Magnesium Price History — 2000–2024

Year-by-year annual average price for magnesium in USD/kg, sourced from U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025. Magnesium metal (99.8%); China 2021 energy crisis caused 300% price spike.

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Performance vs. prior periods

What drives Magnesium prices

Magnesium is essential for automotive lightweighting to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. China's 85% production dominance creates a severe strategic supply vulnerability. Demand is driven primarily by Automotive lightweight structural components, Magnesium-aluminum alloy wheels and engine blocks, Electronics casings and laptop chassis. Supply is concentrated in China, Russia, Israel, so output disruptions or trade-policy shifts in those countries are the main long-run drivers of Magnesium prices.

What moved Magnesium prices, year by year

What moved Magnesium prices in 2024

Magnesium prices fell -14.3% from 2023's $2.80 per USD/kg to $2.40 per USD/kg in 2024.

What moved Magnesium prices in 2023

Magnesium prices fell -26.3% from 2022's $3.80 per USD/kg to $2.80 per USD/kg in 2023.

What moved Magnesium prices in 2022

Magnesium prices rose +8.6% from 2021's $3.50 per USD/kg to $3.80 per USD/kg in 2022. That made 2022 the highest annual average in the recorded series.

What moved Magnesium prices in 2021

Magnesium prices rose +59.1% from 2020's $2.20 per USD/kg to $3.50 per USD/kg in 2021. That made 2021 the highest annual average in the recorded series.

What moved Magnesium prices in 2020

Magnesium prices fell -4.3% from 2019's $2.30 per USD/kg to $2.20 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.

Annual Average Magnesium Prices (2000–2024)

YearAverage Price (USD/kg)YoY Change
2024$2.40-14.3%
2023$2.80-26.3%
2022$3.80+8.6%
2021$3.50+59.1%
2020$2.20-4.3%
2019$2.30-4.2%
2018$2.40+4.3%
2017$2.30+4.5%
2016$2.20-4.3%
2015$2.30-4.2%
2014$2.40+0.0%
2013$2.40-4.0%
2012$2.50-3.8%
2011$2.60+13.0%
2010$2.30+4.5%
2009$2.20-21.4%
2008$2.80+16.7%
2007$2.40+9.1%
2006$2.20+4.8%
2005$2.10+5.0%
2004$2.00+11.1%
2003$1.80+12.5%
2002$1.60-11.1%
2001$1.80+0.0%
2000$1.80

Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025. Magnesium metal (99.8%); China 2021 energy crisis caused 300% price spike

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current magnesium price?

The most recent annual average we track is $2.40 per USD/kg for 2024. Live spot prices are shown on the Magnesium live-price page.

How has the magnesium price changed in the last year?

down -14.3% — from $2.80 per USD/kg in 2023 to $2.40 per USD/kg in 2024.

How has the magnesium price changed over the last 5 years?

up +4.3% — from $2.30 per USD/kg in 2019 to $2.40 per USD/kg in 2024.

How has the magnesium price changed over the last 10 years?

up +0.0% — from $2.40 per USD/kg in 2014 to $2.40 per USD/kg in 2024.

What drives magnesium prices?

Magnesium is essential for automotive lightweighting to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. China's 85% production dominance creates a severe strategic supply vulnerability. Demand is driven primarily by Automotive lightweight structural components, Magnesium-aluminum alloy wheels and engine blocks, Electronics casings and laptop chassis. Supply is concentrated in China, Russia, Israel, so output disruptions or trade-policy shifts in those countries are the main long-run drivers of Magnesium prices.

What was the highest magnesium annual average price?

The highest annual average magnesium price in our recorded series was $3.80 per USD/kg in 2022.

Where do these magnesium prices come from?

U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025. Magnesium metal (99.8%); China 2021 energy crisis caused 300% price spike