31 Dec 2022
Other for Iodine in Europe
European countries began distributing and stockpiling potassium iodide tablets amid nuclear threat concerns, increasing iodine demand and affecting market dynamics.
Iodine trade
Iodine
Iodine is a valuable trade commodity primarily produced as a byproduct of mining and refining other elements like copper and silver. It's extracted from natural deposits of brine and seaweed, with Chile, Japan, and the United States being leading producers. As a vital nutrient, iodine has multiple uses in the medical and industrial sectors. In medicine, it serves as a disinfectant and is used to produce X-ray contrast media. Industrially, iodine is employed in chemical manufacturing, photographic materials producti...
Iodine is a valuable trade commodity primarily produced as a byproduct of mining and refining other elements like copper and silver. It's extracted from natural deposits of brine and seaweed, with Chile, Japan, and the United States being leading producers.
As a vital nutrient, iodine has multiple uses in the medical and industrial sectors. In medicine, it serves as a disinfectant and is used to produce X-ray contrast media. Industrially, iodine is employed in chemical manufacturing, photographic materials production, and biofuel creation. Additionally, small amounts of iodine are added to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.
Iodine is traded in various forms, including crystals, powder, and solution, with crystalline iodine being the most commonly traded form. Its price is influenced by global market supply and demand dynamics. The production process involves extracting iodine from brine or seaweed through chemical reactions, followed by distillation to purify it. This capital-intensive process requires specialized equipment and expertise.
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Market intelligence
Relevant Events
31 Dec 2019
Tariff Change for Iodine in United States
The U.S. removed the tariff on crude iodine on 12‑31‑19, making it duty‑free for imports and potentially increasing U.S. iodine imports.
1 Jan 2019
Mine Opening for Iodine in Turkmenistan
A new iodine producer commenced commercial operations in Turkmenistan in 2019, boosting the country's total iodine output.
31 Dec 2018
Regulatory Change for Iodine in United States
U.S. tariff classification for crude iodine was updated to Free under Item Number 2801.20.0000 on 31 December 2018, removing tariff barriers for imports.
1 Jan 2018
Processing Startup for Iodine in United States
A U.S. iodine company opened a new production plant in Oklahoma in early 2018, increasing domestic output and lowering unit production costs.
1 Jan 2018
Reserve Revision for Iodine in Chile
Chile revised its iodine reserves based on company and government data, updating reported resource estimates for 2018.
Nov 2015
Mine Closure for Iodine in Chile
SQM suspended mining operations at its Pedro de Valdivia iodine mine in November 2015, reducing production to focus on the Nueva Victoria site.
Apr 2015
Processing Shutdown for Iodine in United States
Iofina plc closed its Texas iodine plant in April 2015 due to poor brine availability and low iodine prices, halting production at that facility.
2014
Processing Expansion for Iodine in United States
Iofina plc commissioned three new iodine processing plants in late 2014, increasing its production capacity and adding 569 metric tons of output in 2015.
31 Dec 2013
Tariff Change for Iodine in United States
As of 12‑31‑2013, U.S. customs tariffs on iodine and related iodides were set: crude iodine and calcium/copper iodide were tariff‑free; potassium iodide carried a 2.8% ad‑valorem duty; other iodides and iodide oxides faced a 4.2% ad‑valorem duty.
Mar 2012
Processing Shutdown for Iodine in United States
Arysta LifeScience suspended sales, marketing, and production of methyl iodide in the United States, reducing availability of iodine-based fumigant.
Oct 2011
Processing Expansion for Iodine in Azerbaijan
Azeryod announced the start of the third production line at the Neftchalinsky iodide plant, increasing capacity to 500 t/yr.
Sep 2011
Resource Revision for Iodine in Chile
Water shortage and shutdown of illegal wells in September 2011 reduced Cosayach's iodine production to 4,000 t.
Mar 2011
Natural Disaster for Iodine in Japan
2011 March earthquake and tsunami in Japan disrupted iodine production for at least three months, causing a shortfall in potassium iodide tablets.
Mar 2011
Processing Expansion for Iodine in United States
Iofina plc signed an agreement in March 2011 to build a compact iodine recovery unit in Wyoming, expected to start production in 2012, marking the first commercial iodine extraction in the state.
Mar 2011
Regulatory Change for Iodine in United States
EPA extended conditional registration of iodomethane, maintaining regulatory framework for its use in the US, affecting iodine-based fumigant production.
2011
Mine Restart for Iodine in Chile
Production at Pampa Blanca and Maria Elena resumed by the first quarter of 2011 after demand recovery.
2011
Project Expansion for Iodine in Chile
ACF Minera began developing the Algorta Norte mining project in Chile to produce 4,000 t/yr of iodine, expanding production capacity.
Feb 2010
Mine Closure for Iodine in Chile
Production at Pampa Blanca and a mine within Maria Elena was suspended in February 2010 due to decreased global demand.
2008
Regulatory Change for Iodine in United States
EPA approved restricted use of methyl iodide, imposing training, risk mitigation, and usage limits, affecting iodine fumigant application.
3 Oct 2007
Other for Iodine in United States
Authorized disposal of 454,000 kg of crude iodine from the U.S. National Defense Stockpile, reducing inventory and freeing up supply for commercial markets.
2007
Processing Expansion for Iodine in Chile
Atacama Minerals announced processing expansion to continuous‑agitated leach by mid‑2007, increasing iodine output to 1,500 t/yr from 840 t/yr.
22 Nov 2006
Discovery for Iodine in Iran
Iran's Ministry of Industries and Mines reported new iodine reserves discovered in Golestan province, indicating potential future production growth.
11 Aug 2006
Regulatory Change for Iodine in United States
DEA proposed new regulations to track iodine crystals and mixtures over 2.2% to prevent diversion into methamphetamine production, increasing compliance burden for suppliers.
No events match the selected year.