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This table presents detailed data on the consumption of tin in the United States, categorized by various finished products and distinguishing between primary and secondary sources of tin content. This information is critical for understanding the demand patterns of tin across different industrial applications, such as alloys, chemicals, solder, and tinplate production. Tracking these consumption trends helps policymakers, manufacturers, and investors gauge the health of industries reliant on tin, assess supply chain dynamics, and make informed decisions related to resource management and economic planning.
In 2023, total tin consumption slightly decreased to 28,600 metric tons from 29,000 metric tons in 2022, reflecting a modest contraction in overall demand. Notably, consumption in the miscellaneous alloys category declined by 260 metric tons, from 3,250 to 2,990 metric tons, while bronze and brass usage dropped by 150 metric tons to 1,200 metric tons. Conversely, solder consumption increased marginally to 3,110 metric tons, and the "Other" category, which includes diverse products such as britannia metal and tin powder, rose by 100 metric tons to 7,320 metric tons. Primary tin sources accounted for the majority of consumption, totaling 26,100 metric tons in 2023, down slightly from 26,500 metric tons the previous year, whereas secondary tin usage remained relatively stable around 2,480 metric tons. These shifts highlight subtle changes in industrial demand, possibly influenced by evolving manufacturing processes and market conditions.
| TABLE 3 | ||||||||||||||
| U.S. CONSUMPTION OF TIN, BY FINISHED PRODUCT1 | ||||||||||||||
| (Metric tons, tin content) | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Product | Primary | Secondary | Total | Primary | Secondary | Total | ||||||||
| Alloys, miscellaneous2 | 3190 | 64 | 3250 | 2950 | 37 | 2990 | ||||||||
| Babbitt | 269 | W | 269 | 302 | W | 302 | ||||||||
| Bar tin | 567 | -- | 567 | 573 | -- | 573 | ||||||||
| Bronze and brass | 851 | r | 501 | r | 1350 | 752 | 443 | 1200 | ||||||
| Chemicals | 6470 | W | 6470 | 6350 | W | 6350 | ||||||||
| Solder | 3060 | W | 3060 | 3110 | W | 3110 | ||||||||
| Tinning | 343 | W | 343 | 340 | W | 340 | ||||||||
| Tinplate3 | 6450 | r | W | 6450 | r | 6430 | W | 6430 | ||||||
| Other4 | 5320 | 1900 | 7220 | 5320 | 2000 | 7320 | ||||||||
| Total | 26500 | r | 2470 | r | 29000 | r | 26100 | 2480 | 28600 | |||||
rRevised. W Withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data; included with “Other.” -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through September 9, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Includes terne metal.
3Includes secondary pig tin and tin acquired in chemicals.
4Includes britannia metal, collapsible tubes and foil, jewelers’ metal, pewter, tin powder, type metal, and white metal.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Tin statistics | Mineral commodity prices