Abrasive Product Market of United States and China

The U.S. is the leader in global imports of abrasive products, with a 12% share of global imports (based on USD). It was followed by Germany (11.7%), China (6%), and Japan (5%). In 2015, U.S. abrasive product imports totaled 1,524 million USD, which was 128 million USD (8%) less than the year before.

From 2007 to 2015, U.S. abrasive product imports showed mixed dynamics. A steep drop in 2009 was followed by a rapid recovery over the next two years, until imports decreased again through to 2013. In 2014, imports hiked by 8%, only to fall again in the following year. In 2011, U.S. abrasive product imports surpassed their pre-recession level of 2008.

The U.S. remains one of the most attractive destinations for overseas suppliers.

China was the main supplier of abrasive products into the U.S., with a 24% share of total U.S. imports in 2015, based on USD. It was distantly followed by Canada (11%), Germany (10%), and Mexico (8%). Mexico was the fastest growing supplier (+10.4% per year) from 2007 to 2015, while imports from China, Canada, and Germany fluctuated generally in line with the total value. Mexico strengthened its position in the U.S. import structure by +4 percentage points from 2007 to 2015, while the shares of the other major exporters remained relatively stable over the same period.

From 2007 to 2015, the U.S. was a net importer of abrasive products. In 2015, U.S. abrasive product industry ran a trade deficit of 488 million USD. This figure has remained relatively stable over the recent six years.