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This table presents detailed statistics on the quantities and values of various types of lime exported from the United States to different countries and localities. Lime, a critical industrial mineral, is used extensively in steel manufacturing, environmental applications, construction, and chemical production. Tracking export data by lime type—such as calcined dolomite, hydraulic lime, quicklime, and slaked lime—provides valuable insights into international demand, trade patterns, and the economic impact of the U.S. lime industry. This information supports policymakers, industry stakeholders, and analysts in understanding market dynamics and making informed decisions related to trade and resource management.
Analysis of the 2023 data reveals an overall increase in U.S. lime exports, with total quantity rising from 304,000 metric tons in 2022 to 344,000 metric tons, and total value climbing from $45.7 million to $64.1 million. Quicklime remains the dominant export type, with shipments growing from 216,000 metric tons valued at $28.4 million to 261,000 metric tons valued at $45.1 million, highlighting strong demand especially from Canada, which imported 254,000 metric tons worth $43.2 million in 2023. Calcined dolomite exports slightly decreased in quantity from 64,600 to 60,600 metric tons but increased in value from $11.4 million to $12.5 million, with notable growth in exports to Mexico, which rose from 301 to 1,190 metric tons. Hydraulic lime and slaked lime exports showed modest increases in both quantity and value. These trends underscore the importance of the Canadian market and suggest a growing global demand for U.S. lime products, reflecting the mineral’s critical role in various industrial sectors.
| TABLE 6 | ||||||||||
| U.S. EXPORTS OF LIME, BY TYPE1 | ||||||||||
| (Metric tons and dollars) | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Type and country or locality | Schedule B number | Quantity | Value2 | Quantity | Value2 | |||||
| Calcined dolomite: | 2518.20.0000 | |||||||||
| Argentina | 36 | 13500 | 36 | 17700 | ||||||
| Canada | 59600 | r | 9870000 | r | 58500 | 11300000 | ||||
| Bahamas, The | -- | -- | 256 | 63900 | ||||||
| France | 2780 | 827000 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Korea, Republic of | 54 | 26400 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Mexico | 301 | 206000 | 1190 | 929000 | ||||||
| New Zealand | 64 | 15900 | 28 | 7060 | ||||||
| Singapore | 40 | 13300 | 20 | 5500 | ||||||
| Taiwan | 99 | 18400 | -- | -- | ||||||
| United Arab Emirates | 1690 | 422000 | 574 | 143000 | ||||||
| Other [3 countries and (or) localities] | 3 | r | 8230 | r | 15 | 17300 | ||||
| Total | 64600 | r | 11400000 | r | 60600 | 12500000 | ||||
| Hydraulic lime: | 2522.30.0000 | |||||||||
| Bahamas, The | 51 | 18700 | 18 | 15300 | ||||||
| Canada | 1920 | 529000 | r | 2300 | 664000 | |||||
| Curacao | 25 | 5370 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Czechia | -- | -- | 12 | 15200 | ||||||
| Germany | -- | -- | 19 | 3880 | ||||||
| Guyana | 244 | 72600 | 64 | 20300 | ||||||
| Jamaica | 11 | 4940 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Trinidad and Tobago | 6 | r | 9960 | r | 10 | 25300 | ||||
| Other [6 countries and (or) localities] | 21 | r | 19600 | r | 16 | 45800 | ||||
| Total | 2280 | r | 660000 | r | 2440 | 790000 | ||||
| Quicklime: | 2522.10.0000 | |||||||||
| Bahamas, The | 60 | 22100 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Belgium | 37 | 23300 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Brazil | 51 | 67900 | 87 | 158000 | ||||||
| Canada | 209000 | r | 27000000 | r | 254000 | 43200000 | ||||
| China | 776 | 209000 | r | 72 | 81400 | |||||
| Finland | 18 | 14300 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Guyana | -- | -- | 76 | 15600 | ||||||
| Israel | 16 | 16200 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Mexico | 5390 | 945000 | 6820 | 1500000 | ||||||
| Saudi Arabia | 84 | 115000 | -- | -- | ||||||
| United Kingdom | 18 | 15900 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Other [9 countries and (or) localities] | 13 | 37900 | 25 | 84600 | ||||||
| Total | 216000 | r | 28400000 | 261000 | 45100000 | |||||
| Slaked lime, hydrate: | 2522.20.0000 | |||||||||
| Bahamas, The | 69 | 142000 | 20 | 7990 | ||||||
| Bermuda | 36 | 12900 | 19 | 5440 | ||||||
| Canada | 20200 | r | 4440000 | r | 19300 | 5440000 | ||||
| Costa Rica | 147 | 87000 | 118 | 74700 | ||||||
| Ecuador | 81 | 26200 | 33 | 17300 | ||||||
| Guyana | 168 | 36600 | 324 | 75700 | ||||||
| Ireland | 245 | 243000 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Mexico | 243 | 62900 | 231 | 58600 | ||||||
| Poland | 30 | 27300 | -- | -- | ||||||
| Trinidad and Tobago | 95 | 15000 | 29 | 6560 | ||||||
| Other [17 countries and (or) localities] | 68 | 126000 | 23 | 114000 | ||||||
| Total | 21400 | r | 5220000 | r | 20100 | 5800000 | ||||
| Grand total | 304000 | r | 45700000 | 344000 | 64100000 | |||||
rRevised. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through September 19, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Free alongside ship value.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Lime statistics | Mineral commodity prices