Salient Tungsten Statistics

This table presents key quantitative data on tungsten production, consumption, trade, stocks, and pricing, primarily focusing on the United States and global figures from 2017 through 2021. It includes detailed statistics on tungsten concentrates, ammonium paratungstate, ferrotungsten, and primary tungsten products, highlighting imports, exports, domestic consumption, and government stockpiles. This information is vital for understanding the supply-demand dynamics of tungsten, a critical metal used extensively in manufacturing, defense, and high-tech industries due to its unique properties such as high melting point and hardness. Tracking these statistics helps policymakers, industry stakeholders, and analysts assess market trends, resource security, and economic impacts related to tungsten.

Analysis of the data reveals several notable trends. U.S. tungsten concentrate production remained unreported throughout the period, while imports for consumption declined sharply from 3,920 metric tons in 2017 to 1,590 metric tons in 2021, indicating reduced domestic demand or shifts in sourcing. Exports fluctuated, peaking at 583 metric tons in 2019 before falling to 441 metric tons in 2021. The U.S. Government’s strategic stockpile steadily decreased from 10,200 metric tons in 2017 to 6,570 metric tons in 2021, reflecting possible drawdowns or re-evaluations of reserve levels. Globally, tungsten concentrate production showed a gradual increase from 81,400 metric tons in 2017 to 83,800 metric tons in 2021. Prices exhibited variability, with the ex-works China price for minimum 65% tungsten trioxide rising significantly from $12,798 per metric ton in 2019 to $15,790 in 2021, suggesting tightening supply or increased demand. Meanwhile, ferrotungsten consumption in the U.S. declined from 94 metric tons in 2017 to 87 metric tons in 2021, accompanied by decreasing imports and exports, indicating a contraction in this segment of the tungsten market.