Mexico ranked as the top destination for U.S. metallic mineral exports in the first five months of 2025, displacing Canada to second place.
Considering full years, Canada held the top position from 2017 through 2024.
While metallic mineral exports to Mexico were $836 million from January through May 2025, those to Canada totaled $574 million.
Metallic minerals
Metallic minerals contain metals that can be mined and used in industry. They are good conductors and often have a luster. They are found in veins or deposits, and their exploitation is key to sectors such as technology, energy and construction.
The main metallic minerals include hematite (iron), chalcopyrite (copper), bauxite (aluminum), galena (lead), blende (zinc) and cassiterite (tin). Also included are precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as uranium, nickel, chromium, titanium and manganese.
Here are the top five destinations for U.S. metallic mineral exports from January through May 2025, in millions of dollars, according to Commerce Department data:
- Mexico: 836.
- Canada: 574.
- Netherlands: 350.
- China: 226.
- South Korea: 206.
Mining
The Mining Law was amended on May 8, 2023. The decree, published in the Official Gazette, seeks to strengthen the State’s control over the sector. It also limits private participation and raises environmental and social requirements.
Among the relevant changes, the preferential treatment of mining over other land uses was eliminated. Mining in deep waters and protected areas was also prohibited. Open pit mining concessions are no longer allowed. The government now has exclusive control over strategic minerals such as lithium and uranium.
In addition, the conditions for granting and maintaining concessions were tightened. The grounds for revocation were expanded. Companies must comply with new sanctions and submit financial guarantees for mine closure and environmental damage remediation.
These are the U.S. exports of metallic minerals to the Mexican market, in millions of dollars:
- 2018: 1,186.
- 2019: 1,379.
- 2020: 1,097.
- 2021: 1,039.
- 2022: 1,184.
- 2023: 1,589.
- 2024: 1,788.