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This table provides detailed information on the quantities and values of various zinc compounds exported from the United States to different countries and localities. These compounds, including zinc oxide, zinc chloride, zinc sulfide, zinc sulfate, chromates of zinc or lead, and lithopone, are critical raw materials used in industries such as rubber manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and chemical production. Tracking export data by destination helps to understand international demand patterns, trade relationships, and the economic impact of the U.S. zinc compound industry on both domestic markets and global supply chains.
Analysis of the 2023 data reveals several notable trends. Zinc oxide remains the dominant export compound by volume, with Mexico as the largest recipient, importing 62,100 metric tons valued at $80.9 million, though this represents a slight decrease from 63,500 metric tons in 2022. Canada also continues to be a major market, with exports valued at $10.2 million, up from $7.6 million the previous year despite a small drop in quantity. Significant growth is seen in exports to Japan, where zinc oxide shipments increased tenfold from 38 to 390 metric tons, with value rising from $105,000 to $1.1 million. Zinc chloride exports increased overall, with Peru doubling its imports from 233 to 507 metric tons, maintaining a value of $507,000. Conversely, zinc sulfate exports declined from 808 to 508 metric tons, with Belgium’s imports rising sharply in value despite a volume increase. The chromates category, though small in volume, more than doubled in value to $668,000, driven by increased shipments to South Korea and South Africa. Overall, while total zinc compound export volume slightly decreased from 75,758 metric tons in 2022 to 74,142 metric tons in 2023, the value dynamics indicate shifting demand and pricing across different compounds and markets.
| TABLE 10 | ||||||||||
| U.S. EXPORTS OF ZINC COMPOUNDS, BY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY1 | ||||||||||
| (Gross weight) | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Quantity | Value | Quantity | Value | |||||||
| Compound and country or locality | Schedule B number | (metric tons) | (thousands) | (metric tons) | (thousands) | |||||
| Zinc oxide: | 2817.00.0000 | |||||||||
| Australia | 187 | 572 | 124 | 255 | ||||||
| Belgium | 387 | 1320 | 619 | 1350 | ||||||
| Brazil | 285 | 783 | 125 | 601 | ||||||
| Canada | 3710 | 7590 | 3500 | 10200 | ||||||
| Colombia | 275 | 596 | 253 | 452 | ||||||
| Finland | 797 | 3400 | 915 | 3410 | ||||||
| India | 828 | 3740 | 1350 | 3750 | ||||||
| Japan | 38 | 105 | 390 | 1100 | ||||||
| Mexico | 63500 | 113000 | 62100 | 80900 | ||||||
| United Kingdom | 145 | 284 | 268 | 490 | ||||||
| Other [52 countries and (or) localities] | 1180 | r | 5450 | r | 1540 | 5820 | ||||
| Total | 71300 | r | 137000 | 71200 | 108000 | |||||
| Zinc chloride: | 2827.39.6500 | |||||||||
| India | 88 | 88 | 17 | 17 | ||||||
| Italy | 500 | 537 | 484 | 910 | ||||||
| Mexico | 44 | 98 | 77 | 232 | ||||||
| Peru | 233 | 234 | 507 | 507 | ||||||
| Thailand | 68 | 68 | 123 | 128 | ||||||
| Other [19 countries and (or) localities] | 316 | r | 524 | r | 182 | 400 | ||||
| Total | 1250 | 1550 | 1390 | 2190 | ||||||
| Zinc sulfide: | 2830.90.1000, | |||||||||
| 2830.90.1500 | ||||||||||
| Canada | 755 | 3880 | 721 | 3890 | ||||||
| Mexico | 1400 | 2130 | 1230 | 2080 | ||||||
| Other [17 countries and (or) localities] | 246 | 8450 | 85 | 6640 | ||||||
| Total | 2400 | 14500 | 2030 | 12600 | ||||||
| Zinc sulfate: | 2833.29.4500 | |||||||||
| Belgium | 54 | 55 | 211 | 129 | ||||||
| Mexico | 252 | 183 | 62 | 84 | ||||||
| South Africa | 165 | 99 | 48 | 29 | ||||||
| Other [25 countries and (or) localities] | 337 | r | 432 | r | 187 | 182 | ||||
| Total | 808 | 769 | 508 | 424 | ||||||
| Chromates of zinc or of lead: | 2841.90.4500 | |||||||||
| Korea, Republic of | -- | -- | 9 | 153 | ||||||
| South Africa | 2 | 318 | 4 | 509 | ||||||
| Other [2 countries and (or) localities] | 1 | r | 26 | r | (2) | 6 | ||||
| Total | 4 | 344 | 13 | 668 | ||||||
| Lithopone: | 3206.42.0000 | |||||||||
| Mexico | 452 | 1660 | 282 | 993 | ||||||
| Other [13 countries and (or) localities] | 58 | 238 | 109 | 370 | ||||||
| Total | 510 | 1900 | 391 | 1360 | ||||||
rRevised. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through January 28, 2025. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Less than ½ unit.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Zinc statistics | Mineral commodity prices