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U.S. exports of potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) (HS 281520) totaled $8.2M in July 2026.
Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash) imports of $5.3M in July 2026 ran 33% above the year-to-date monthly average of $4.0M.
Last updated: July 2026 dataCaustic potash serves as the alkali of choice in applications where sodium contamination is unacceptable — notably liquid soap and detergent formulation, alkaline battery electrolyte, and certain specialty fertilizers. The US tariff schedule divides the heading into solid form (2815200050) and all other forms including solution (2815200090), making physical state the key classification variable. South Korea and Belgium are the primary US import sources, with Jordan — a significant potash-mining country — also among the top suppliers.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
61 shipments/mo
Subheading 2 of 4 in heading 2815
Subheading 281520 · $5.3M of $23.3M
The distinction is physical form: 2815200050 covers solid caustic potash (flakes, pellets, or sticks), while 2815200090 captures all other presentations, including aqueous solutions at any concentration. Importers should confirm the form with the supplier and document it on the commercial invoice to support correct classification.
In alkaline batteries, KOH electrolyte provides higher ionic conductivity than NaOH, improving cell performance. In liquid soap manufacturing, potassium-saponified fats remain fluid at room temperature, whereas sodium-saponified fats solidify — making caustic potash the standard choice for liquid hand soaps and shampoos.
HSChapter 28
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ImportsExports
Imports
$5.3MYoY · Pro
Exports
$8.2MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2815200090 | Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash), NESOI | $4.0M | 0.18% | 0.70% | $7K |
| 2815200050 | Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash); Solid Form | $1.3M | 0.03% | 1.09% | $403 |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2815200090 | Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash), NESOI | $7.7M |
| 2815200050 | Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash); Solid Form | $417K |
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.
Exports · July 2026
destination
Belgium and Canada together take 42% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
99.0% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 0.14%.