HS Code:
Salt cake, classified under HS Code 283311, refers to crude sodium sulfate, a by-product of various industrial processes, including the production of hydrochloric acid and other chemicals. It is primarily used in the manufacture of detergents, glass, and paper, as well as in water treatment and textile industries. Salt cake plays a critical role in industrial applications due to its cost-effectiveness and availability as a source of sulfate ions.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 2.5 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
800,000 metric tons
32% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
500,000 metric tons
20% of global trade of total trade
Stable
300,000 metric tons
12% of global trade of total trade
Stable
250,000 metric tons
10% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
200,000 metric tons
8% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand in detergent manufacturing
Increased production and export from major producers like China and India due to growing consumer markets in Asia-Pacific
2021-2022
Shift toward sustainable alternatives
Moderate decline in demand in regions like Europe due to preference for eco-friendly substitutes in industrial processes
2020-2022
Fluctuating raw material costs
Price volatility affecting trade margins, particularly for smaller exporters
2022
China introduced subsidies for sodium sulfate exporters to boost industrial chemical trade, leading to a surge in export volumes.
March 2022
Increased competition for other exporters, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region
The European Union tightened regulations on industrial by-products like salt cake, mandating stricter disposal and usage guidelines.
July 2022
Potential reduction in demand within EU markets; increased compliance costs for exporters
Ongoing negotiations between the US and India include discussions on reducing tariffs for industrial chemicals, including salt cake.
September 2022
Possible increase in bilateral trade if agreement is finalized