News Release: May 07, 2025 Cadmium (Cd) Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
The global Cadmium (Cd) market has entered 2025 with heightened market attention due to a combination of supply challenges, demand recovery, and regulatory shifts. Industry analysts are tracking the Cadmium (Cd) price trend and production News through comprehensive datasets and regional trade flows. For an in-depth overview, visit this detailed analysis: Cadmium (Cd) price trend and production News.
Cadmium (Cd) Price Trend in the Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements
Over the past five years, the Cadmium (Cd) price trend has experienced volatility shaped by global industrial consumption, tightening environmental standards, and fluctuations in zinc mining—Cadmium’s primary source as a by-product.
In 2020, the average Cadmium (Cd) price hovered around $2,100/MT as global production remained stable. However, the pandemic-induced slowdown reduced demand, particularly in Asia and Europe. Prices dropped to around $1,950/MT by Q4 2020.
The market saw a modest recovery in 2021. With gradual reopening and recovery in industrial sectors like battery manufacturing, Cadmium (Cd) sales volume grew. Prices rebounded to an average of $2,250/MT by Q3 2021.
In 2022, supply bottlenecks due to environmental restrictions in China and increased battery-related demand, especially for NiCd batteries, pushed prices higher. The average price reached $2,500/MT by the end of the year.
The year 2023 was characterized by heightened volatility. Price fluctuations ranged from $2,400/MT to $2,800/MT. The market faced pressure due to mining policy changes in Latin America and energy price increases affecting refining costs.
In 2024, geopolitical tension and export restrictions from key producing nations like China and South Korea limited global Cadmium (Cd) production, even as demand in the electronics and renewable sectors increased. As a result, Cadmium (Cd) price news indicated a significant surge with Q3 2024 prices averaging $3,100/MT and ending the year at approximately $3,250/MT.
Entering 2025, prices are sustaining the upward momentum, driven by tight supply and robust global demand. Industry players are closely monitoring both the environmental policies impacting mining and the increase in Cadmium (Cd) sales volume across APAC and European markets.
Cadmium (Cd) Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT (2025)
The quarterly trend for 2025 provides more insight into the pricing dynamics of Cadmium (Cd) amid global market shifts.
- Q1 2025: Prices averaged $3,280/MT. This was attributed to reduced output from South Korean refiners and delays in South American shipments due to logistical disruptions. Demand from the battery sector remained stable, keeping the pressure on spot pricing.
- Q2 2025: The average Cadmium (Cd) price slightly increased to $3,350/MT. European importers, concerned about regional supply constraints, increased their purchase volumes. China maintained firm domestic consumption levels.
- Q3 2025 (Estimated): Projected to hit $3,450/MT as more industries in Southeast Asia resume operations and reinitiate bulk procurement. The solar PV segment is expected to account for a larger share of Cadmium (Cd) sales volume during this period.
- Q4 2025 (Estimated): Expected to reach $3,500/MT if current production challenges persist. Environmental audits in major mining zones could lead to further tightening of output, maintaining upward pressure on prices.
These quarterly estimates indicate that the Cadmium (Cd) price trend in 2025 is on a clear upward path due to structural supply limitations and rising end-use demand.
Global Cadmium (Cd) Import-Export Business Overview
As of 2025, the global Cadmium (Cd) market has become more fragmented and complex, driven by shifts in production centers, regulatory tightening, and strategic stockpiling by leading consumers.
Asia-Pacific remains the dominant force in both production and consumption. China continues to be the world’s largest Cadmium producer, largely due to its vast zinc mining sector, where Cadmium is a by-product. In 2024, China accounted for over 35% of global Cadmium (Cd) production, with an estimated output of 11,000 MT. However, domestic consumption, especially in battery and coating industries, limits export availability. South Korea and Japan are significant importers, depending on refined Cadmium for high-tech applications.
Europe has become increasingly dependent on imports from Asia and Latin America. With the EU’s 2023 legislation tightening local mining and refining operations due to environmental concerns, countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands have turned toward imports. The region’s Cadmium (Cd) sales volume rose by nearly 12% in 2024 and is on track to increase further in 2025 as electric vehicle (EV) production and solar panel manufacturing continue to grow.
In North America, the U.S. is a moderate consumer but a minimal producer. With Canada scaling back Cadmium refining since 2022, the U.S. relies heavily on imports from Mexico, China, and South Korea. Import volumes in the first half of 2025 have increased by 15% year-over-year, reflecting a resurgence in electronics manufacturing and aerospace components that utilize Cadmium alloys.
Latin America is gaining attention as an emerging supply hub. Countries like Peru, Chile, and Bolivia have ramped up Cadmium extraction through zinc mining projects, some of which are now export-oriented due to strong foreign demand. This shift is making the region an important node in global Cadmium (Cd) price news, with Peru exporting over 3,000 MT of Cadmium in the first half of 2025 alone.
