Beryllium Supply And Demand In The United States.pdf

- Production & Consumption:
- U.S. production (mine shipments): 110-176 tons (2005-2008), estimated 120 tons in 2009.
- Imports: 62-200 tons (2005-2008), estimated 20 tons in 2009.
- Exports: 101-300 tons (2005-2009).
- Consumption: 84-226 tons (2005-2008), estimated 120 tons in 2009.
- Net import reliance: 73%-17% (2005-2008), estimated 100% in 2009.

- Use & Market:
- Computer/telecommunications: >50% of consumption.
- Aerospace/defense: Remaining consumption.
- Other applications: Appliances, automotive electronics, industrial components.

- Prices & Tariffs:
- Average annual unit value of beryllium-copper master alloy: $99-$159 per pound (2005-2008), $120 in 2009.
- Tariffs: 3.7%-8.5% ad valorem on beryllium oxide, hydroxide, and other products; free on beryllium ores, concentrates, and copper master alloy.

- Stockpile & Recycling:
- National Defense Stockpile: 45 tons of hot-pressed beryllium powder, 936 tons of beryl ore, 911 tons of beryllium-copper master alloy, and 54 tons of beryllium metal.
- Recycling: Up to 10% of apparent consumption, mostly from new scrap.

- World Production & Reserves:
- World mine production: 200 tons (2008), 140 tons (2009).
- U.S. reserves: 15,900 tons of contained beryllium in Utah.
- World resources: More than 80,000 tons.

- Substitutes:
- Beryllium metal/composites: Metal matrix composites, high-strength aluminum, pyrolytic graphite, silicon carbide, steel, titanium.
- Beryllium-copper alloys: Nickel/silicon, tin, titanium, or other alloying elements, phosphor bronze alloys.
- Beryllium oxide: Aluminum nitride, boron nitride.