Magnesium sulfate price April 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$0.39/KG, unchanged
- Europe:US$0.42/KG, -2.3% down
- Northeast Asia:US$0.17/KG, unchanged
Magnesium sulfate price index
This post is a summary of the Magnesium sulfate price developments. The price developments of Magnesium sulfate are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Magnesium sulfate price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for Magnesium sulfate prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Magnesium sulfate prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Magnesium sulfate
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Magnesium sulfate prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Magnesium sulfate market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Magnesium sulfate price chart
What is magnesium sulfate
Magnesium sulfate, also known as Epsom salt, is a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Its chemical formula is MgSO4. It is a white, odorless, crystalline substance that is often used in medicine, agriculture, and various industrial applications.
In medicine, magnesium sulfate is commonly used as a laxative or to treat magnesium deficiency. It can also be used to treat certain conditions such as pre-eclampsia (a serious pregnancy complication) and seizures caused by low magnesium levels.
In agriculture, magnesium sulfate is often used as a fertilizer to provide plants with a source of magnesium and sulfur, two essential nutrients for plant growth.
In industry, magnesium sulfate is used in the production of paper, textiles, and various chemicals. It is also used as a component in bath salts and other personal care products.
How is magnesium sulfate produced
Magnesium sulfate is produced by the reaction of magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide with sulfuric acid. The process involves several steps
Preparation of raw materials
The raw materials for producing magnesium sulfate are magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. The raw materials are typically obtained from natural sources, such as brine wells or underground deposits, or from industrial byproducts, such as coal-fired power plants.
Mixing
The raw materials are mixed in a reactor vessel, with the sulfuric acid slowly added to the magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide while stirring.
Reaction
The sulfuric acid reacts with the magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide to form magnesium sulfate and water. The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
Filtration
The resulting mixture is filtered to remove any solid impurities, leaving a clear solution of magnesium sulfate.
Evaporation
The solution is then heated to evaporate the water, leaving behind a concentrated solution of magnesium sulfate.
Crystallization
The concentrated solution is cooled to induce crystallization of the magnesium sulfate, which can then be separated from the remaining liquid by filtration.
Drying and packaging
The magnesium sulfate crystals are dried and packaged for shipment or further processing.
Overall, the process for producing magnesium sulfate is relatively simple and can be carried out on a large scale in industrial settings.
What is magnesium sulfate used for
Magnesium sulfate is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in various industries. Some of the most common uses of magnesium sulfate include:
Agriculture
Magnesium sulfate is commonly used as a fertilizer to provide plants with a source of magnesium and sulfur, two essential nutrients for plant growth.
Pharmaceuticals
Magnesium sulfate is used in the treatment of magnesium deficiency, pre-eclampsia (a serious pregnancy complication), and seizures caused by low magnesium levels. It is also used as a laxative and as a component in some intravenous (IV) fluids.
Personal care products
Magnesium sulfate is used in various personal care products, such as bath salts, foot soaks, and body scrubs, due to its exfoliating and soothing properties.
Industrial applications
Magnesium sulfate is used in the production of paper, textiles, and various chemicals. It is also used as a drying agent and desiccant in laboratory and industrial settings.
Food and beverage industry
Magnesium sulfate is used as a nutrient supplement in some food and beverage products.
Overall, magnesium sulfate is a versatile compound with a range of applications in different industries, and its use is expected to continue to grow in the future due to its beneficial properties and wide range of applications.
What types of magnesium sulfate are there
There are several types of magnesium sulfate, each with its own unique properties and uses. The most common types of magnesium sulfate include:
Anhydrous magnesium sulfate
This type of magnesium sulfate is a dry, white, crystalline powder that contains no water molecules. It is often used in laboratory and industrial applications, such as drying agents and desiccants.
Monohydrate magnesium sulfate
This type of magnesium sulfate contains one water molecule for every magnesium sulfate molecule. It is commonly used as a fertilizer in agriculture.
Heptahydrate magnesium sulfate
This type of magnesium sulfate contains seven water molecules for every magnesium sulfate molecule. It is also known as Epsom salt and is commonly used in personal care products and as a laxative.
Pentahydrate magnesium sulfate
This type of magnesium sulfate contains five water molecules for every magnesium sulfate molecule. It is often used as a drying agent and as a component in bath salts and other personal care products.
Trihydrate magnesium sulfate
This type of magnesium sulfate contains three water molecules for every magnesium sulfate molecule. It is commonly used in the manufacture of paper and textiles, as well as in pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
These different types of magnesium sulfate have varying properties and applications, and are produced through different methods depending on the intended use.
How big is the magnesium sulfate market
The magnesium sulfate market is a significant global market, with a wide range of applications in various industries. According to a report by Transparency Market Research, the global magnesium sulfate market was valued at around USD 4.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 5.9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of around 3.5% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2028.
The growth in the magnesium sulfate market is primarily driven by its increasing use in agriculture as a fertilizer and soil conditioner, as well as its growing use in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. In addition, the increasing demand for magnesium sulfate in the food and beverage industry as a nutrient supplement is also contributing to the growth of the market.
Regionally, Asia Pacific is the largest market for magnesium sulfate, with China being the largest producer and consumer of the compound. North America and Europe are also significant markets for magnesium sulfate, driven by the increasing demand for the compound in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Magnesium sulphate are the world’s 3106th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Magnesium sulphate were China ($128M), Germany ($97.5M), Ireland ($34.4M), India ($13.1M), and Japan ($10.3M).
In 2020, the top importers of Magnesium sulphate were United States ($29.4M), Finland ($17.6M), Malaysia ($16.7M), France ($13.1M), and Saudi Arabia ($12.3M).
Which countries produce the most magnesium sulfate
Magnesium sulfate is produced by many countries around the world, but the exact production figures can vary from year to year depending on factors such as demand, price, and availability of raw materials.
According to recent data, the top five producers of magnesium sulfate in the world are China, the United States, Russia, Germany, and Japan. China is by far the largest producer, accounting for over half of global production. The United States is the second-largest producer, followed by Russia, Germany, and Japan.
Other significant producers of magnesium sulfate include Canada, Mexico, India, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
Further reading
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