HS Code:
The Barium category, primarily classified under HS Code 2805.19 (alkali or alkaline-earth metals, including barium) and related codes like 2511 (natural barium sulfate or barytes), encompasses raw barium materials, barium compounds, and derivatives used in various industrial applications. Barium is a key element in the production of glass, ceramics, paints, and drilling fluids for the oil and gas industry (barite). It is also used in medical imaging as barium sulfate for X-ray diagnostics. Global trade in barium and its compounds is influenced by mining output, industrial demand, and environmental regulations.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing nations to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or EU trade deals)
Rising demand for barite in oil and gas drilling
Increased trade volumes in producing countries like China and India due to global energy exploration activities
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable mining practices
Higher production costs and potential supply constraints as environmental regulations tighten
2020-2022
Growing use of barium compounds in electronics
Emerging demand from high-tech industries for barium titanate in capacitors and ceramics
2019-2022
China imposed stricter export controls on barium resources to prioritize domestic industrial needs and environmental conservation.
March 2022
Global prices for barium and barite increased by 10-15%, prompting buyers to seek alternative suppliers like India and Morocco.
The United States temporarily reduced tariffs on barium compounds to support domestic manufacturing in the electronics sector.
July 2022
Boosted imports from China and Mexico, stabilizing supply chains for US industries.
Morocco announced investments in expanding barite mining operations to meet growing global demand from the energy sector.
October 2022
Expected to increase Morocco's export share by 5% over the next two years, diversifying supply sources.