U.S. Imports For Consumption Of Ferrosilicon By Country Or Locality

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of ferrosilicon imported into the United States from various countries and localities, categorized by silicon content and type. Ferrosilicon is a critical alloy used primarily in steelmaking and foundry industries to improve strength and durability, making its import trends significant for understanding supply chain dynamics and industrial demand. Tracking these imports by country helps identify key trading partners, shifts in sourcing, and potential impacts on domestic production costs and market stability.

Analysis of the 2023 data reveals several notable trends compared to 2022. Total ferrosilicon imports decreased from 253,000 metric tons to 218,000 metric tons, with the total value dropping substantially from $851 million to $489 million. Among the categories, imports of 55%–80% silicon with more than 3% calcium saw an increase in quantity from 2,890 to 3,350 metric tons, driven by new imports from Brazil (513 metric tons) and Kazakhstan (1,900 metric tons), which had no reported imports the previous year. Conversely, imports from China in this category plummeted from 1,790 to just 30 metric tons. For the 55%–80% silicon other category, total imports declined from 204,000 to 184,000 metric tons, with Russia remaining the top source despite a decrease from 88,600 to 71,300 metric tons and a halving of import value from $359 million to $164 million. Notably, Vietnam’s imports surged from 75 to 6,540 metric tons, reflecting a significant new supply source. Magnesium ferrosilicon imports also fell from 36,100 to 20,100 metric tons, with Canada and Brazil showing marked decreases. Overall, the data indicate a diversification of supply sources with emerging contributors like Kazakhstan and Vietnam, alongside a general reduction in import volumes and values, possibly reflecting changing market conditions or domestic production adjustments.