Year-by-year annual average price for arsenic in USD/kg, sourced from U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025. Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), 99%; byproduct of copper, gold, and lead smelting.
Arsenic is 100% import-reliant for the U.S. and is essential for GaAs semiconductors powering 5G infrastructure and military radar systems. Demand is driven primarily by Gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductors for 5G and defense, Wood preservatives (CCA — chromated copper arsenate), Lead-acid battery alloys for improved performance. Supply is concentrated in China, Peru, Morocco, so output disruptions or trade-policy shifts in those countries are the main long-run drivers of Arsenic prices.
Arsenic prices held roughly steady at $1.70 per USD/kg (2023 average: $1.70) in 2024.
Arsenic prices fell -5.6% from 2022's $1.80 per USD/kg to $1.70 per USD/kg in 2023.
Arsenic prices rose +5.9% from 2021's $1.70 per USD/kg to $1.80 per USD/kg in 2022.
Arsenic prices rose +6.2% from 2020's $1.60 per USD/kg to $1.70 per USD/kg in 2021.
Arsenic prices fell -5.9% from 2019's $1.70 per USD/kg to $1.60 per USD/kg in 2020.
Movement summaries above are calculated directly from the annual averages shown in the table. Critical Minerals HQ does not attribute price moves to specific events except where backed by sourced reporting.
| Year | Average Price (USD/kg) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.70 | +0.0% |
| 2023 | $1.70 | -5.6% |
| 2022 | $1.80 | +5.9% |
| 2021 | $1.70 | +6.2% |
| 2020 | $1.60 | -5.9% |
| 2019 | $1.70 | -5.6% |
| 2018 | $1.80 | +5.9% |
| 2017 | $1.70 | +6.2% |
| 2016 | $1.60 | -5.9% |
| 2015 | $1.70 | -5.6% |
| 2014 | $1.80 | -5.3% |
| 2013 | $1.90 | -5.0% |
| 2012 | $2.00 | -9.1% |
| 2011 | $2.20 | +10.0% |
| 2010 | $2.00 | +11.1% |
| 2009 | $1.80 | -28.0% |
| 2008 | $2.50 | +13.6% |
| 2007 | $2.20 | +22.2% |
| 2006 | $1.80 | +20.0% |
| 2005 | $1.50 | +25.0% |
| 2004 | $1.20 | +20.0% |
| 2003 | $1.00 | +0.0% |
| 2002 | $1.00 | +0.0% |
| 2001 | $1.00 | +0.0% |
| 2000 | $1.00 | — |
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025. Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), 99%; byproduct of copper, gold, and lead smelting
The most recent annual average we track is $1.70 per USD/kg for 2024. Live spot prices are shown on the Arsenic live-price page.
up +0.0% — from $1.70 per USD/kg in 2023 to $1.70 per USD/kg in 2024.
up +0.0% — from $1.70 per USD/kg in 2019 to $1.70 per USD/kg in 2024.
down -5.6% — from $1.80 per USD/kg in 2014 to $1.70 per USD/kg in 2024.
Arsenic is 100% import-reliant for the U.S. and is essential for GaAs semiconductors powering 5G infrastructure and military radar systems. Demand is driven primarily by Gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductors for 5G and defense, Wood preservatives (CCA — chromated copper arsenate), Lead-acid battery alloys for improved performance. Supply is concentrated in China, Peru, Morocco, so output disruptions or trade-policy shifts in those countries are the main long-run drivers of Arsenic prices.
The highest annual average arsenic price in our recorded series was $2.50 per USD/kg in 2008.
U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025. Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), 99%; byproduct of copper, gold, and lead smelting