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This table presents data on the quantities and values of tellurium metal imported into the United States for consumption from various countries and localities. Tellurium is a critical element used in a range of industrial applications, including solar panels, thermoelectric devices, and metallurgy. Tracking import volumes and values is essential for understanding supply chain dynamics, assessing market demand, and informing policy decisions related to resource security and trade.
The data reveal a significant decline in total tellurium imports from 36,800 kilograms valued at $3.78 million in 2022 to 8,310 kilograms valued at $1.25 million in 2023. Canada, historically the largest supplier, saw its imports drop sharply from 25,300 kilograms ($2.77 million) to 4,840 kilograms ($919,000). Other notable changes include the cessation of imports from Belgium, Germany, the Philippines, Russia, Turkey, and several other countries in 2023. Conversely, small quantities began arriving from Latvia, Sweden, and Ukraine, which were not recorded in 2022. These shifts suggest a contraction in U.S. tellurium import sources and volumes, potentially reflecting changes in global production, trade policies, or demand patterns.
| TABLE 5 | |||||||||
| U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF TELLURIUM METAL1 | |||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Tellurium content | Tellurium content | ||||||||
| Country or locality | (kilograms) | Value | (kilograms) | Value | |||||
| Belgium | 1290 | 107000 | -- | -- | |||||
| Canada | 25300 | 2770000 | 4840 | 919000 | |||||
| China | 1840 | 207000 | 1210 | 109000 | |||||
| Germany | 1570 | 142000 | -- | -- | |||||
| Japan | 2630 | 206000 | 1870 | 188000 | |||||
| Latvia | -- | -- | 5 | 13900 | |||||
| Philippines | 3570 | 291000 | -- | -- | |||||
| Russia | 508 | 34000 | -- | -- | |||||
| Sweden | -- | -- | 382 | 17600 | |||||
| Turkey | 128 | 30500 | -- | -- | |||||
| Ukraine | -- | -- | 1 | 2570 | |||||
| Total | 36800 | 3780000 | 8310 | 1250000 | |||||
-- Zero.
1Table includes data available through July 16, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Selenium statistics | Mineral commodity prices