Bismuth - Production, Reserves & Supply Concentration
A metal used in chemicals, low-melting-point alloys and some lead-replacement applications.The country series measures refinery production, showing where bismuth is processed into refined material.
Bismuth Global Production & Country Share
Measure: Refinery production (metric tons)
Bismuth Production by Country (2020-2025)
Refinery production · Unit: metric tons
| Rank | Country | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e | Share | 5Y Chg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | China | 16,000 | 16,000 | 15,500 | 16,000 | 14,000 | 14,000 | 87.5% | -12.5% |
| #2 | South Korea | 970 | 1,000 | 810 | 850 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 6.3% | +3.1% |
| #3 | Japan | 570 | 500 | 490 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 3.1% | -12.3% |
| #3 | Laos | 1,000 | 2,070 | 1,940 | 2,000 | 492 | 500 | 3.1% | -50.0% |
| #5 | Kazakhstan | 230 | 230 | 190 | 160 | 180 | 180 | 1.1% | -21.7% |
| #6 | Bolivia | 30 | 60 | 0 | 40 | 50 | 50 | 0.3% | +66.7% |
| #6 | Bulgaria | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 48 | 50 | 0.3% | 0.0% |
| - | World Total | 18,900 | 20,000 | 19,000 | 20,000 | 16,300 | 16,000 | 100.0% | -15.3% |
U.S. Supply, Consumption & Net Import Reliance (2021-2025)
| Salient Measure | Unit | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismuth: Production: Refinery | metric tons | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bismuth: Production: Secondary (scrap) | metric tons | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Bismuth: Imports for consumption, metal, alloys, and scrap: Containing more than 99.99% bismuth, by weight | metric tons | NA | 740 | 731 | 626 | 650 |
| Bismuth: Imports for consumption, metal, alloys, and scrap: Other | metric tons | NA | 2,340 | 1,110 | 1,180 | 820 |
| Bismuth: Imports for consumption, metal, alloys, and scrap: Total | metric tons | 1,980 | 3,080 | 1,840 | 1,800 | 1,500 |
| Bismuth: Exports, metal, alloys, and scrap: Containing more than 99.99% bismuth, by weight | metric tons | NA | 144 | 131 | 430 | 180 |
| Bismuth: Exports, metal, alloys, and scrap: Other | metric tons | NA | 360 | 329 | 620 | 360 |
| Bismuth: Exports, metal, alloys, and scrap: Total | metric tons | 1,010 | 503 | 460 | 1,050 | 540 |
| Bismuth: Consumption: Apparent | metric tons | 1,030 | 2,600 | 1,450 | 830 | 1,000 |
| Bismuth: Consumption: Reported | metric tons | 597 | 724 | 691 | 700 | NA |
| Bismuth: U.S. Net Import Reliance | % of consumption | 92% | 97% | 94% | 90% | 92% |
Frequently Asked Questions - Bismuth
Which country leads bismuth production (refinery production)?
China leads the 2025 USGS country table for refinery production, with 14,000 metric tons (estimated) (87.5% of the reported world total). World output was 16,000 metric tons in 2025.
Does USGS publish a country reserve ranking for bismuth?
The USGS chapter describes the available reserve information. The country series measures refinery production, showing where bismuth is processed into refined material.
What is US net import reliance and import sourcing for bismuth?
In 2025, US net import reliance was reported at 92% (Net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption). Across 2021-24, leading US import sources (All) were China (56%), South Korea (22%), Germany (13%).
How is bismuth classified on the US Critical Minerals List and what are its primary uses?
Status: Listed on 2025 US List (2022 & 2025 lists). Primary applications cited in USGS summaries include: Pharmaceuticals, low-melting-point fusible alloys, lead-free solders, and metallurgical additives. Bismuth is predominantly recovered as a byproduct of lead and tungsten refining. Because few mines extract bismuth as a primary ore, USGS country rankings measure refinery output and capacity.