Investment demand for palladium exists, although to a lesser extent than gold, silver, and platinum. Russia is the largest producer of palladium. The second largest source of palladium flows from South Africa, with smaller amounts of palladium recovered in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Finland, and Zimbabwe. The greatest use for palladium is in electronic components and connectors. Palladium paste is used in semiconductors found in most personal computers, cellular telephones, and an enormous range of electronically controlled devices.
Palladium is also combined with gold to create dental alloys.
Palladium is joined with gold to lighten the color of the alloy and heighten its corrosion-resistance properties. The third largest use of palladium is in auto catalysts, where palladium is often combined with platinum. More and more palladium is being included in stationary site catalysts designed to reduce harmful emissions from commercial establishments as well as from vehicles. Palladium plays a smaller role in jewelry, chemical process and petroleum refining catalysts, and brazing alloys.