HS Code:
Fused magnesia and dead-burned (sintered) magnesia, classified under HS Code 251990, are processed forms of magnesite used primarily in the production of refractory materials for high-temperature industrial applications such as steelmaking, cement production, and glass manufacturing. Fused magnesia is produced by melting magnesite in electric arc furnaces, resulting in high purity and density, while dead-burned magnesia is calcined at high temperatures to remove carbon dioxide, making it chemically inert and suitable for refractory linings. These products are critical in industries requiring materials with high resistance to heat and corrosion.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 10.5 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
6.2 million metric tons
59% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
1.1 million metric tons
10.5% of global trade of total trade
Stable
0.8 million metric tons
7.6% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
0.5 million metric tons
4.8% of global trade of total trade
Stable
0.4 million metric tons
3.8% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU internal trade or USMCA)
Increasing demand from steel industry
Rising global steel production, especially in Asia-Pacific, drives demand for refractory materials like fused and dead-burned magnesia, boosting trade volumes by 3-5% annually.
2021-2023
Shift towards sustainable production
Growing environmental concerns push producers to adopt cleaner technologies, increasing production costs but also opening premium markets in Europe and North America.
2022-2023
Supply chain diversification
Geopolitical tensions and trade disputes encourage importers to source magnesia from multiple countries, reducing reliance on dominant suppliers like China.
2020-2023
The European Union imposed provisional anti-dumping duties of up to 39.5% on imports of fused magnesia from China, citing unfair pricing practices that harm domestic producers.
March 2023
This has led to a temporary shift in EU imports towards Turkey and Brazil, potentially increasing prices in the short term.
China introduced stricter export controls on magnesia products to prioritize domestic supply and reduce environmental impact from over-mining.
July 2022
Global supply tightened, causing a price surge of 10-15% and prompting buyers to explore alternative suppliers.
A major refractory materials company opened a new dead-burned magnesia production facility in Brazil, increasing the country’s export capacity by 20%.
September 2023
This development strengthens Brazil’s position in the global market, particularly for South American and North American buyers.