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HSChapter 28
U.S. imports of potassium carbonates (HS 283640) totaled $1.7M in April 2026, traded with 13 countries.
Importers of Potassium Carbonates paid $196K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 12% on $1.7M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOREA, SOUTH | $1.1M | $19K | -$1.1M |
| MEXICO | -- | $1.0M | +$1.0M |
| INDIA | $24K | $509K | +$485K |
| CANADA | -- | $284K | +$284K |
| TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO | -- | $242K | +$242K |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2836401000 | DIPOTASSIUM CARBONATE | $1.5M | 10.73% | $157K |
| 2836402000 | POTASSIUM HYDROGENCARBONATE (POTASSIUM BICARBONAT) | $216K | 17.89% | $39K |
DIPOTASSIUM CARBONATE
POTASSIUM HYDROGENCARBONATE (POTASSIUM BICARBONAT)
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2836400000 | POTASSIUM CARBONATES | $2.7M |
POTASSIUM CARBONATES
3.7M kg
URANIUM ENRICHED IN U235 ETC. PLUTONIUM ETC.
HS 284420
NATURAL URANIUM & COMPOUNDS, ALLOYS & CERAMICS ETC
HS 284410
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
HS 281410
ALLOYS, DISPERSIONS,ISOTOPES & COMPOUNDS NES
HS 284443
SILICON, UNDER 99.99% (BY WEIGHT) SILICON
HS 280469
PHOSPHORIC ACID AND POLYPHOSPHORIC ACIDS
HS 280920
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | -- | $1.0M | +$1.0M |
| Alabama | -- | $891K | +$891K |
| California | $760K | $13K | -$747K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAVANNAH, GA | $258K | $1.1M | +$862K |
| LAREDO, TX | -- | $1.0M | +$1.0M |
| SAN FRANCISCO, CA | $573K | -- | -$573K |