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This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of U.S. exports of crude and rifted mica, mica powder, and mica waste, broken down by country or locality. The information is categorized by price segments for crude and rifted mica—those valued at less than $6 per kilogram and those valued at more than $6 per kilogram—as well as by mica powder and waste. This data is crucial for understanding the international trade dynamics of mica, a mineral widely used in electronics, cosmetics, automotive components, and construction materials. Tracking export volumes and values helps assess market demand, identify key trading partners, and evaluate the economic impact of the mica industry on the U.S. economy.
Analysis of the 2023 export data reveals that the total quantity of crude and rifted mica exported decreased significantly from 313 metric tons in 2022 to 112 metric tons in 2023, with the value dropping from $288,000 to $198,000. Notably, exports of mica powder remain the largest segment by quantity and value, with 3,630 metric tons exported at a value of $8.42 million, representing a slight decrease in quantity but a stable high value compared to 2022. Mexico and Brazil are prominent destinations for mica powder, with Mexico receiving 1,010 metric tons valued at $1.51 million, and Brazil 582 metric tons valued at $528,000. The Bahamas emerged as a significant importer of higher-priced crude and rifted mica in 2023, receiving 7 metric tons valued at $68,000, whereas Canada and Germany are notable importers of mica powder, with Canada importing 517 metric tons valued at $1.02 million and Germany 414 metric tons valued at $1.94 million. Overall, the data indicates a shift in export patterns with a focus on mica powder and selective growth in higher-value crude mica exports to specific countries.
| TABLE 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. EXPORTS OF CRUDE AND RIFTED MICA, MICA POWDER, AND WASTE, BY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY1 | ||||||||||||||||
| Crude and rifted | ||||||||||||||||
| Less than $6 per kilogram | More than $6 per kilogram | Powder | Waste | |||||||||||||
| Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | |||||||||
| Country or locality | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | ||||||||
| 2022 | 312 | 275 | 1 | 13 | 4450 | 10000 | 2 | 4 | ||||||||
| 2023: | ||||||||||||||||
| Bahamas | -- | -- | 7 | 68 | 3 | 24 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Brazil | -- | -- | -- | -- | 582 | 528 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Canada | 28 | 15 | -- | -- | 517 | 1020 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Chile | -- | -- | -- | -- | 108 | 155 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| China | -- | -- | -- | -- | 128 | 472 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Columbia | -- | -- | -- | -- | 91 | 210 | (2) | 3 | ||||||||
| Columbia | -- | -- | -- | -- | 37 | 56 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Dominican Republic | 34 | 12 | -- | -- | 77 | 45 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Germany | -- | -- | -- | -- | 414 | 1940 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| India | -- | -- | -- | -- | 29 | 350 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Japan | -- | -- | -- | -- | 161 | 272 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Korea, Republic of | 17 | 19 | -- | -- | 140 | 502 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Mexico | 7 | 26 | -- | -- | 1010 | 1510 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Netherlands | -- | -- | -- | -- | 28 | 45 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Other | 19 | 58 | -- | -- | 311 | 1290 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Total | 105 | 130 | 7 | 68 | 3630 | 8420 | (2) | 3 | ||||||||
-- Zero.
1Table includes data available through July 10, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Less than ½ unit.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Mica statistics | Mineral commodity prices