Potassium hydroxide price April 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$0.7/KG, -1.4% down
- Europe:US$0.6/KG, unchanged
- Northeast Asia:US$0.77/KG, -1.3% down
- Southeast Asia:US$0.88/KG, -1.1% down
- Middle East:US$1.08/KG, -0.9% down
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Potassium Hydroxide price index
This post is a summary of the potassium hydroxide price developments. The price developments of potassium hydroxide are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Potassium hydroxide price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for potassium hydroxide prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of potassium hydroxide prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of potassium hydroxide
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of potassium hydroxide prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the potassium hydroxide market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Potassium Hydroxide price chart
What is potassium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong, inorganic base with the chemical formula KOH. It is commonly known as caustic potash or lye. Potassium hydroxide is a white, odorless solid that is highly soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution.
Potassium hydroxide is used in a wide range of applications, including the production of soap, detergents, and other cleaning products. It is also used in the production of fertilizers, batteries, and certain types of food processing. In addition, potassium hydroxide is used in chemical synthesis, particularly in the manufacture of certain types of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds.
What is potassium hydroxide used for
Potassium hydroxide has a wide range of uses in various industries and applications. Here are some of the most common uses of potassium hydroxide:
Soap and Detergent Production
Potassium hydroxide is commonly used in the production of liquid soaps and detergents. It is a key ingredient that helps to break down and dissolve oils and fats.
Chemical Synthesis
Potassium hydroxide is used in a wide range of chemical reactions, such as the production of certain types of pharmaceuticals and organic compounds.
Food Processing
Potassium hydroxide is used in food processing to help preserve the color, flavor, and texture of certain foods, such as olives and cocoa.
Fertilizer Production
Potassium hydroxide is used in the production of fertilizers, particularly those that contain potassium.
Battery Production
Potassium hydroxide is used in the production of batteries, particularly alkaline batteries.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Potassium hydroxide is used as a strong cleaning and disinfecting agent, particularly in industrial settings.
pH Adjustment
Potassium hydroxide is often used to adjust the pH of various solutions, particularly in laboratory and industrial settings.
Water Treatment
Potassium hydroxide is used in water treatment to adjust the pH of water and remove impurities.
These are just a few examples of the many uses of potassium hydroxide in various industries and applications.
What types of potassium hydroxide are there
Potassium hydroxide is typically available in two forms: liquid and solid. The solid form of potassium hydroxide is commonly sold as pellets, flakes, or powder, while the liquid form is sold as a solution. Both forms of potassium hydroxide have similar chemical properties and can be used for similar applications.
In addition to the two main forms, there are also different grades of potassium hydroxide that are available, depending on the intended use. These grades may differ in terms of their purity, concentration, and physical properties.
Some common types of potassium hydroxide include:
Industrial Grade
This type of potassium hydroxide is typically used in industrial applications, such as chemical synthesis, soap and detergent production, and water treatment. It is often less pure and less concentrated than other grades.
Food Grade
This type of potassium hydroxide is used in food processing and is subject to strict regulations to ensure its safety for use in food products.
Pharmaceutical Grade
This type of potassium hydroxide is highly pure and is used in the production of pharmaceuticals and other medical products.
Battery Grade
This type of potassium hydroxide is used in the production of batteries, particularly alkaline batteries, and is often highly concentrated.
These are just a few examples of the different types of potassium hydroxide that are available
How is potassium hydroxide produced
Potassium hydroxide can be produced through several methods, including the electrolysis of potassium chloride, the reaction of potassium carbonate with calcium hydroxide, and the reaction of potassium chloride with sodium hydroxide. The most common method for commercial production of potassium hydroxide is through the electrolysis of potassium chloride.
The electrolysis method involves passing an electric current through a solution of potassium chloride (KCl) and water (H2O), which causes the potassium ions (K+) and the hydroxide ions (OH-) to move towards the respective electrodes. At the anode, chlorine gas is produced, while at the cathode, hydrogen gas is produced and potassium ions combine with the hydroxide ions to form potassium hydroxide.
The overall reaction can be represented as:
2KCl + 2H2O → 2KOH + H2 + Cl2
The resulting potassium hydroxide solution is then typically evaporated to produce solid potassium hydroxide pellets or flakes. The purity of the product can be further improved through additional purification and refining steps, depending on the intended use of the potassium hydroxide.
What drives the cost of Potassium Hydroxide
Several factors can affect the cost of potassium hydroxide, including the cost of raw materials, production costs, transportation costs, and market demand.
The cost of raw materials, particularly the cost of potassium chloride, which is the primary raw material used in the production of potassium hydroxide, can have a significant impact on the cost of potassium hydroxide. Changes in the availability and price of potassium chloride can impact the cost of producing potassium hydroxide, and thus, affect the market price of the product.
Production costs, such as labor, energy, and equipment costs, can also impact the cost of potassium hydroxide. Changes in production efficiency or input costs can affect the overall cost of producing potassium hydroxide.
Transportation costs, such as shipping, handling, and storage costs, can also impact the cost of potassium hydroxide, particularly if the product needs to be transported over long distances.
Finally, market demand can also affect the cost of potassium hydroxide. Changes in demand, particularly in industries such as soap and detergent production or chemical synthesis, can impact the market price of the product. Factors such as economic growth, industrialization, and changes in consumer preferences can all impact the demand for potassium hydroxide and its price.
How big is the global potassium hydroxide market
The global potassium hydroxide market size was valued at around USD 2.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 3.6 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.1% from 2021 to 2027, according to a report by Grand View Research. The increasing demand for potassium hydroxide in various industries, such as chemical synthesis, soaps and detergents, food processing, and water treatment, is driving the growth of the market. Additionally, the growing demand for potassium hydroxide in emerging economies and the increasing use of potassium hydroxide in the production of batteries and fertilizers are also contributing to the growth of the market.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) are the world’s 2325th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) were South Korea ($151M), Belgium ($147M), United States ($79.9M), Czechia ($42M), and China ($40.2M).
In 2020, the top importers of Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) were Germany ($74.3M), Israel ($42.5M), France ($36.2M), Malaysia ($35.4M), and Netherlands ($30.5M).
Which countries produce the most potassium hydroxide
The top potassium hydroxide producing countries in the world are China, the United States, and Russia.
China is the largest producer of potassium hydroxide, accounting for around 60% of the global production. The country has a significant presence in the market due to its large population and growing industrialization.
The United States is the second-largest producer of potassium hydroxide, with a share of around 10% of the global production. The country has a well-established chemical industry and is a major exporter of potassium hydroxide.
Russia is the third-largest producer of potassium hydroxide, with a share of around 8% of the global production. The country has significant reserves of potassium salts, which are used as a raw material for the production of potassium hydroxide.
Other significant potassium hydroxide producing countries include Canada, Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
Further information
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