Salient Cadmium Statistics

This table presents key data on cadmium production, trade, and pricing, highlighting both domestic and global trends. It includes figures on primary refined production in the United States, exports and imports of unwrought cadmium metal and powders, as well as average market prices. Such information is crucial for understanding the supply-demand dynamics of cadmium, a metal primarily obtained as a byproduct of zinc refining and widely used in batteries, coatings, and pigments. Tracking these statistics helps industries and policymakers assess market health, anticipate price fluctuations, and make informed decisions regarding resource management and trade policies.

Analysis of the data reveals that U.S. primary refined cadmium production increased notably from 73 metric tons in 2018 to a peak of 241 metric tons in 2021, before declining to 212 metric tons in 2022. Exports of unwrought cadmium metal and powders showed a significant rise from 4 metric tons in 2020 to 68 metric tons in 2022, indicating growing international demand or shifts in trade patterns. Conversely, imports for consumption steadily decreased from 385 metric tons in 2019 to 99 metric tons in 2022, suggesting increased domestic production or reduced reliance on foreign sources. The average free market price of cadmium rose sharply in 2022 to $1.55 per pound ($3.42 per kilogram), up from $1.16 per pound in 2021, reflecting tightening supply or heightened demand. Globally, refinery production remained relatively stable but showed a slight decline from 26,700 metric tons in 2018 to 22,600 metric tons in 2022, underscoring the importance of monitoring international supply trends alongside domestic data.