HS Code:
Salts and esters of citric acid (HS Code: 291815) are organic compounds derived from citric acid, widely used in the food and beverage industry as acidity regulators, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. They are also utilized in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications for their buffering and chelating properties. Key products in this category include sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and calcium citrate. Global trade in this category is driven by demand for processed foods, dietary supplements, and eco-friendly chemical alternatives.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 450 million
37.5% of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
16.7% of total trade
Stable
USD 180 million
15.0% of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade
Increasing
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand for natural preservatives
Increased export opportunities for producers of bio-based citric acid derivatives due to consumer preference for clean-label products.
2021-2023
Growth in pharmaceutical applications
Higher demand for citrate salts in drug formulations and dietary supplements, boosting trade in high-purity grades.
2020-2022
Sustainability push in industrial sectors
Shift towards eco-friendly chelating agents in detergents and cleaning products, driving innovation and trade in citric acid esters.
2019-2023
China has ramped up production capacity for sodium citrate, offering competitive pricing to capture larger market shares in Asia-Pacific and Europe.
Mid-2022
Increased price competition globally, putting pressure on smaller producers in other regions.
The European Union updated its regulations on the use of citric acid salts in food products, enforcing stricter purity and sourcing transparency standards.
January 2023
Potential trade barriers for non-compliant exporters but opportunities for certified suppliers.
Negotiations between the US and India include discussions on reducing tariffs for chemical intermediates, including citric acid derivatives.
Late 2022
Possible increase in bilateral trade volume if tariffs are lowered, benefiting Indian exporters.