HS Code:
Dolomite, whether or not calcined or sintered, including dolomite roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape (HS Code: 2518), is a naturally occurring mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate. It is widely used in various industries, including construction (as a source of magnesium oxide and in the production of cement), agriculture (as a soil conditioner), and manufacturing (in the production of glass, ceramics, and steel). Calcined or sintered dolomite is processed at high temperatures to enhance its chemical properties for industrial applications. This product category is critical for infrastructure development and industrial processes globally.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 25 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
5.2 million metric tons
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
3.8 million metric tons
15.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
3.1 million metric tons
12.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
2.5 million metric tons
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
1.9 million metric tons
7.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand in steel production
Increased trade volumes driven by dolomite's use as a flux in steelmaking, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions with growing industrial output.
2021-2023
Growth in sustainable construction
Higher demand for dolomite in eco-friendly construction materials and soil stabilization, boosting trade in regions with green building initiatives.
2020-2022
Shift toward calcined dolomite
Increased exports of processed (calcined or sintered) dolomite due to its higher value and industrial applicability, particularly from China and India.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter environmental standards for mining and processing dolomite, requiring exporters to comply with sustainability certifications.
January 2023
Potential increase in production costs for non-EU exporters, possibly reducing trade competitiveness in the region.
Massive infrastructure projects in countries like India and Indonesia have spurred demand for dolomite in construction and cement production.
Mid-2022
Significant rise in imports by Asian countries, benefiting exporters like Turkey and China.
A renewed focus on tariff-free trade of industrial minerals under the USMCA has facilitated dolomite trade between the two nations.
October 2022
Increased trade volumes and reduced costs for dolomite imports/exports within North America.