Indium - Production, Reserves & Supply Concentration
A metal used in transparent conductive coatings, electronics and solders.The series measures refinery output. Indium is commonly recovered during the processing of other metals.
Indium Global Production & Country Share
Measure: Refinery production (metric tons)
Indium Production by Country (2020-2025)
Refinery production · Unit: metric tons
| Rank | Country | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e | Share | 5Y Chg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | China | 540 | 540 | 670 | 650 | 760 | 760 | 69.1% | +40.7% |
| #2 | South Korea | 210 | 190 | 180 | 200 | 180 | 180 | 16.4% | -14.3% |
| #3 | Japan | 66 | 66 | 66 | 64 | 65 | 65 | 5.9% | -1.5% |
| #4 | Canada | 66 | 60 | 39 | 37 | 40 | 40 | 3.6% | -39.4% |
| #5 | France | 38 | 38 | 19 | 12 | 21 | 21 | 1.9% | -44.7% |
| #6 | Belgium | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 1.7% | -5.0% |
| #7 | Russia | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0.5% | 0.0% |
| #8 | Uzbekistan | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.1% | - |
| - | World Total | 960 | 932 | 999 | 990 | 1,090 | 1,100 | 100.0% | +14.6% |
U.S. Supply, Consumption & Net Import Reliance (2021-2025)
| Salient Measure | Unit | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indium: Production, refinery | metric tons | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Indium: Imports for consumption | metric tons | 158 | 202 | 219 | 220 | 220 |
| Indium: Exports | metric tons | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Indium: Consumption, estimated | metric tons | 158 | 202 | 219 | 220 | 220 |
| Indium: U.S. Net Import Reliance | % of consumption | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Frequently Asked Questions - Indium
Which country leads indium production (refinery production)?
China leads the 2025 USGS country table for refinery production, with 760 metric tons (estimated) (69.1% of the reported world total). World output was 1,100 metric tons in 2025.
Does USGS publish a country reserve ranking for indium?
The USGS chapter describes the available reserve information. The series measures refinery output. Indium is commonly recovered during the processing of other metals.
What is US net import reliance and import sourcing for indium?
In 2025, US net import reliance was reported at 100% (Net import reliance as a percentage of estimated consumption). Across 2021-24, leading US import sources (All) were South Korea (25%), Japan (22%), China (12%).
How is indium 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: Indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductive coatings for flat-panel displays, touchscreens, solders, and thin-film photovoltaics. Indium is recovered almost entirely as a byproduct from zinc-sulfide (sphalerite) smelter residues, fumes, and slags. USGS country tables therefore measure refined indium output and refinery capacity.