Magnesite market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the natural magnesium carbonate market in Northern America experienced significant fluctuations. Starting at 151.7 thousand tons in 2018, market volume grew by 20% to 182 thousand tons in 2019. This surge was primarily driven by a 5.4% increase in US pharmaceutical sector expenditure, which raised demand for magnesium carbonate in drug formulations, alongside its expanding use in rubber and construction materials. In 2020, the market contracted to 161 thousand tons as COVID-19 pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and factory idling reduced demand, despite sustained need from healthcare applications.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching 198.2 thousand tons, and stabilized at 198.5 thousand tons in 2022. This recovery and high-level plateau were supported by continued expansion in the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors, particularly strong demand for antacids like Tums and Rolaids, which accounted for a substantial share of US pharmaceutical revenue. Additionally, sustainability trends and environmental regulations in North America promoted the adoption of eco-friendly magnesium carbonate in various industries.

In the later years, market evolution continued with the launch of new high-purity magnesium carbonate products by companies such as Buschle and Lepper, targeting pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Growing consumer preference for natural and clean-label ingredients in food and personal care products further influenced demand. Supportive US regulatory frameworks favoring natural mineral-based additives over synthetic alternatives, along with green building trends promoting magnesium carbonate use in insulation and refractory materials, provided ongoing market incentives.

Production magnesite in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of magnesite, 2017-2020

World map of production of magnesite, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern America produced 160.0 thousand tons of magnesite, marking an 11.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 180.0 thousand tons, which represented a 20.0% increase from the prior year.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports magnesite from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import levels varied significantly, with a 30 847-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2017. In 2020, cross-border shipments of magnesite from Northern America reached 7 tons, a sharp increase of 227 625.0% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 tons, representing a 100.0% decline.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Japan, and New Zealand remained the main markets for magnesite exports from Northern America in volume terms. Brazil accounted for 22.5% of exports, Japan for 13.3%, and New Zealand for 3.7%, together making up 39.5% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. It peaked in 2017 and hit a low in 2019, with a 262-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exported magnesite volumes from Northern America reached 4 thousand US dollars, up by 2 523.4% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand US dollars, a 99.3% decline.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, Japan, and Vietnam were the primary buyers of magnesite from Northern America in value terms. Brazil contributed 19.9% of exports, Japan 11.8%, and Vietnam 3.9%, jointly accounting for 35.6% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020

Imports magnesite to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, cross-border shipments of magnesite to Northern America declined. In 2020, imports reached 979 tons, down by 50.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 29.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.0%. The highest import level was recorded in 2019 at 1 972 tons, following a 28.3% increase in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Over the period 2017–2020, China, India, and the United Kingdom were the largest contributors to magnesite imports into Northern America in volume terms. China accounted for 65.8% of imports, India for 3.3%, and the United Kingdom for 2.0%, together comprising 71.1% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, cross-border shipments of magnesite to Northern America fell. In 2020, imports stood at 1 069 thousand US dollars, a 20.0% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 48.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.0%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 1 336 thousand US dollars, after a 60.0% increase in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, China, India, and the United Kingdom held the largest shares of magnesite imports into Northern America in value terms. China represented 67.9% of imports, India 2.4%, and the United Kingdom 1.7%, together making up 71.9% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020