U.S. Exports Of Zinc, By Material

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of various zinc materials exported from the United States over two consecutive years. It categorizes exports by material type, including ores and concentrates, zinc compounds, unwrought zinc, zinc alloys, waste and scrap, dust and powders, as well as wrought zinc products. This information is crucial for understanding the role of zinc in the U.S. economy and industrial supply chains, as zinc is widely used in galvanizing steel, alloy production, and chemical applications. Tracking export trends helps policymakers, industry stakeholders, and analysts assess market demand, trade balances, and the competitiveness of U.S. zinc products in global markets.

Analysis of the data reveals several notable trends between 2022 and 2023. While the quantity of zinc ores and concentrates exported remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 644,000 to 641,000 metric tons, their export value dropped significantly by approximately 36%, from $1.53 billion to $973 million. Exports of hard zinc spelter increased in quantity from 12,300 to 14,700 metric tons but saw a slight decline in value. Zinc waste and scrap exports experienced a sharp decline in quantity, falling from 190,000 metric tons in 2022 to just 43,900 metric tons in 2023, with a corresponding decrease in value from $183 million to $52.6 million. Conversely, unwrought zinc containing 99.99% or more zinc saw a reduction in quantity exported from 7,800 to 3,220 metric tons but an increase in value from $27.4 million to $42.8 million, indicating higher prices or a shift toward higher-value shipments. Overall, total exports of zinc materials showed mixed performance, with some categories declining in volume and value, while others maintained or improved their economic contribution.