Resurgent global economic activity has restored eroded demand for iodine while "production remained flat with no major capacity expansions," Industrial Minerals reported for its March edition. The growing demand is not attributable to increased salt iodization. Rather, the iodine is being utilized to manufacture LCD (computer) displays and in x-ray applications.

"'Iodine consumption has recovered to pre-crisis levels and continues growing at healthy rates in all applications and markets,' a major producer told IM.

"'End users are also rebuilding inventories, which is generating higher demand,' the source added."