Argentina Carbonates Export Market -- HS Code 2836 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q2 2025)

Argentina Carbonates Export (HS 2836) Key Takeaways

Argentina's Carbonates export under HS code 2836 in Q2 2025 is dominated by high-value lithium carbonate, accounting for over 99% of trade value, while lower-grade bulk materials like calcium carbonate play a minor role. Export values spiked in April ($152.50M) before sharply declining in May-June, signaling volatility amid regional competition and demand shifts. China commands over 80% of shipments by weight and value, reflecting heavy reliance on bulk trade, while the U.S. stands out as a premium market. This analysis, covering Q2 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Argentina Carbonates Export (HS 2836) Background

What is HS Code 2836?

HS Code 2836 covers carbonates, peroxocarbonates (percarbonates), and commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate. These chemicals are widely used in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, particularly as leavening agents, pH regulators, and fertilizer components. Global demand remains stable due to their essential role in these sectors.

Current Context and Strategic Position

In May 2025, Chile's ammonium carbonate (HS Code 2836) exports saw China dominate 76.8% of trade by value, with stable pricing and EU market expansion noted [ytrade.com]. Argentina's carbonates export sector is strategically positioned to capitalize on similar opportunities, given its robust chemical manufacturing base and access to key markets. Monitoring hs code 2836 trade data is critical for Argentina to maintain competitiveness and adapt to shifting global demand. Vigilance in pricing and market trends will be essential for sustained growth.

Argentina Carbonates Export (HS 2836) Price Trend

Key Observations

The Argentina Carbonates Export trend under HS code 2836 in Q2 2025 exhibited significant volatility, with export value reaching $152.50 million in April before sharply declining to $45.36 million in May and partially recovering to $49.50 million in June. This quarter's performance highlights a disruption from the steady growth observed earlier in the year.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The hs code 2836 value trend showed resilience in April, building on the stable Q1 base, but the abrupt May-June contraction coincided with heightened regional competition and shifting trade patterns. As reported in Chile's ammonium carbonate exports, where China captured over 76% of market share with stable pricing [YTrade], Argentina's export dip may reflect competitive pressures or demand realignment in key markets like Asia and Europe, common in carbonate industries influenced by global agricultural and industrial cycles.

Argentina Carbonates Export (HS 2836) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for Q2 2025, Argentina's export of HS Code 2836 is heavily concentrated in lithium carbonate, which accounts for over 99% of the total value. This product dominates with a unit price of 27.35 USD per kilogram, far exceeding other carbonates like calcium carbonate at 0.84 USD per kilogram, indicating a high-value specialization. Minor entries such as barium and strontium carbonates, with negligible quantities and no clear pricing, are isolated anomalies in this analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining non-anomalous exports under Argentina HS Code 2836 fall into two clear categories: high-grade specialty chemicals like lithium carbonate, and lower-value industrial bulk materials such as calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. This structure shows a mix of differentiated, high-value products and more fungible bulk commodities, with trade data revealing a sharp divide in quality and application rather than a uniform market.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

This analysis of HS Code 2836 trade data suggests strong pricing power for lithium carbonate exporters in Argentina, allowing them to focus on premium markets. For other carbonates, competition likely hinges on cost efficiency, urging players to prioritize high-value segments or risk lower margins in bulk trade.

Table: Argentina HS Code 2836) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed HS Code 2836 Breakdown

Argentina Carbonates Export (HS 2836) Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

China is the dominant destination for Argentina's Carbonates exports in Q2 2025, holding over 80% of both value and weight shares. The weight share slightly exceeds the value share, pointing to a focus on bulk or lower-value variants of Carbonates in this trade. Frequency is high but not disproportionate, indicating steady, large-scale shipments rather than fragmented trade.

Destination Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The export partners form three clusters based on trade patterns. The volume cluster includes China, Chile, and Bolivia, where high weight shares but low value for Chile and Bolivia suggest bulk, lower-grade Carbonates for industrial processing or domestic use. The high-yield cluster features the United States, with a value share higher than weight, indicating demand for premium or specialized Carbonates. The transactional cluster involves Mexico, with elevated frequency relative to value and weight, implying frequent, small shipments likely for just-in-time supply chains or regional distribution.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

To enhance Argentina's Carbonates export performance, prioritize securing high-margin markets like the United States while streamlining logistics for bulk buyers in China and similar volume clusters. Supply chains should be optimized for efficient weight-based shipping to volume destinations, and explore value-added opportunities in high-yield regions. Analysis of HS Code 2836 trade data supports this focused approach for growth.

Table: Argentina Carbonates (HS 2836) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Carbonates Market Operation and Expansion

• Prioritize premium markets like the United States for high-grade lithium carbonate shipments to maximize the value of the Argentina Carbonates Export. This leverages the strong pricing power revealed in the hs code 2836 trade data for high-value products.
• Optimize the Carbonates supply chain for bulk, weight-efficient shipping to volume buyers in China. This ensures cost-effective logistics for the high-volume, lower-margin segment of the trade, securing steady demand.
• Diversify export destinations to mitigate over-reliance on any single market, using trade intelligence to identify new high-yield opportunities. This reduces geopolitical risk and builds a more resilient Argentina Carbonates Export profile.
• Continuously analyze buyer frequency and shipment size data from the hs code 2836 trade data to anticipate demand shifts and adjust production. This prevents inventory issues and allows for agile responses to market changes within the Carbonates supply chain.

Take Action Now —— Explore Argentina Carbonates Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Argentina Carbonates Export 2025 Q2?

Argentina's Carbonates exports saw sharp volatility in Q2 2025, peaking at $152.50 million in April before dropping to $45.36 million in May. This disruption reflects competitive pressures from regional players like Chile and shifting demand in key markets like China.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Argentina Carbonates (HS Code 2836) 2025 Q2?

China dominates with over 80% of Argentina’s Carbonates exports by value and weight, followed by the United States (high-value niche) and Chile/Bolivia (bulk shipments).

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across destination countries of Argentina Carbonates Export?

Prices vary due to product specialization: lithium carbonate (premium, $27.35/kg) drives high-value trade with the U.S., while bulk materials like calcium carbonate ($0.84/kg) flow to China and regional neighbors.

Q4. What should exporters in Argentina focus on in the current Carbonates export market?

Exporters should prioritize premium markets (e.g., U.S.) for lithium carbonate while optimizing logistics for bulk buyers (e.g., China) to balance margins and volume.

Q5. What does this Argentina Carbonates export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in China benefit from steady bulk supply, while U.S. buyers access high-grade lithium carbonate. Chile/Bolivia’s industrial users rely on cost-efficient, lower-grade shipments.

Q6. How is Carbonates typically used in this trade flow?

Lithium carbonate serves premium applications like batteries, while bulk carbonates (e.g., calcium carbonate) are used in industrial processing or construction materials.

Detailed Monthly Report

Argentina HS2836 Export Snapshot 2025 APR

Argentina HS2836 Export Snapshot 2025 MAY

Argentina HS2836 Export Snapshot 2025 JUN