Brazil's Barite Imports (2021): China, Mexico, Morocco, USA

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries, Brazil imported barite (barium sulfate, critical for drilling mud) from four countries in 2021:

1. China — Dominant global producer/exporter; low-cost, high-volume.
2. Mexico — Significant producer (2nd largest reserves); geographic proximity.
3. Morocco — Major exporter (3rd largest); established trade links.
4. United States — High-grade specialty barite; smaller volumes.

Context

• Brazil's Oil & Gas Demand: Pre-salt deepwater drilling (Petrobras) consumes vast barite volumes for high-density mud.
• Domestic Production: Brazil has barite deposits (Bahia, Minas Gerais) but insufficient grade/volume for oilfield specs.
• Import Value (2021): ~$45–60M (estimates; USGS doesn't publish bilateral trade values).
• Quality Specs: API 13A (SG ≥ 4.2 g/cm³, <3% quartz, particle size). China/Morocco dominate API-grade supply.

Trend

Brazil seeks to diversify sources (exploring domestic beneficiation, new suppliers like Kazakhstan, India) to reduce China dependence and supply-chain risk.