Salient Pumice And Pumicite Statistics

This table presents key quantitative and economic data on pumice and pumicite production, usage, trade, and consumption in the United States, alongside global production figures. These volcanic materials are important industrial minerals used in construction, abrasives, horticulture, and lightweight concrete products. Tracking their production volumes, values, and trade balances provides insight into market trends, domestic supply and demand dynamics, and the economic health of related industries.

Analysis of the data reveals that U.S. production quantity fluctuated notably over the five-year span, declining sharply from 578 thousand metric tons in 2020 to 295 thousand metric tons in 2022, before rebounding to 438 thousand metric tons in 2023 and slightly decreasing to 410 thousand metric tons in 2024. Despite these volume changes, the total value of production remained relatively stable, peaking at $23.4 million in 2021 and hovering around $18 million in recent years. The average value per metric ton saw a significant increase from $31 in 2020 to a high of $65 in 2022, before settling near $44 in 2024, indicating shifts in market pricing or product quality. U.S. exports remained modest, ranging between 8 and 14 thousand metric tons annually, while imports showed more volatility, dropping to 53 thousand metric tons in 2023 before surging to 144 thousand metric tons in 2024. Apparent consumption in the U.S. mirrored these trends, falling to a low of 384 thousand metric tons in 2022 and rising to 543 thousand metric tons in 2024. Globally, pumice and related volcanic material production remained robust, with output around 20 million metric tons in recent years, underscoring the continued worldwide demand for these versatile minerals.