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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of potassium carbonates (SITC 52374) 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 carbonate (pearl ash, K₂CO₃) and potassium bicarbonate are specialty alkalis used in glass and optical fiber manufacturing, specialty fertilizers, food processing (particularly as a leavening agent in certain confections), and as a pH buffer in industrial processes. Potassium carbonate commands a price premium over soda ash due to the higher cost of potassium feedstocks, making it a targeted input rather than a bulk commodity. Importers should distinguish between anhydrous and hydrated forms, as moisture content affects weight-based pricing and can influence classification at the HTS level.
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Optical and specialty glass manufacturing is a leading end use, as potassium carbonate improves glass clarity and refractive index compared to soda ash. It is also used in the production of potassium silicate, as a flux in welding, in specialty fertilizer blends for chloride-sensitive crops, and as a food-grade leavening agent in certain baked goods and confections. The niche nature of these applications means import volumes are relatively modest but specification-sensitive.
Yes. Anhydrous potassium carbonate and the hydrated form (potassium carbonate sesquihydrate) differ in active content per unit weight, which affects both pricing on a dry-weight basis and, potentially, the applicable HTS tariff line. Importers should confirm the form and moisture content in the certificate of analysis and ensure the commercial invoice reflects the correct specification to avoid valuation disputes.
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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