Salient Strontium Statistics

This table presents key statistics related to the production, import, export, and consumption of strontium minerals and compounds in the United States, alongside global production figures for celestite, the primary strontium ore. These data are critical for understanding the supply chain and market dynamics of strontium, a metal used extensively in industries such as electronics, pyrotechnics, glass manufacturing, and ceramics. Tracking imports and exports, as well as apparent consumption, helps gauge domestic demand and reliance on foreign sources, which is vital for economic planning and industrial strategy.

Analysis of the data reveals that the United States does not produce strontium minerals domestically, relying entirely on imports. Imports of strontium compounds peaked in 2022 at 5,740 metric tons but declined sharply to 3,330 metric tons in 2023 before slightly rebounding to 3,690 metric tons in 2024. Celestite imports showed even more volatility, surging from 106 metric tons in 2021 to 9,160 metric tons in 2022, then dropping to just 29 metric tons in 2024. This fluctuation is mirrored in the gross weight figures and is accompanied by a dramatic increase in the average customs value of celestite imports, which soared to $807 per metric ton in 2024 from $82 in 2023. Exports of strontium carbonate have gradually increased, reaching 61 metric tons in 2024. Globally, celestite production declined from 536,000 metric tons in 2021 to 373,000 metric tons in 2023 but is estimated to have recovered slightly to 400,000 metric tons in 2024. These trends suggest significant market disruptions and price volatility in recent years, highlighting the importance of monitoring supply sources and pricing for this critical mineral.