Arsenic trade
Arsenic is a toxic semi-metal that is often extracted as a by-product of mining other metals like copper, gold, and lead. It's primarily mined in countries such as China, Chile, and Mexico. Arsenic has various uses due to its unique properties. It's used in the production of pesticides, certain types of glass, semiconductors, and leather treatments. Historically, it was also used in medicine for treating certain diseases, but this use has largely been discontinued due to its toxicity. The global trade in arsenic in...
Arsenic is a toxic semi-metal that is often extracted as a by-product of mining other metals like copper, gold, and lead. It's primarily mined in countries such as China, Chile, and Mexico.
Arsenic has various uses due to its unique properties. It's used in the production of pesticides, certain types of glass, semiconductors, and leather treatments. Historically, it was also used in medicine for treating certain diseases, but this use has largely been discontinued due to its toxicity.
The global trade in arsenic involves exporting raw or processed arsenic from mining countries to importing countries where it's used in various industries. This trade often passes through specialized chemical distributors and trading companies. The production process of extracting arsenic can have significant environmental and health impacts due to the toxic nature of the substance.
Country-level reported imports and exports by year.
Net export flows between reporting partners filtered by global trade share.
Bilateral trade structure for the selected year.
Market intelligence
The U.S. FDA issued draft guidance proposing a limit of 100 parts per billion for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal, aligning U.S. standards with the EU and potentially reducing arsenic exposure.
The FDA proposed an action level of 10 ppb for inorganic arsenic in apple juice, establishing new industry guidance that could affect arsenic usage in food processing.
The FDA released analytical results of rice samples showing elevated arsenic levels, prompting regulatory attention and potential future limits on arsenic in food products.
EPA issued the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) to limit arsenic emissions from coal‑ and oil‑fired power plants.
FDA released results of arsenic testing in apple juice, potentially leading to new guidance on allowable levels.
EPA hosted a workshop with MIT and the National Center for Electronics Recycling to improve data on e‑waste exports containing arsenic.
BacTech Environmental Corp. received a contract to remediate a stockpile of arsenopyrite concentrate in Snow Lake, Manitoba.
Molycorp Inc. launched a rare‑earth‑based treatment technology capable of removing arsenic from water.
The U.S. wood‑preserving industry voluntarily stopped using arsenic‑containing CCA for decks and outdoor residential wood by the end of 2003, reducing demand for arsenic trioxide.
EPA commenced a demonstration program (July 2003–July 2011) testing arsenic removal technologies in small water systems.
Wood preservative industry voluntarily eliminated CCA as a wood preservative for certain products, reducing demand for arsenic trioxide.
EPA announced a research and development initiative for cost‑effective arsenic removal technologies for small water systems.
Ashanti Goldfields Ltd. roaster closed in mid‑2000, cutting arsenic trioxide production.
National Research Council study released, prompting the EPA to develop a stricter standard for arsenic in drinking water.
Tsumeb smelter and all associated operations were shut down, halting further arsenic processing.
Tsumeb Corp. smelter shut down in April 1998, halting arsenic processing.
Tsumeb mine ceased operations, reducing Namibia’s arsenic production.
Tsumeb Corp. mine closed in 1996, reducing local arsenic production.
EPA proposed new treatment standards for land disposal of arsenic‑containing waste, potentially altering waste management practices and compliance requirements.
A major arsenic producer faced bankruptcy in 1995, curtailing production and affecting future supply availability.
EPA recommended to Congress that utilities’ average customs value for imported arsenic trioxide be regulated for emissions by November 1995, signaling a potential regulatory tightening.
Closure of the ASARCO Inc. copper smelter in Tacoma, Washington, ceased domestic production of arsenic trioxide and reduced the United States’ arsenic supply.
The sole domestic arsenic refiner ceased production in 1985, ending U.S. arsenic production.
Closure of the ASARCO copper smelter in Tacoma, WA ended domestic production of arsenic trioxide and arsenic metal.
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