Lime market in United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. lime market volume grew steadily from 12.0 million tons in 2018 to 18.3 million tons in 2022. The most significant increases occurred in 2020, when volume jumped by over 2.1 million tons, and in 2022, with a rise of nearly 2.9 million tons.

In value terms, the market expanded from $2.38 billion to $2.79 billion over the same period, although it experienced a temporary dip to $2.29 billion in 2020. This suggests that price fluctuations influenced the monetary size despite consistent volume growth.

In the following years, the market landscape was shaped by strategic corporate moves and regulatory updates. Mississippi Lime Company's acquisition of Valley Minerals in 2022 strengthened its position in hydrated lime products, catering to demand from sectors like steelmaking and water treatment. In 2024, the company invested in an environmentally sustainable kiln in Missouri, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve product quality. Simultaneously, the EPA finalized amendments to air pollutant standards for lime plants, which came into effect in September 2024, pushing manufacturers toward cleaner production. High labor costs, exacerbated by tightening H-2A visa rules, continued to pressure domestic growers.

Production lime in United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Lime production in the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 15 396 K t, marking a 15.8% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 29.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of lime production in the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, declined. In 2020, output was valued at 2 267 M $ US, showing a moderate drop of 7.2% year-over-year. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 2 444 M $ US, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lime from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of lime from the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 265.9 K t, indicating a significant decline of 23.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 32.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.1%. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 422.7 K t, with the largest increase also in 2018 at 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner base for exports in kind was extremely narrow, with Canada alone accounting for 94.5% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Foreign lime supplies from the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 39 157 K $ US, down by 38.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 47.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -19.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 83 720 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, Canada concentrated 88.7% of total exports in value terms, while the remaining volume was distributed among many countries with smaller individual shares.

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

World map of product's exports from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020

Imports lime to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

Imports in kind, K t

Lime deliveries to the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 308.1 K t, reflecting a modest decline of 9.9% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 16.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.7%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 370.3 K t, with the largest increase also in 2018 at 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada concentrated almost all imports in kind of lime to the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, with a share of 90.4% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of lime to the United States of America, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 66 661 K $ US, reflecting a decline of 8.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 8.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 66 661 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the partner structure for imports in value terms was centered on Canada, whose share amounted to 82.9% of total flows, while other markets formed a less significant perimeter.

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

World map of product's imports to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020