Africa remains a minor player but has untapped potential. Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have zinc-rich deposits that also contain recoverable Cadmium. Investment in these regions is slowly increasing as global buyers look to diversify supply sources amid rising Cadmium (Cd) price levels.
Middle East countries are not major producers, but ports in the UAE and Oman are becoming transshipment points for Cadmium exported from Asia to Europe and Africa. Strategic investments in storage and logistics are turning these locations into important parts of the global Cadmium (Cd) import-export network.
Looking ahead, several developments are shaping Cadmium (Cd) price news in the international market:
- Strategic Stockpiling by Major Buyers: Countries like China and Germany are believed to be increasing reserves of Cadmium to shield their industries from supply shocks and price volatility.
- Green Technology Demand: With the global push toward sustainability, the role of Cadmium in solar panels (particularly CdTe thin-film technology) and batteries is expanding. This trend will increase the Cadmium (Cd) sales volume in emerging markets.
- Environmental Regulations: Stricter global environmental norms are impacting both mining and refining activities. This could tighten supply and sustain higher prices.
- Trade Policies: Export restrictions in producing countries and import duties in consuming regions are being adjusted frequently. These policy changes influence not only the volume of Cadmium moving globally but also the overall Cadmium (Cd) price trend.
- Substitution and Recycling: While some industries are exploring substitutes, Cadmium’s specific properties—like corrosion resistance and conductivity—make it hard to replace. However, increased investment in recycling may eventually contribute to a modest rise in global Cadmium (Cd) production levels from secondary sources.
In summary, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the Cadmium industry. The supply-demand imbalance, driven by macroeconomic factors and industry-specific demand, is reinforcing a bullish price environment. Market stakeholders across the globe are watching these movements closely, with strategic decisions increasingly influenced by real-time Cadmium (Cd) price news and trade flow updates.
For a more detailed analysis and free access to the report on market size, price trends, and production data, visit:
https://datavagyanik.com/reports/global-cadmium-cd-market-size-production-sales-average-product-price-market-share-import-vs-export-united-states-europe-apac-latin-america-middle-east-africa/ and request a sample.
Cadmium (Cd) Production Trends by Geography
The global production of Cadmium (Cd) is highly regionalized, influenced by the presence of zinc mining activities, as Cadmium is primarily obtained as a by-product of zinc refining. In 2025, key geographies continue to dominate the global output, with Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and parts of Africa and North America emerging as important contributors.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific remains the largest producer of Cadmium, primarily driven by China, South Korea, and Japan. China accounts for the bulk of regional production due to its extensive zinc mining and refining infrastructure. Chinese refineries often extract Cadmium from concentrates processed in domestic and foreign smelters. The environmental regulations introduced over the past few years have led to consolidation among small-scale producers, pushing production toward larger, more compliant operations.
South Korea is another significant producer, known for its high-quality refining standards and export-oriented approach. Korean producers supply a large portion of refined Cadmium to Japan and Southeast Asia. Japan, though limited in raw material availability, plays a key role in high-purity Cadmium production used in electronics and specialized industrial applications.
India and other Southeast Asian nations contribute moderately to production but are primarily consumers. However, with growing demand in solar and battery sectors, local production capabilities are expected to grow through increased investment in zinc-associated mining.
Europe
Cadmium production in Europe has been decreasing steadily over the past decade due to strict environmental policies and public resistance to heavy metal mining. Countries like Germany, Poland, and Belgium have historically hosted large zinc smelting operations that yielded Cadmium, but output has declined as regulations have intensified. However, Europe continues to process secondary Cadmium from recycling sources, particularly in Germany and France, supporting domestic demand in high-tech manufacturing.
Despite lower primary production, Europe remains a significant player due to its technological advantage in refining and recycling Cadmium, especially for use in aerospace coatings and semiconductors.
Latin America
Latin America is rising as a key exporter of Cadmium, with countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Mexico increasing production through zinc mine expansions. Cadmium is typically exported in concentrate form to Asia and Europe for refining. Peru is at the forefront, with new mining projects enhancing the country’s production capacity and establishing it as a vital supply chain contributor.
Mexico, a traditional zinc producer, also generates a substantial volume of Cadmium as a by-product. Due to strong trade ties with the United States, most of Mexico’s Cadmium finds a market in North America, either as raw material or refined metal.
North America
In North America, the United States and Canada have limited Cadmium production. Canada has historically been a producer but has scaled back significantly due to environmental scrutiny and a shift toward clean mining practices. The United States produces only small quantities, primarily from older mining regions.
However, North America plays an important role in Cadmium refining and consumption, especially for NiCd batteries and aerospace materials. The region imports Cadmium from Mexico, Asia, and occasionally from South America to meet industrial needs.
