Chile Ammonium Carbonate HS2836 Export Data 2025 March Overview

Chile Ammonium Carbonate (HS 2836) 2025 March Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's Ammonium Carbonate (HS Code 2836) exports in March 2025 reveal a bulk-grade chemical trade, dominated by China Mainland, which accounts for 87% of volume and 86% of value, signaling high geographic and buyer concentration risks. The stable unit price of $6.65/kg suggests commoditized demand, likely for industrial applications like food processing or fertilizers. This analysis, covering March 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database. With China as the overwhelming buyer, diversification into secondary markets like South Korea or the U.S. could mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, while EU trade agreements offer potential growth avenues.

Chile Ammonium Carbonate (HS 2836) 2025 March Export Background

Ammonium Carbonate, classified under HS Code 2836 (Carbonates; peroxocarbonates; commercial ammonium carbonate), is vital for industries like food additives, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers, ensuring steady global demand. Chile’s Ammonium Carbonate exports in March 2025 gained strategic importance as the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement [EC Taxation] eased tariffs, while U.S. tariffs on other Chilean exports highlighted trade shifts [BCentral]. Chile’s role as a key carbonate supplier, especially to China, grew with a 2.36% export rise in 2025 [OEC], reinforcing its trade position.

Chile Ammonium Carbonate (HS 2836) 2025 March Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Chile's Ammonium Carbonate exports under HS Code 2836 surged in volume by 95% month-over-month to 292.22 million kg in March 2025, despite a 6.4% drop in unit price to $6.73/kg, marking a strong recovery from February's low.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The volume rebound in March aligns with typical industrial stock replenishment cycles, where carbonate producers often ramp up shipments after seasonal or logistical slowdowns, as seen in February's dip. This push to meet demand drove higher export volumes while slightly depressing prices due to increased market supply.

External Context and Outlook

The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement, which applied to goods exported in March, eased customs procedures and likely boosted export flows [EU-Chile Trade Guidance]. With carbonates exports showing growth trends (OEC World), Chile's Ammonium Carbonate HS Code 2836 Export outlook for 2025 remains positive, though U.S. tariff policies may add caution for broader trade.

Chile Ammonium Carbonate (HS 2836) 2025 March Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

Chile's Ammonium Carbonate HS Code 2836 export structure in March 2025 is overwhelmingly dominated by lithium carbonate, specifically the sub-code 28369130. This single product accounts for 93% of the total weight shipped and 93% of the total export value, establishing it as the core commodity. Its unit price of $6.69 per kilogram is the benchmark for the category. Two other lithium carbonate grades (28369190 and 28369140) and two minor, zero-value shipments of sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate were also recorded, but these are isolated from the main analysis due to their negligible commercial impact.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The active market consists of three distinct lithium carbonate grades, indicating a trade in fungible bulk commodities where price is directly linked to chemical purity and specification rather than brand. The dominant 28369130 grade is the standard bulk product. The 28369190 grade commands a premium price of $8.54 per kilogram, suggesting a higher purity or specialized industrial grade. The 28369140 grade is a lower-priced alternative at $5.93 per kilogram. This structure shows Chile's export is focused on raw industrial materials for global supply chains.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Chile's 2025 March export of Ammonium Carbonate HS Code 2836, the high concentration in a single bulk commodity limits pricing power for individual shippers, as prices are likely set by global indices and long-term contracts. The strategic focus must remain on volume and cost efficiency for the dominant lithium carbonate grade. This is supported by its critical role in battery production, which helped secure an exemption from recent U.S. tariff increases [European Commission], and its eligibility for preferential treatment under the EU-Chile trade agreement (European Commission).

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Chile Ammonium Carbonate (HS 2836) 2025 March Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In March 2025, Chile's Ammonium Carbonate HS Code 2836 exports showed strong geographic concentration, with China Mainland dominating as the top destination, accounting for 86.95% of the weight and 85.92% of the value. The slightly lower value ratio compared to weight ratio suggests that this product is traded as a bulk commodity, with an estimated unit price around 6.65 USD per kilogram, indicating a lower-grade or standard chemical used in industries like food processing or fertilizers.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The export partners form three main clusters: first, China stands alone as the massive bulk buyer, likely driven by high industrial demand. Second, South Korea and the United States represent secondary markets with moderate shares, possibly for specialized applications or regional distribution hubs. Third, European countries like Belgium and Germany have minimal but consistent imports, perhaps for niche uses or re-export purposes, given their smaller volumes and lower value ratios.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For market players, the heavy reliance on China poses a supply chain risk, urging diversification into emerging markets. Trade policies, such as the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement [European Commission], could support increased exports to Europe by simplifying rules of origin, while potential US tariffs (European Commission) highlight the need to monitor geopolitical shifts for stable pricing and logistics.

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Chile Ammonium Carbonate (HS 2836) 2025 March Export: Action Plan for Ammonium Carbonate Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Ammonium Carbonate Export 2025 March under HS Code 2836 is a bulk commodity trade dominated by lithium carbonate. Price is driven by global indices and grade purity, not brand. The market relies heavily on a few high-volume buyers, with China taking 87% of volume. This creates pricing pressure and supply chain risk from demand shifts or geopolitics. Chile's role is as a raw material supplier to global battery and industrial chains. Trade deals like the EU-Chile agreement offer some protection but don't eliminate concentration risk.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Ammonium Carbonate Market Execution

• Use HS Code sub-level data to track purity premiums and adjust production toward higher-value grades like 28369190, because this directly increases margin per kilogram shipped.
• Analyze buyer transaction frequency to predict order cycles and optimize inventory levels, preventing costly overstock or stockouts during demand fluctuations.
• Map export data to identify secondary markets like South Korea for diversification, reducing over-reliance on China and spreading geopolitical risk.
• Monitor trade agreement updates (e.g., EU-Chile rules) to target tariff-free shipments to Europe, securing better pricing and market access.
• Track global lithium index prices and adjust contract terms quarterly, ensuring Chilean exporters capture fair value amid commodity price volatility.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Ammonium Carbonate Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Ammonium Carbonate Export 2025 March?

A1. The surge in volume (95% month-over-month) reflects industrial restocking demand, while the slight price drop (-6.4%) stems from increased supply. The EU-Chile trade agreement also facilitated smoother exports.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Ammonium Carbonate Export 2025 March?

A2. China dominates with 86.95% of the weight share, followed by South Korea and the U.S. as secondary markets. Europe accounts for minimal but consistent imports.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Ammonium Carbonate Export 2025 March partner countries?

A3. Price variations stem from lithium carbonate grades: the standard bulk product trades at $6.69/kg, while higher-purity ($8.54/kg) and lower-grade ($5.93/kg) alternatives cater to niche markets.

Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Ammonium Carbonate export market?

A4. Exporters must prioritize relationships with dominant bulk buyers (holding 100% value share) and diversify beyond China to mitigate supply chain risks, leveraging trade agreements like EU-Chile.

Q5. What does this Chile Ammonium Carbonate export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

A5. Buyers benefit from stable bulk supply but face dependency risks. China secures cost-efficient raw materials, while secondary markets access specialized grades for niche applications.

Q6. How is Ammonium Carbonate typically used in this trade flow?

A6. The dominant lithium carbonate (93% share) is a bulk industrial material, primarily for battery production, supported by its tariff exemption in key markets like the U.S. and EU.