Feldspar market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. feldspar market volume showed considerable variation from 2018 to 2022, beginning at 726 thousand tons before falling to 510 thousand tons in 2019 and then climbing back to 704 thousand tons by the end of the period. The high initial level and the subsequent recovery were primarily driven by expansion in residential and commercial construction, which consistently boosted demand from key consuming industries like glass and ceramics.

The market decline in 2019 was not attributed to specific reported factors. The turnaround started in 2020, though its pace was moderated by the temporary halt of industrial operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which dampened short-term demand from construction and automotive sectors. The recovery gained strength from 2021 onward, fueled by broader economic revival and sustained construction activity. This period saw increased consumption of feldspar for flat and container glass in automotive and architectural applications. Additionally, new investments in high-purity extraction projects were initiated to meet the growing demand.

Production feldspar in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States ranked as the 11th largest producer of feldspar globally.

Top producers of feldspar, 2017-2020

World map of production of feldspar, 2017-2020

In 2020, the United States produced 480.0 K t of feldspar, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.9%. The peak production occurred in 2018 at 550.0 K t. The most significant drop was in 2019, with an 18.2% decline, while the largest rise was in 2018, with a 25.0% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports feldspar from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Feldspar exports from the United States fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 3.2 K t, a sharp 18.3% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 40.6%, translating to an average annual decline of 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico were the primary markets for U.S. feldspar exports by volume. Canada accounted for 65.5% of exports, Colombia for 11.7%, and Mexico for 6.5%, together making up 83.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

U.S. feldspar export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 975 K $ US, a moderate 9.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 19.8%, with an average annual rate of 7.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 413 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping 23.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, up 16.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Canada, Colombia, and Panama were the key partners for U.S. feldspar exports by value. Canada represented 58.5% of exports, Colombia 17.0%, and Panama 5.0%, collectively accounting for 80.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports feldspar to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Feldspar imports into the United States decreased for the third straight year. In 2020, imports amounted to 43.3 K t, a 32.2% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 85.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -47.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the dominant and nearly exclusive source for feldspar imports into the United States by volume, holding a 97.8% share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, U.S. feldspar import value increased in 2020. Imports reached 7 287 K $ US, a solid 12.7% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 35.1%, averaging an annual decline of 13.4%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 6 463 K $ US, which also saw the largest drop of 32.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2017-2020, Turkey remained the primary source for feldspar imports into the United States by value, accounting for 86.8% of total imports, with other destinations playing a much smaller role.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020