HS Code:
Oxalic acid, its salts, and esters (HS Code: 2917.11) belong to the category of polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, and their derivatives. Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used primarily as a cleaning agent, bleaching agent, and in various industrial applications such as textile processing, metal cleaning, and rare earth extraction. Its salts and esters, like sodium oxalate and diethyl oxalate, are used in chemical synthesis and other specialized applications. This category is a niche but significant segment of the global chemical trade, driven by industrial demand in manufacturing and processing sectors.
Total Trade Volume
USD 150 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 60 million
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 25 million
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 12 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 10 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Rising demand in green cleaning products
Increased imports of oxalic acid in Europe and North America for eco-friendly cleaning solutions
2021-2022
Growth in rare earth processing
Higher demand in China and India for oxalic acid in rare earth metal extraction for electronics
2020-2022
Shift towards bio-based production
Emerging technologies for sustainable production reducing dependency on traditional chemical synthesis
2022
The European Union imposed provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 8% to 15% on oxalic acid imports from China to protect domestic manufacturers.
March 2023
Potential shift in trade flows towards other suppliers like India and Germany
A leading Indian chemical company announced the opening of a new oxalic acid production plant, aiming to double export capacity.
June 2023
Strengthens India's position as a key exporter, potentially lowering global prices
The US EPA introduced stricter guidelines on the handling and disposal of oxalic acid due to its environmental toxicity.
September 2022
Increased compliance costs for importers and manufacturers, potentially reducing trade volume