U.S. imports of Potassium Carbonates (HS 283640) totaled $1.5M in September 2026, imported from 17 countries.
Importers of Potassium Carbonates paid $183K in duties in September 2026, an average duty rate of 11.95% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: September 2026 dataPotassium carbonates — encompassing dipotassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) and potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃) — are specialty alkalis used in glass and optical fiber manufacturing, food processing, agrochemical production, and as leavening agents in confectionery. The US schedule separates dipotassium carbonate (2836401000) from potassium bicarbonate (2836402000), with a residual line (2836400000) for other forms, so correct chemical identification is essential at entry. South Korea and Taiwan lead US import supply, reflecting Asia's strong position in specialty chemical production, with Germany and China also significant sources. South Korean imports may benefit from preferential duty treatment under the KORUS free trade agreement.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
60 import shipments a month
Dipotassium carbonate (K₂CO₃, also called potassium carbonate) is classified under 2836401000, while potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃, also called potassium hydrogencarbonate) goes to 2836402000. The chemical name, molecular formula, and CAS number on the commercial invoice and certificate of analysis are the primary classification anchors. Importers should not rely solely on trade names, which can vary by supplier, and should consult a licensed customs broker for borderline cases.
Glass and specialty optical fiber manufacturing consume potassium carbonate as a flux to lower melting temperatures and improve optical clarity. Food-grade potassium carbonate is used as a leavening agent in German-style baked goods and as a pH regulator in cocoa processing. Agrochemical formulators use it as a potassium source in certain crop protection products. The grade and purity required differ significantly across these sectors, influencing which supplier origins are preferred.
Subheading 5 of 8 in heading 2836
Subheading 283640 · $1.5M of $39.6M
ImportsExports
Imports
$1.5MYoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to September 2026, the U.S. imported $16.6M of Potassium Carbonates.
Through September 2026 · exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 283640 — Potassium Carbonates, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2836401000 | Dipotassium Carbonate | $758K | 11.86% | 100.00% | $90K |
| 2836402000 | Potassium Hydrogencarbonate (Potassium Bicarbonat) | $129K | 13.75% | 83.14% | $18K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2836400000 | Potassium Carbonates | $3.3M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · September 2026
origin
South Korea and Taiwan together supply 70% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
2.8% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 11.95% of imports for consumption.