Africa
Africa is an emerging player with untapped potential. Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have zinc mining operations capable of producing Cadmium. These countries have not yet become significant producers, but exploration activities and foreign investments are on the rise. If supported by infrastructure development and regulatory clarity, Africa could emerge as a new source of Cadmium supply in the next decade.
Middle East
The Middle East does not produce Cadmium in significant quantities. However, it plays a growing logistical role in transshipment and storage. Ports in the UAE are increasingly used as hubs for Cadmium exports from Asia and Africa to Europe and other global markets.
In conclusion, Cadmium production in 2025 is dominated by Asia-Pacific, with Latin America rising in importance. Europe is shifting toward recycling and technological refinement, while Africa and North America remain on the margins of primary production but play significant roles in processing and trade.
Cadmium (Cd) Market Segmentation
Key Segments in the Cadmium Market:
- By Application:
- Batteries (Nickel-Cadmium)
- Pigments
- Coatings and Electroplating
- Alloys
- Solar Cells (Cadmium Telluride)
- Semiconductors
- By End-Use Industry:
- Electronics and Electrical
- Aerospace and Defense
- Automotive
- Construction
- Energy (Renewable and Storage)
- Paints and Plastics
- By Form:
- Primary Cadmium (by-product of zinc refining)
- Recycled Cadmium
- High-purity Cadmium
- By Region:
- Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- North America
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Detailed Segment Analysis (700 words)
The Cadmium market is diverse, with each segment playing a unique role in shaping overall demand and price movements.
Batteries (Nickel-Cadmium)
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries remain the largest application segment for Cadmium. Despite the rise of lithium-ion batteries, NiCd batteries are still widely used in industrial tools, emergency power backups, and aviation systems due to their long cycle life and performance at extreme temperatures. This segment accounts for nearly 40% of global Cadmium consumption. Asia-Pacific, especially China, is a dominant player in this segment, both in terms of production and consumption.
Pigments
Cadmium pigments are used to produce vibrant, heat-stable colors in plastics, ceramics, and specialty paints. While usage has declined due to toxicity concerns, high-performance needs in the automotive and industrial coating sectors keep this segment relevant. Demand is concentrated in high-spec markets like Europe and the US, where alternatives have not completely replaced Cadmium’s unique properties.
Coatings and Electroplating
Cadmium coatings provide excellent corrosion resistance, especially in aerospace and marine applications. Electroplated Cadmium is used on fasteners, connectors, and components requiring durability under stress. This segment has seen steady growth, particularly in the defense and aerospace sectors, where reliability outweighs environmental concerns.
Alloys
Cadmium alloys are used in low-melting solders, nuclear control rods, and electrical fuses. This segment is niche but essential for specialized industries. Production requires high-purity Cadmium, limiting supply to a few technologically advanced producers, primarily in Japan and Germany.
Solar Cells (Cadmium Telluride)
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) solar technology is gaining momentum due to its lower cost and ability to perform under low light and high-temperature conditions. The growth in solar installations globally has made this a fast-expanding segment. The US and China are major adopters, with CdTe panels increasingly used in utility-scale solar projects.
Semiconductors
High-purity Cadmium is essential for manufacturing infrared detectors, photodetectors, and certain thin-film transistor technologies. This highly specialized segment demands stringent quality control and is mainly supplied by a handful of producers in Japan, South Korea, and Germany.
Electronics and Electrical Industry
The demand for Cadmium in electronics spans batteries, coatings, and semiconductors. As developing nations ramp up industrial and infrastructure development, the requirement for Cadmium-based components is expected to grow, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Aerospace and Defense
Cadmium’s anti-corrosive and conductive properties make it indispensable in the aerospace sector. Despite environmental pressure, its role in aircraft manufacturing and defense electronics remains stable. High-performance coatings and alloys ensure this segment’s steady contribution to overall demand.
Construction
While not a primary user, the construction industry consumes Cadmium indirectly through coatings and pigments. As urbanization continues globally, demand in this sector is expected to grow gradually.
Energy Sector
Beyond solar panels, Cadmium is being examined for use in advanced energy storage systems. Though still in developmental stages, this emerging application could become significant as the world transitions to renewable energy.
Regional Outlook
Asia-Pacific dominates all segments due to its manufacturing base and demand scale. Europe is focused on high-purity and environmental-compliant applications. North America is investing in energy and aerospace. Latin America is primarily a supplier, while Africa and the Middle East are beginning to integrate into the downstream market.
In summary, the Cadmium market segmentation reveals a complex web of traditional and emerging applications. Batteries and solar cells are the most dynamic segments, while aerospace and coatings provide consistent industrial demand. Regional production and consumption dynamics continue to shape how these segments evolve in 2025 and beyond.