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This table presents average prices for various types of lime sold or used in the United States, expressed in both dollars per metric ton and dollars per short ton for the years 2022 and 2023. The data distinguishes between quicklime and hydrated lime, including subcategories such as high-calcium and dolomitic lime. These price figures are essential for understanding cost trends in industries reliant on lime, such as steel manufacturing, environmental applications, construction, and chemical production. Tracking these prices helps stakeholders anticipate changes in production costs, supply chain dynamics, and market demand, which can influence broader economic activity.
Analysis of the data reveals a notable increase in lime prices from 2022 to 2023 across all categories. For example, the weighted average price for all types rose from $156.5 to $191.3 per metric ton, representing a 22% increase. Quicklime prices increased from $151.3 to $183.1 per metric ton, while hydrated lime saw an even larger jump from $183.1 to $235 per metric ton. Among subtypes, dolomitic hydrated lime experienced the most significant price rise, climbing from $220.2 to $286.7 per metric ton, a 30% increase. These upward trends suggest tightening supply conditions or rising production costs in the lime industry during this period. The consistent price escalation across both quicklime and hydrated lime indicates broad market pressures rather than isolated fluctuations.
| TABLE 5 | ||||||||||
| LIME PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES, BY TYPE1, 2, 3 | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Dollars per | Dollars per | Dollars per | Dollars per | |||||||
| Type | metric ton | short ton | metric ton | short ton | ||||||
| Sold or used: | ||||||||||
| Quicklime4 | 151.3 | 137.3 | 183.1 | 166.1 | ||||||
| Hydrated lime | 183.1 | 166.1 | 235 | 213.2 | ||||||
| Weighted average all types | 156.5 | 142 | 191.3 | 173.6 | ||||||
| Sold: | ||||||||||
| Quicklime: | ||||||||||
| High-calcium | 151.5 | 137.4 | 184.4 | 167.1 | ||||||
| Dolomitic | 156.7 | 142.2 | 187.4 | 166.4 | ||||||
| Average quicklime4 | 152.4 | 138.3 | 192.6 | 174.7 | ||||||
| Hydrated lime: | ||||||||||
| High-calcium | 180.7 | 163.9 | 230.7 | 209.3 | ||||||
| Dolomitic | 220.2 | 199.7 | 286.7 | 260.1 | ||||||
| Average hydrated lime | 184.5 | 167.4 | 236.4 | 214.4 | ||||||
| Weighted average all types | 157.8 | 143.2 | 192.6 | 174.7 | ||||||
1Table includes data available through November 15, 2024.
2Average value per ton, free on board plant, including cost of containers.
3Unit values in metric tons and short tons were rounded independently.
4Includes dead-burned dolomite.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Lime statistics | Mineral commodity prices