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This table provides detailed data on the quantities and values of crude and rifted mica imported into the United States from various countries and localities. The information is categorized by different forms of mica—split block, splittings, and other classifications based on price per kilogram—offering insight into the composition and economic significance of mica imports. Such data is crucial for understanding the supply chain dynamics of mica, a mineral widely used in electrical, automotive, and construction industries due to its insulating and heat-resistant properties. Tracking import sources and volumes helps policymakers and industry stakeholders assess market dependencies, price trends, and potential vulnerabilities in the mica supply.
Analysis of the most recent data through mid-2024 reveals notable shifts compared to 2022 figures. Total imports of split block mica decreased from 24 metric tons valued at $40,000 in 2022 to 19 metric tons worth $97,000 in 2023, indicating a rise in unit value despite lower volume. Brazil remains a dominant supplier, contributing 822 metric tons of the lower-priced mica category valued at $969,000, a significant portion of the total 841 metric tons and $995,000 value recorded. China emerged as a key source for higher-value mica, with 21 metric tons imported at $289,000, underscoring its role in supplying premium grades. India and Canada also appear as important contributors, with India supplying 49 metric tons of splittings valued at $145,000 and Canada providing a small quantity of split block mica with a relatively high value of $54,000 per metric ton. These trends highlight a diversification of supply sources and a general increase in the value of mica imports, reflecting evolving market demands and possibly shifts in quality or processing standards.
| TABLE 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF CRUDE AND RIFTED MICA, BY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY1 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||
| Split block | Splittings | Less than $6 per kilogram | More than $6 per kilogram | |||||||||||||
| Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | |||||||||
| Country or locality | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | ||||||||
| 2022 | 24 | 40 | 84 | 303 | 945 | 895 | 1 | 57 | ||||||||
| 2023: | ||||||||||||||||
| Brazil | 16 | 21 | -- | -- | 822 | 969 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Canada | 1 | 54 | -- | -- | -- | -- | (2) | 8 | ||||||||
| China | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 21 | 289 | ||||||||
| Colombia | 2 | 3 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Germany | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2 | 4 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| India | (2) | 20 | 49 | 145 | -- | -- | (2) | 8 | ||||||||
| Japan | -- | -- | -- | -- | 18 | 21 | -- | -- | ||||||||
| Total | 19 | 97 | 49 | 145 | 841 | 995 | 21 | 305 | ||||||||
| -- 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. | ||||||||||||||||
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Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Mica statistics | Mineral commodity prices