U.S. Consumption Of Primary Magnesium, By Use

This table presents detailed data on the consumption of primary magnesium in the United States, categorized by its various industrial uses. Understanding how magnesium is allocated across different applications is crucial for assessing the health and trends of key manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and steel production. Magnesium's lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties make it a valuable material for structural products and as a component in alloys, while its role in processes like desulfurization and cathodic protection highlights its importance in maintaining material quality and longevity. Tracking consumption patterns helps policymakers and industry stakeholders gauge demand, plan resource allocation, and anticipate shifts in industrial activity.

The data indicate that total U.S. consumption of primary magnesium increased from 51,100 metric tons in 2022 to 53,500 metric tons in 2023, reflecting a modest growth of approximately 4.7%. Within structural products, die castings consumption rose notably by 2,900 metric tons, from 29,800 to 32,700 metric tons, suggesting increased manufacturing activity in sectors relying on precision cast components. Permanent mold castings also saw a slight increase, while sand castings remained relatively stable. Consumption for distributive or sacrificial purposes edged up from 18,300 to 18,500 metric tons, with aluminum alloys usage increasing by 300 metric tons to 11,600 metric tons, underscoring sustained demand in alloy production. Some categories, such as nodular iron and other uses, experienced minor declines or remained withheld due to proprietary concerns, but overall, the upward trend in magnesium consumption points to steady industrial demand in 2023.