Salient Perlite Statistics

The table presents key data on perlite production, processing, trade, and consumption in the United States from 2020 through 2024, alongside global production figures. This information is critical for understanding the economic and industrial significance of perlite, a versatile volcanic glass used in construction, horticulture, filtration, and insulation. Tracking mine production, processed quantities sold or used, import and export volumes, and their associated values provides insight into market dynamics, supply chain trends, and price fluctuations. Such data supports policymakers, industry stakeholders, and analysts in making informed decisions related to resource management, trade policies, and industrial planning.

Analysis of the data reveals that U.S. mine production of perlite declined notably from 879 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 654 thousand metric tons in 2023, before rebounding to 716 thousand metric tons in 2024. Processed crude perlite sold quantities followed a similar downward trend, dropping from 375 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 290 thousand metric tons in 2023, then increasing to 320 thousand metric tons in 2024. Despite these fluctuations, the average unit value of sold perlite steadily rose from $64 per metric ton in 2021 to $77 in 2024, indicating strengthening market prices. Imports for consumption showed volatility, peaking at 240 thousand metric tons in 2022 before falling to 140 thousand metric tons in 2023 and recovering to 220 thousand metric tons in 2024, while export quantities remained relatively stable around 20–26 thousand metric tons. The expanded perlite production and sales figures, which likely include additional processing stages or product forms, demonstrate a consistent production range near 500 thousand metric tons annually, with values increasing from $185 million in 2020 to $216 million in 2024. Globally, perlite production showed minor fluctuations, with 4.8 million metric tons in 2021 decreasing to 4.32 million metric tons in 2023 and a slight recovery to 4.52 million metric tons in 2024, underscoring the U.S. role as a significant contributor to the world perlite supply.

TABLE 1
SALIENT PERLITE STATISTICS¹

(Thousand metric tons and thousand dollars, unless otherwise specified)

		2020		2021		2022		2023		2024
United States:
Mine production²		853		879		672		654		716
Processed crude:
Sold:
Quantity		381		375		315		290	3	320
Value		24000		24200		22100		22300		24700
Average unit value⁴	dollars per metric ton	63		64		70		76		77
Used:
Quantity		120		116		128		110	3	131
Value		6660		7130		8600		8010		9200
Average unit value⁴	dollars per metric ton	56		62		67		71		70
Total, sold or used:
Quantity		501		491		442		410	3	452
Value		30600		31300		30700		30300		33900
Average unit value⁴	dollars per metric ton	61		64		69		74		75
Imports for consumption:e, 5
Quantity		160		170		240		140		220
Value⁶		21000		21000		35000		19000		21000
Average unit value⁷	dollars per metric ton	130		120		150		130		90
Exports:e, 5
Quantity		25		27		22		18		26
Value⁸		3800		4300		3400		3400		4300
Average unit value⁷	dollars per metric ton	150		160		160		180		170
Expanded:
Production, quantity		489	r	542	r	504	r	476	r	513
Sold or used:
Quantity		490	r	540	r	504	r	479	r	513
Value		185000	r	209000	r	197000	r	203000	r	216000
Average unit value⁴	dollars per metric ton	378		387		391	r	423	r	420
World production⁹		4320		4800		4420		4320	r	4520

^eEstimated. ^rRevised.

¹Table includes data available through June 25, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

²Crude ore mined and stockpiled for processing.

³Data rounded to two significant digits to avoid disclosing proprietary information.

⁴Average unit value is based on unrounded data and is rounded to the nearest dollar.

⁵Source: U.S. Census Bureau adjusted by U.S. Geological Survey. Data are from Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) code and Schedule B number 2530.10.0000 “vermiculite, perlite and chlorites, unexpanded.” Adjusted to remove imports of other minerals from imports of perlite based on countries known to produce perlite, average unit value, and other factors. Data are rounded to two significant digits.

⁶Customs value.

⁷Imports and exports average unit value is based on unrounded data and is rounded to two significant digits.

⁸Free alongside ship (f.a.s.) value.

⁹May include estimated data.