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This table presents detailed data on the reported consumption of various noble ferroalloys in the United States by end-use categories, primarily focusing on steel production and other alloy applications. Noble ferroalloys, such as ferromolybdenum, ferroniobium, ferronickel, and ferrovanadium, are critical additives that enhance the properties of steel and other metal alloys, improving strength, corrosion resistance, and heat tolerance. Monitoring consumption patterns of these materials is essential for understanding trends in the steel industry and related manufacturing sectors, which are vital components of the U.S. economy. This data supports policymakers, industry stakeholders, and analysts in assessing supply chain dynamics, forecasting demand, and making informed decisions regarding resource allocation and industrial strategy.
Analysis of the 2021 and 2022 data reveals several notable trends. Total consumption of ferromolybdenum (FeMo) remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 3,260 metric tons in 2021 to 3,200 metric tons in 2022. Ferroniobium (FeNb) consumption, however, declined significantly from 6,140 metric tons to 3,540 metric tons, indicating a possible shift in alloying preferences or supply constraints. Ferronickel (FeNi) usage increased modestly from 11,100 metric tons to 11,500 metric tons, maintaining its position as the highest consumed noble ferroalloy. Ferrovanadium (FeV) consumption dropped from 5,320 metric tons to 4,470 metric tons, while ferrotitanium (FeTi3) saw a substantial decrease from 6,050 metric tons to 4,340 metric tons. In steel applications, unspecified and other steels accounted for the largest share of ferroalloy use, particularly for ferroniobium and ferrovanadium. Consumer stocks at year-end showed minor fluctuations, with ferroniobium stocks decreasing from 566 to 276 metric tons, reflecting tighter inventories. Overall, these shifts suggest evolving industrial demands and potential impacts from market or supply factors affecting noble ferroalloy consumption in the U.S. manufacturing landscape.
| TABLE 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| REPORTED U.S. CONSUMPTION OF NOBLE FERROALLOYS BY END USE1, 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Metric tons, contained weight, unless otherwise noted) | ||||||||||||||||
| End use | FeMo | FeNb | FeNi | FeV | FeW | FeB3 | FeP3 | FeTi3 | ||||||||
| 2021: | ||||||||||||||||
| Steel: | ||||||||||||||||
| Carbon | W | 987 | -- | 1510 | r | -- | (4) | W | 4770 | |||||||
| High-strength low-alloy | 133 | (4) | -- | (4) | -- | (4) | W | (4) | ||||||||
| Stainless and heat-resisting | 690 | 479 | W | 94 | r | W | 209 | W | (4) | |||||||
| Unspecified and other steels | 1020 | 3150 | W | 3680 | r | W | 602 | W | 1120 | |||||||
| Total | 1850 | 4620 | W | 5280 | r | W | 811 | W | 5890 | |||||||
| Alloys and superalloys | (5) | 1540 | W | 34 | r | W | (5) | (6) | 32 | |||||||
| Cast irons | (5) | -- | -- | (5) | -- | (5) | 319 | 2 | ||||||||
| Miscellaneous and unspecified | 1410 | -- | W | 5 | r | -- | 26 | 19 | 125 | |||||||
| Grand total | 3260 | 6140 | 11100 | 5320 | r | 87 | 838 | 2850 | 6050 | |||||||
| Consumer stocks, December 31 | 444 | 566 | W | 209 | 19 | 84 | 318 | 698 | ||||||||
| 2022: | ||||||||||||||||
| Steel: | ||||||||||||||||
| Carbon | 453 | (4) | -- | 1010 | -- | (4) | (4) | 3420 | ||||||||
| High-strength low-alloy | 217 | (4) | -- | (4) | -- | (4) | (4) | 34 | ||||||||
| Stainless and heat-resisting | 676 | 366 | W | 92 | W | (4) | (4) | 159 | ||||||||
| Unspecified and other steels | 1120 | 1650 | W | 3350 | W | 363 | 1170 | 572 | ||||||||
| Total | 2470 | 2010 | W | 4460 | W | 363 | 1170 | 4190 | ||||||||
| Alloys and superalloys | (5) | 1530 | W | 14 | W | (5) | (6) | (5) | ||||||||
| Cast irons | 62 | -- | -- | (5) | -- | (5) | 309 | 2 | ||||||||
| Miscellaneous and unspecified | 671 | -- | W | 1 | -- | 27 | 19 | 155 | ||||||||
| Grand total | 3200 | 3540 | 11500 | 4470 | 93 | 391 | 1500 | 4340 | ||||||||
| Consumer stocks, December 31 | 433 | 276 | W | 184 | 18 | 77 | 250 | 649 | ||||||||
rRevised. W Withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through July 9, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Abbreviations and the forms of material included are as follows: FeMo, ferromolybdenum, including calcium molybdate; FeNb, ferroniobium, including nickel niobium; FeNi, ferronickel; FeV, ferrovanadium, including other vanadium-carbon-iron ferroalloys; FeW, ferrotungsten; FeB, ferroboron, including other boron materials; FeP, ferrophosphorus, including other phosphorus materials; and FeTi, ferrotitanium, including titanium scrap and other titanium materials.
3Gross weight.
4Withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data; included with "Steel, unspecified and other steels."
5Withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data; included with "Miscellaneous and unspecified."
6Less than ½ unit.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Ferroalloys statistics | Mineral commodity prices