Prices Of Imported Fluorspar

This table presents average annual prices for imported fluorspar, a critical industrial mineral used primarily in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid, aluminum, steel, and other chemical processes. The data is categorized by grade—acid grade and metallurgical grade—and by country of origin, reflecting the free on board (f.o.b.) prices at major ports. Monitoring these prices is essential for manufacturers and policymakers, as fluctuations can influence production costs, trade balances, and supply chain decisions within industries reliant on fluorspar.

Analysis of the data reveals a general upward trend in fluorspar prices from 2022 to 2023 across all listed sources. Chinese acid-grade fluorspar prices increased from a range of $460–500 per metric ton in 2022 to $520–560 in 2023, indicating a significant rise likely driven by demand or supply constraints. Similarly, Mexican acid-grade fluorspar prices rose from $340–400 to $400–430, while South African prices for the same grade remained relatively stable at the upper end, moving slightly from $480–570 to $520–570. Metallurgical-grade fluorspar from Mexico also saw a modest increase from $330–360 to $340–370. These shifts suggest tightening markets or increased production costs, with Chinese and South African sources commanding higher price points compared to Mexican imports.