Average Free On Board Value Per Metric Ton Of Diatomite, By Major Use

This table presents the average free on board (FOB) value per metric ton of diatomite categorized by its major industrial uses. These values reflect the price at which diatomite is sold at the point of shipment, excluding transportation costs beyond the loading point. Monitoring these values is important for understanding market trends, assessing the economic health of diatomite-related industries, and guiding investment and production decisions. Since diatomite serves diverse applications such as fillers, filtration, and abrasives, the data also highlight how demand and pricing vary across sectors, impacting the overall mineral economy.

Analysis of the data reveals that filtration use experienced a notable increase in average FOB value, rising from $763 per metric ton in 2023 to $838 in 2024, indicating a strengthening market or higher quality demand in this segment. The value for fillers remained relatively stable, with a marginal increase from $663 to $664 per metric ton. Uses classified as "Other," which include abrasives and lightweight aggregates, saw a slight decrease from $15 to $13 per metric ton, while absorbents and insulation uses reported zero values for both years, suggesting either negligible production or lack of reported sales in these categories. The weighted average FOB value for diatomite slightly declined from $580 to $575 per metric ton, reflecting the overall market pricing trends despite the filtration sector’s growth.