Mercury market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The mercury market in Asia contracted significantly from 2018 to 2022, with market volume falling from 2 188 t to 892 t. The most pronounced drop occurred in 2021, when volume nearly halved to 1 180 t, indicating a accelerated shift in market conditions.

This sustained decline was driven by stricter environmental regulations and heightened awareness of mercury's health hazards, which spurred a broad transition toward mercury-free alternatives across industrial and consumer applications. The social shift away from mercury, exemplified by 40% of U.S. dentists offering mercury-free services by 2024, reduced overall consumption.

Major industry participants adapted their strategies, with China Minmetals Corporation announcing plans to bolster mercury production capacity for specific industrial needs, while DuPont de Nemours, Inc. launched mercury-free catalysts. Despite the downward trend, segments like mercury-containing lamps maintained steady demand due to their energy efficiency, as highlighted by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Production mercury in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of mercury, 2017-2020

World map of production of mercury, 2017-2020

Mercury production in Asia has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 178 tonnes of mercury, which represents a 6.4% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 41.1%, translating to an average annual decline of 16.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of mercury production in Asia has also dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 137.7 million US dollars, down 17.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 55.9%, with an average annual rate of decline of 23.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports mercury from Asia

Exports in kind, t

Mercury exports from Asia have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totalled 188.6 tonnes, a 30.1% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 47.2%, averaging an annual drop of 19.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 364.9 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.1% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, mercury exports in kind were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. Russia accounted for 13.4% of exports, Sudan for 7.7%, and Togo for 4.4%, with these three countries together making up just 25.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of mercury exports from Asia has also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 6 991 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp contraction of 52.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 46.7%, with an average annual decline of 18.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 16 185 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 23.5% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the buyer portfolio for Asian mercury exports was broad. Russia contributed 11.8% of export value, the United States 7.1%, and Sudan 6.9%, with these three countries together accounting for only 25.8% of total export value. Many other countries held smaller but still significant shares.

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

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

Imports mercury to Asia

Imports in kind, t

The mercury import market in Asia showed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 31.6 tonnes, then peaked in 2017, resulting in a 4.9-fold variation between these years. In 2020, imports rose to 77.8 tonnes, a 146.3% increase from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 73.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for mercury imports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Russia accounted for 6.0% of imports, the United States for 3.2%, and Switzerland for 3.1%, with these three countries jointly representing 12.3% of total import flows. The remaining 87.7% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Mercury imports into Asia have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately 3 794 thousand US dollars, indicating a solid fall of 20.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 41.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -16.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the role of Russia, Switzerland, and the United States as suppliers of mercury to Asia was notable but not dominant. Russia accounted for 18.9% of import value, Switzerland for 4.4%, and the United States for 3.1%, with their joint share reaching only 26.4% of total import value.

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

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