Iodine Reserves by Country
Four countries reported identical iodine figures for seven straight years through 2024. The one that moved in 2025 is Chile. The statistics below combine eight editions of the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries (2019-2026), covering estimated quantities that can be economically extracted under applicable conditions rather than material mined in a given year. 8 countries appear in the table; 7 have reported 2025 values, and the listed 2025 total stands at 6,300,000 metric tons. USGS gives the world total as more than 6,300,000 metric tons, a lower bound rather than an exact figure.
Japan holds 4,900,000 metric tons — about three-and-a-half times the other six reporters combined (1,400,000). Chile (750,000), the United States (250,000) and Azerbaijan (170,000) follow, with Japan holding more than six times Chile's figure. Six of seven 2025 values matched 2024; Chile was the only country to move after seven unchanged years. Japan has reported 4,900,000 metric tons in every year since 2020. The United States, Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkmenistan have each reported the same reserve figure throughout the 2018–2025 series: 250,000, 170,000, 120,000 and 70,000 metric tons, respectively. Six of the seven 2025 values match 2024 exactly. Chile reported 610,000 metric tons from 2018 through 2024, then 750,000 for 2025 — an increase of 140,000 (+23.0%), the only movement anywhere in the table that year. At triple the United States' 250,000, Chile holds second place comfortably. Indonesia reported 100,000 metric tons from 2018 through 2021 and nothing since. Iran moved the other way, entering in 2023 with 40,000 and holding it — less than half of what Indonesia once listed. Figures come from the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2019-2026, with 2025 values estimated. Units are metric tons, exactly as reported. Empty means the source reported no value; 0 means the source reports zero. The source’s world total, where published, may be rounded, approximate, a lower bound, or a textual estimate, so shares are computed against the sum of the listed countries. Reserves and production are different measures and should not be combined without equalizing units.
Iodine Reserves by Country
Year
1
4,900,000
2025
2
750,000
2025
3
250,000
2025
4
170,000
2025
5
120,000
2025
6
100,000
2021
7
70,000
2025
8
40,000
2025
Japan's lower level holds after 2020
Chile raises its reserve estimate in 2025
Indonesia drops out as Iran enters
Iodine Reserves by Country
#
1
5,000,000
5,000,000
4,900,000
4,900,000
4,900,000
4,900,000
4,900,000
4,900,000
2
610,000
610,000
610,000
610,000
610,000
610,000
610,000
750,000
3
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
4
170,000
170,000
170,000
170,000
170,000
170,000
170,000
170,000
5
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
6
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
-
-
-
-
7
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
8
-
-
-
-
-
40,000
40,000
40,000
Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
What are iodine reserves?
Iodine reserves are estimated quantities of iodine that can be economically extracted under applicable conditions, in metric tons. Production measures the amount mined in a year.
Which countries hold the most iodine reserves?
Japan (4,900,000 metric tons), Chile (750,000) and the United States (250,000) reported the largest 2025 values.
Why did Chile's reserves rise in 2025?
Chile's reported estimate rose from 610,000 to 750,000 metric tons (+23.0%) after seven unchanged years. The table reports the 2025 estimate.
How far behind is second place?
Chile at 750,000 metric tons holds roughly one-sixth of Japan's 4,900,000.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
-
Updated: 15.09.2026https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/mineral-commodity-summaries
Please log in to leave a comment.
Log in
(0) Comments