Magnesium metal - Production, Reserves & Supply Concentration
A lightweight metal used in alloys, metal processing and chemical applications.The series covers primary magnesium metal smelter output. Magnesium compounds have a separate USGS statistical series.
Magnesium metal Global Production & Country Share
Measure: Smelter production (thousand metric tons)
Magnesium metal Production by Country (2020-2025)
Smelter production · Unit: thousand metric tons
| Rank | Country | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e | Share | 5Y Chg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | China | 886 | 930 | 933 | 830 | 953 | 950 | 86.4% | +7.2% |
| #2 | Russia | 48 | 58 | 21 | 20 | 59 | 60 | 5.5% | +25.0% |
| #3 | Brazil | 18 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 20 | 1.8% | +11.1% |
| #3 | Israel | 19 | 18 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 20 | 1.8% | +5.3% |
| #5 | Türkiye | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 1.4% | +25.0% |
| #6 | Kazakhstan | 16 | 16 | 27 | 25 | 15 | 13 | 1.2% | -18.8% |
| #7 | Iran | - | - | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0.5% | - |
| - | World Total | 1,000 | 1,070 | 1,050 | 940 | 1,080 | 1,100 | 100.0% | +10.0% |
U.S. Supply, Consumption & Net Import Reliance (2021-2025)
| Salient Measure | Unit | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium Metal: Production: Primary | thousand metric tons | W | W | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Magnesium Metal: Production: Secondary (new and old scrap) | thousand metric tons | 103 | 115 | 108 | 109 | 110 |
| Magnesium Metal: Imports for consumption | thousand metric tons | 50 | 107 | 93 | 70 | 82 |
| Magnesium Metal: Exports | thousand metric tons | 10 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Magnesium Metal: Consumption: Reported, primary | thousand metric tons | 48 | 50 | 53 | 46 | 40 |
| Magnesium Metal: Consumption: Apparent | thousand metric tons | W | W | W | W | W |
| Magnesium Metal: Employment, number | number | 400 | 400 | 200 | 200 | 0 |
| Magnesium Metal: U.S. Net Import Reliance | % of consumption | >25% | >75% | >75% | >50% | >75% |
Frequently Asked Questions - Magnesium metal
Which country leads magnesium metal production (smelter production)?
China leads the 2025 USGS country table for smelter production, with 950 thousand metric tons (estimated) (86.4% of the reported world total). World output was 1,100 thousand metric tons in 2025.
Does USGS publish a country reserve ranking for magnesium metal?
The USGS chapter describes the available reserve information. The series covers primary magnesium metal smelter output. Magnesium compounds have a separate USGS statistical series.
What is US net import reliance and import sourcing for magnesium metal?
In 2025, US net import reliance was reported at >75% (Net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption). Across 2021-24, leading US import sources (Magnesium metal (99.8% purity)) were Israel (47%), Türkiye (31%), Russia (8%).
How is magnesium metal 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: Lightweight automotive and aerospace aluminum-magnesium alloys, die castings, iron desulfurization, and titanium sponge reduction. Primary magnesium metal is produced via thermal reduction (Pidgeon process) of dolomite or electrolysis of magnesium chloride brines. Magnesium compounds (magnesite, brucite, magnesia) are tracked in a separate USGS chapter.