In the United States, talc consumption has slowly declined since 1995. Smaller amounts of the mineral are used in the ceramics industry because of a change in firing technology. In the paint industry, a shift from oil-based paints to latex paints has decreased the use of talc. In the cosmetics industry, many manufacturers have replaced talc with cornstarch powder in many products in response to health concerns and litigation. However, the plastics industry is using more talc, as the mineral becomes a more important ingredient in automotive plastics. The amount of talc used in rubber production has also increased slightly.

Mines in the United States have the ability to produce most grades of talc to make the United States self-sufficient. However, some grades of talc can be imported from other countries at lower costs. This reduces employment and revenue in domestic mining and processing companies.

The leading talc-producing countries in 2018 were China, India, Brazil, the United States, South Korea, France, Japan, and Finland. Numerous other countries are minor producers of talc.

The United States, talc is found in the eastern Appalachian and Piedmont regions from New England to Alabama. Important deposits are located in California, Montana, Nevada, Texas and Washington.