Boron Minerals: World Production, By Country Or Locality

This table presents global production figures for boron minerals, broken down by country or locality over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023. The data includes various forms of boron minerals such as boric acid, ulexite, borax concentrate, crude ore, and refined borates. Tracking production volumes in thousand metric tons provides valuable insight into the supply side of the boron market, which is critical for numerous industrial applications including glass and ceramics manufacturing, agriculture, detergents, and advanced materials. Understanding these production trends helps policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors assess resource availability, market dynamics, and potential shifts in global supply chains.

Analysis of the data reveals that Turkey remains the dominant global producer of boron minerals, with crude ore production fluctuating but generally high, estimated at 6,000 thousand metric tons in 2023, up slightly from a revised 5,703 thousand metric tons in 2022. Concentrate and refined borates production in Turkey also remain substantial, around 2,000 and 2,500 thousand metric tons respectively in 2023. Chile and Bolivia show notable production of boric acid and natural ulexite, with Chile’s ulexite production increasing to an estimated 420 thousand metric tons in 2023, maintaining its position as a significant supplier. Bolivia’s ulexite output also rose to 321 thousand metric tons in 2023. Peru experienced a strong recovery in borates crude production, reaching an estimated 300 thousand metric tons in 2023, up from 44 thousand metric tons in 2020. China’s boron mineral production rebounded from a low of 13 thousand metric tons in 2020 to an estimated 300 thousand metric tons in 2023, reflecting a significant recovery. Meanwhile, Germany’s boron compounds production declined steadily to 38 thousand metric tons in 2023. The United States’ data remains withheld to protect proprietary information, but overall, the global production landscape highlights Turkey’s leading role and the recovery and growth trends in South American producers.