Import/Export Data Summary


IMPORT/EXPORT DATA
2000-2011
(all data from the U.S. Department of Commerce/Foreign Trade Division)

 

 Balance of Trade

In every year since IME has been keeping statistics, the commerce of explosives has contributed positively to the U.S. balance of trade.  Over the last decade, commercial explosives account for a net gain of $3.5 billion.  Historically, our biggest trading partner is Canada, followed by Mexico.  In the past decade, the value of our exports to these countries exceeded imports by about 500%.

IMPORTS

In the decade 2002-2011, the value of Class 1 imports was $1,101.7 billion.  The value of imports from Canada was $236.8 million and the value of imports from Mexico was $302.2 million.

Dynamite and Other High Explosives1

Last decade, the value of imports of prepared explosives in cartridges, sticks and other forms suitable for blasting fell from $17.6 million to $13.1 million.  While still short of the 2002 high, the value of these imports rose 37.8% last year. 

During the decade, there were rolling fluctuations in the quantity of materials imported ranging from a high in 2007 to a low in 2011.  The value/per kg in 2007 was $1.70; and in 2011, it was $2.99.

In terms of our largest trading partners, more material was imported from Mexico than Canada over the decade.  In the last year, the value of materials imported rose 21.5% from Mexico and rose 32.9% from Canada.

NESOI

Last decade, the value of imports of prepared explosives NESOI doubled.  During the decade, there were rolling fluctuations in the quantity of materials imported ranging from a high of 2003 to a low in 2009.  Yet, the value/per kg in 2003 was $2.84; and in 2009, it was $8.24. Last year it was $4.87.

In terms of our largest trading partners, more material was imported from Mexico than Canada.  In the last year, the value of the materials imported rose 12.8% from Mexico and fell  14.2% from Canada. 

Safety Fuses; Detonating Fuse; Percussion Caps

Last decade, the value of imports of safety fuses, detonating fuse and percussion caps rose over 400%.  Last year, the value worldwide rose 32%.

In terms of our largest trading partners, the quantity of items imported from Mexico and Canada fluctuated.  In the last year, the value of materials imported from Mexico rose  11.5% from Mexico and from Canada rose 11.3%.

EXPORTS

In the decade 2002-2011, the value of Class 1 exports was $4.518 billion.  The value of exports to Canada was $928 million and the value of exports to Mexico was $1.663 billion.

Dynamite and Other High Explosives1

Last decade, the value of exports of prepared explosives in cartridges, sticks and other forms suitable for blasting fluctuated until 2005 when the value rose from $50.6 million to $122.5 million last year.  Last year alone, the value rose by 12.7%.

During the decade, there were fluctuations in the quantity of materials imported ranging from a high in 2011 to a low in 2003.  Yet, the value/per kg in 2011 was $4.07; and in 2003, it was $8.69.

In terms of our largest trading partners, in all years this decade, more material was exported to Canada than Mexico.  In the last year, the value of materials exported to Canada rose 14% and the value exported to Mexico rose 8.7%.

NESOI2

Last decade, the value of exports of prepared explosives NESOI rose every year but 2007, 2009 and 2011.  During this decade, the value of these materials increased 57.8 million to $182.3 million.  Last year, the value dropped 3% from the year before.

During the decade, there were fluctuations in the quantity of materials exported ranging from a high in 2011 to a low in 2003.  The value/per kg in 2011 was $9.15 and in 2003, was $10.64.

In terms of our largest trading partners, in all years this decade, more material was exported to Canada than Mexico.  However, since 2002, the value of the exports from Mexico was greater than the value of the exports to Canada.  In the last year, the value of materials exported to Canada rose 26% and Mexico fell 13.8%.

Safety Fuses; Detonating Fuse; Percussion Caps

Last decade, the value of exports of Safety Fuses; Detonating Fuse; Percussion Caps rose every year but 2008, 2009 and 2011.  During this decade, the value of these materials increased $117.6 million to $302.3 million.  Last year, the value dropped 0.5%% from the year before. 

During the decade, there were fluctuations in the quantity of materials exported ranging from a high in 2010 to a low in 2002.  The value/per Ths in 2010 was $10.38; and in 2002, was $11.58.

In terms of our largest trading partners, in all years this decade, more material was exported to Mexico than Canada.  In the last year, the value of materials exported to Canada rose 31.7% and to Mexico rose 0.9%.

 1 -- In cartridges, sticks or other forms, suitable for blasting
 2-- Not elsewhere specified or included