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This table provides detailed information on the reported consumption of various silicon ferroalloys and silicon metal in the United States during 2023, categorized by their end uses across different industries. It also includes data on consumers' stocks as of December 31, 2023. This information is crucial for understanding the demand patterns and inventory levels of these materials, which play a vital role in steel production, cast iron manufacturing, and the production of specialty alloys. Tracking consumption by end use helps industry stakeholders, policymakers, and analysts gauge the health of key manufacturing sectors, anticipate supply chain needs, and make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and trade.
In 2023, the consumption of ferrosilicon with 75% silicon content reached 127,000 metric tons, making it the most utilized silicon ferroalloy, primarily driven by its use in carbon and high-strength low-alloy steels, where 26,600 metric tons were reported. Stainless and heat-resisting steels accounted for a significant 38,200 metric tons of this alloy, highlighting its importance in high-performance steel applications. The total reported consumption of silicon metal was 204,000 metric tons, underscoring its broad industrial use. Cast irons also showed substantial consumption across multiple categories, including 21,700 metric tons of silicon alloys and 10,300 metric tons of silicon carbide. Consumers' stocks at year-end indicate a moderate inventory, with 14,000 metric tons of ferrosilicon (75%) held in stock, suggesting a stable supply environment. Notably, some data points were withheld to protect proprietary information, but the available figures reflect steady demand in traditional steelmaking and alloy production sectors.
| TABLE 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| REPORTED CONSUMPTION, BY END USE, AND STOCKS OF SILICON FERROALLOYS AND METAL IN THE | ||||||||||||||||
| UNITED STATES IN 20231, 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Metric tons, gross weight) | ||||||||||||||||
| Silvery | Ferrosilicon, | Ferrosilicon, | Silicon | Miscellaneous | Silicon | |||||||||||
| End use | pig iron3 | 50%4 | 75%5 | metal6 | silicon alloys7 | carbide8 | ||||||||||
| Steel: | ||||||||||||||||
| Carbon and high-strength, low-alloy | W | W | 26600 | W | (9) | W | ||||||||||
| Stainless and heat-resisting | -- | W | 38200 | 600 | (9) | W | ||||||||||
| Full alloy | -- | W | 7400 | W | (9) | -- | ||||||||||
| Electric steel | -- | -- | W | -- | -- | W | ||||||||||
| Tool steel | -- | -- | W | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||
| Unspecified | -- | W | W | W | 500 | -- | ||||||||||
| Total | W | W | 103000 | 1940 | 500 | W | ||||||||||
| Cast irons | W | 18600 | 23700 | (10) | 21700 | 10300 | ||||||||||
| Superalloys | -- | (11) | 60 | -- | -- | |||||||||||
| Welding and alloy hard-facing rods and materials | -- | (11) | -- | (10) | (12) | -- | ||||||||||
| Wear- and corrosion-resistant alloys | -- | -- | (11) | -- | (12) | -- | ||||||||||
| Aluminum alloys | -- | -- | (11) | (10) | (12) | -- | ||||||||||
| Copper alloys | -- | -- | (11) | (10) | -- | -- | ||||||||||
| Nickel alloys | -- | -- | (11) | (10) | (12) | -- | ||||||||||
| Tungsten alloys | -- | -- | -- | (10) | -- | -- | ||||||||||
| Chemical carbides | -- | -- | -- | -- | (12) | -- | ||||||||||
| Other alloys, excluding superalloys and alloy steel | -- | (11) | -- | 17800 | 13 | (12) | -- | |||||||||
| Miscellaneous and unspecified | -- | -- | 300 | W | 14 | (12) | -- | |||||||||
| Grand total | W | 66500 | 127000 | 204000 | 22200 | W | ||||||||||
| Consumers' stocks, December 31 | W | 900 | 14000 | W | 600 | 1000 | ||||||||||
W Withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through December 10, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Estimated by U.S. Geological Survey.
3Typically 18% silicon content but ranges between 5% and 24% silicon content.
4Typically 48% silicon content but ranges between 25% and 55% silicon content; includes briquets.
5Typically 76% silicon content but ranges between 56% and 95% silicon content; includes briquets.
6Typically 98% silicon content but ranges between 96% and 99% silicon content.
7Typically 48% silicon content. Primarily magnesium-ferrosilicon but also includes other silicon alloys.
8Typically 64% silicon content but ranges between 63% and 70% silicon content. Does not include silicon carbide for abrasive or refractory uses.
9Included with “Steel: Unspecified,” to avoid disclosing company proprietary data.
10Included with “Other alloys, excluding superalloys and alloy steel” to avoid disclosing company proprietary data.
11Included with “Cast irons,” to avoid disclosing company proprietary data.
12Included with “Miscellaneous and unspecified,” to avoid disclosing company proprietary data.
13Primarily aluminum alloys.
14Primarily silicones and other chemicals.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Silicon statistics | Mineral commodity prices