U.S. Imports For Consumption Of Zinc, By Material

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of various zinc materials imported into the United States for consumption. It covers a broad range of zinc forms, including ores and concentrates, compounds, unwrought zinc, alloys, waste and scrap, dust, powders, flakes, and wrought zinc products. This information is critical for understanding the supply chain dynamics of zinc, a metal essential for galvanizing steel, manufacturing alloys, and producing chemicals. Tracking import volumes and values helps industries and policymakers gauge market trends, assess domestic demand, and make informed decisions regarding trade policies and resource management.

Analysis of the data reveals several notable trends between 2022 and 2023. Imports of ores and concentrates more than tripled, rising from 4,870 metric tons valued at $9.88 million to 18,400 metric tons worth $21.5 million, indicating a significant increase in raw zinc material sourcing. Conversely, imports of zinc compounds such as zinc oxide and zinc sulfate declined; zinc oxide imports decreased from 104,000 to 98,700 metric tons, with value dropping from $371 million to $311 million, while zinc sulfate fell from 95,200 to 72,200 metric tons, with value halving from $124 million to $66.8 million. Unwrought zinc imports also saw a decrease, from 762,000 metric tons valued at $2.71 billion to 705,000 metric tons worth $2.24 billion, driven mainly by a reduction in high-purity zinc (99.99% or more) from 517,000 to 428,000 metric tons. On the other hand, zinc alloys and zinc dross/skimmings imports increased modestly. Overall, these shifts suggest changing patterns in zinc sourcing and processing, possibly reflecting evolving industrial demand, price fluctuations, or supply chain adjustments.