 460 | |||||
| Imports for consumption of metal, alloys, and scrap: | ||||||||||||
| Containing more than 99.99% bismuth, by weight | do. | NA | NA | NA | 740 | 731 | ||||||
| Other | do. | NA | NA | NA | 2340 | 1110 | ||||||
| Total | do. | 2340 | 1650 | 1980 | 3080 | r | 1840 | |||||
| Price, average3 | dollars per pound | 3.18 | 3.73 | r | 3.74 | 3.9 | 4.08 | |||||
| Stocks, December 31, consumer, bismuth metal | metric tons | 443 | 271 | 297 | 356 | 365 | ||||||
| World refinery production4 | do. | 18300 | 18400 | 19900 | 19000 | 16200 | ||||||
rRevised. do. Ditto. NA Not available. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through November 4, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; except prices.
2Defined as refinery production + total imports – total exports ± adjustments for industry stock changes.
3Based on 99.99%-purity metal ingot at warehouse (Rotterdam) in minimum lots of 1 metric ton; source: Fastmarkets.
4May include estimated data.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Bismuth statistics | Mineral commodity prices