Chlorine price index

Chlorine price October 2024 and outlook (see chart below)

North America:US$0.67/KG, unchanged
Europe:US$0.35/KG, 2.9% up
Northeast Asia:US$0.34/KG, -2.9% down

The chart below summarizes Chlorine price trend per region, as well as the outlook. It takes a moment to load.

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Chlorine price index

This post is a summary of the global chlorine price developments. The price developments of global chlorine are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Chlorine price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for global chlorine prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of global chlorine prices
Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of chlorine
Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of global chlorine prices
Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the chlorine market
Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Chlorine price index

What is chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a highly reactive, pale yellow, greenish-yellow gas that is widely used in many industrial processes, including the production of chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Chlorine is also used as a disinfectant in water treatment plants, swimming pools, and household cleaning products. It is highly toxic and can be harmful if inhaled or ingested in large amounts. Chlorine gas is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning that it readily reacts with other chemicals, often with the release of heat and light. It is also highly reactive with organic compounds and can cause harmful byproducts to be formed when it is used to disinfect water or other substances.

How is chlorine produced

Chlorine can be produced through a variety of methods, including:

Electrolysis of salt water

Chlorine can be produced by electrolyzing a solution of sodium chloride (common table salt) and water. This process involves passing an electric current through the salt water solution, which splits the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, and the salt molecules into sodium and chlorine.

Production from hydrochloric acid

Chlorine can also be produced by reacting hydrogen and chlorine gas to form hydrochloric acid, which can then be decomposed to produce chlorine gas.

Production from methane

Chlorine can be produced by reacting methane (natural gas) with water and oxygen to form hydrogen chloride gas, which can then be further processed to produce chlorine gas.

Production from hydrogen and chlorine gas

Chlorine can also be produced by reacting hydrogen and chlorine gas over a catalyst, such as copper or zinc oxide.

Overall, the most common method of producing chlorine is through the electrolysis of salt water, as it is relatively simple and inexpensive. However, other methods may be used in specific circumstances, depending on the availability of raw materials and the desired end product.

What drives the cost of chlorine

The cost of chlorine can be influenced by several factors, including:

Raw materials

Chlorine is produced by the electrolysis of brine (a solution of salt in water). The cost of salt, as well as electricity and water used in the electrolysis process, can impact the cost of chlorine production.

Supply and demand

Like any other commodity, the price of chlorine is determined by supply and demand. If the demand for chlorine is high, and the supply is limited, the price of chlorine may increase.

Energy costs

Chlorine production requires a significant amount of electricity. Fluctuations in energy prices can affect the cost of producing chlorine, and these fluctuations can be impacted by global supply and demand for energy resources.

Transport costs

The cost of transporting chlorine can also impact its price. Since chlorine is a hazardous material, transportation regulations can be strict and require specialized equipment and procedures.

Regulations

There are strict regulations around the production, storage, and transport of chlorine due to its hazardous nature. Compliance with these regulations can add to the cost of producing and transporting chlorine.

Overall, the cost of chlorine is determined by a combination of factors, including the cost of raw materials, supply and demand, energy costs, transport costs, and regulations.

What is chlorine used for

Chlorine has a wide range of uses, including:

Water treatment

Chlorine is used to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in water, making it safe to drink. It is also used to control the growth of algae and other organisms in swimming pools.

Industrial processes

Chlorine is used in the production of a variety of chemicals, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a common plastic, and chlorine dioxide, which is used as a bleach.

Disinfectant

Chlorine is used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces and in the air, making it a popular disinfectant for use in hospitals, schools, and other public places.

Bleaching

Chlorine is used in the production of bleach, which is used to whiten clothes, paper, and other materials.

Agriculture

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in the production of animal feed and in the treatment of livestock drinking water.

Food processing

Chlorine is used to kill bacteria on food processing equipment and in the production of some food products, such as processed cheese and beer.

Medicine

Some chlorine compounds are used as antiseptics and disinfectants in the medical field.

Swimming pools

Chlorine is used to kill bacteria and algae in swimming pools, making the water safe for swimming.

Household cleaning

Chlorine is used in many household cleaning products, including bleach, toilet bowl cleaners, and mold and mildew removers.

What types of chlorine are there

There are several types of chlorine, including:

Chlorine gas (Cl2)

This is the most common form of chlorine and is a highly reactive, pale yellow, greenish-yellow gas. It is highly toxic and can be harmful if inhaled or ingested in large amounts.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

This is a corrosive, colorless liquid that is produced by reacting hydrogen and chlorine gas. It is commonly used in the production of chemicals and as a laboratory reagent.

Sodium chloride (NaCl)

This is a common salt that is produced by reacting sodium and chlorine. It is commonly used as a food seasoning and in the production of a variety of chemicals.

Calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2)

This is a white, solid compound that is commonly used as a disinfectant and a bleaching agent. It is often used in water treatment plants and swimming pools to kill bacteria and algae.

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2)

This is a pale yellow, unstable gas that is used as a bleach and a disinfectant. It is often used in the production of paper and textiles and as a water purification agent.

Chlorine compounds

There are many other compounds that contain chlorine, including chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are harmful to the environment.

How big is the chlorine market

The global market for chlorine is large and growing. According to a report by Market Research Future, the global chlorine market was valued at approximately USD 53.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 72.3 billion by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%.

Chlorine has a wide range of uses in many different industries, including water treatment, industrial processes, agriculture, food processing, medicine, and household cleaning products. As a result, the demand for chlorine is likely to remain strong in the coming years.

The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for chlorine, followed by Europe and North America. The growth in the Asia-Pacific region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for chlorine in the water treatment, paper and pulp, and chemical industries. In Europe and North America, the demand for chlorine is driven by the growth in the construction and automotive industries.

According to https://oec.world/ :

Chlorine are the world’s 3676th most traded product.

In 2020, the top exporters of Chlorine were Canada ($36.5M), United States ($18.4M), Japan ($12.6M), France ($11.2M), and Colombia ($6.67M).

In 2020, the top importers of Chlorine were United States ($40.8M), Mexico ($11.1M), Germany ($7.72M), Chinese Taipei ($7.1M), and China ($7.06M).