Potassium nitrate price October 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$0.72/KG, 1.4% up
- Europe:US$1.03/KG, 1% up
- Northeast Asia:US$0.71/KG, 1.4% up
- South America:US$0.93/KG, 1.1% up
- Middle East:US$1.36/KG, 1.5% up
- India:US$1.42/KG, 1.4% up
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Potassium nitrate index
This post is a summary of the Potassium Nitrate price developments. The price developments of Potassium Nitrate are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Potassium Nitrate price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for Potassium Nitrate prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Potassium Nitrate prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Potassium Nitrate
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Potassium Nitrate prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Potassium Nitrate market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Potassium nitrate price index
Here is some further information
What is potassium nitrate
Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound with the formula KNO3. It is a type of salt that is composed of potassium ions (K+) and nitrate ions (NO3-). It is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature and has a salty, slightly bitter taste. Potassium nitrate is soluble in water and is commonly used as a fertiliser, a food preservative, and a component of some explosives. It is also used in the production of fireworks, matches, and some types of glass. Potassium nitrate is highly reactive and should be handled with caution.
How is potassium nitrate produced
There are several methods for producing potassium nitrate, including:
Nitration of potassium carbonate
Potassium carbonate (K2CO3) is treated with concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) to produce potassium nitrate and carbon dioxide gas.
Nitration of potassium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is treated with concentrated nitric acid to produce potassium nitrate and water.
Nitration of potassium chloride
Potassium chloride (KCl) is treated with concentrated nitric acid to produce potassium nitrate and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Calcination of animal manure
Animal manure is heated in a kiln to produce a mixture of potassium nitrate and other compounds. The potassium nitrate is then separated and purified through a series of chemical processes.
Leaching of natural deposits
Potassium nitrate can be extracted from natural deposits by leaching the mineral with water. This method is commonly used in Chile, where large deposits of naturally occurring potassium nitrate are found.
Regardless of the method used, the production of potassium nitrate requires careful handling and safety precautions due to the use of concentrated acids and the highly reactive nature of the compound.
What is potassium nitrate used for
Potassium nitrate is used for a variety of purposes, including:
Fertiliser
Potassium nitrate is a key component of many fertilisers and is used to improve the growth and yield of crops. It is particularly useful for plants that require a high level of nitrogen, such as leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and tobacco.
Food preservative
Potassium nitrate is often used as a food preservative, particularly in the production of cured meats such as ham and bacon. It helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and extends the shelf life of these products.
Explosive
Potassium nitrate is a key component of some explosives, such as black powder, which was used as a gunpowder substitute in the early days of firearms. It is also used in the production of some types of fireworks.
Glass production
Potassium nitrate is used in the production of some types of glass, such as heat-resistant borosilicate glass and flame-resistant tempered glass.
Medicine
Potassium nitrate is used in some dental and oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste, to help reduce sensitivity and strengthen tooth enamel. It is also used as a medication to treat some heart and circulation problems.
Other uses
Potassium nitrate is also used in the production of matches, dyes, and some types of rubber. It is also used in the process of electroplating and in the production of some types of soaps.
Further reading
- Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
- PubChem for chemistry and property information
Trade and market information about Potassium nitrate
It is difficult to accurately estimate the size of the global potassium nitrate market as it depends on various factors such as demand for fertilisers, food preservatives, and explosives, among others. However, it is a significant market with a wide range of uses. Potassium nitrate is a key component of many fertilisers and is used to improve the growth and yield of crops, particularly in developing countries where demand for food is increasing. It is also used as a food preservative, particularly in the production of cured meats such as ham and bacon, which are popular in many countries. In addition, potassium nitrate is a key component of some explosives and is used in the production of fireworks, which are widely used for cultural and recreational purposes. The demand for potassium nitrate is likely to continue to grow in the coming years as the global population increases and the demand for food and other products that use potassium nitrate as a key ingredient increases.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Potassium nitrate are the world’s 2147th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Potassium nitrate were Chile ($312M), Israel ($106M), Jordan ($89.7M), Netherlands ($72.9M), and China ($72.6M).
In 2020, the top importers of Potassium nitrate were Spain ($111M), Netherlands ($102M), United Arab Emirates ($65.7M), United States ($56.7M), and Turkey ($34.8M).
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