Published reports place the total cost of corrosion in the United States at $552 billion. Direct costs account for 50%, or $276 billion, which include corrosion-related repairs or replacements. Indirect costs account for the other 50%, and include loss of production, environmental damage, transportation disruptions, injuries, and fatalities.
The total cost of corrosion is placed at 6.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The $552 billion is based on the 1997 GDP of $8.76 trillion. In 2010, the GDP was $14.7 trillion. 6% of $14.7 trillion equals $882 billion. This represents a 60% increase since 1997.