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Analysis
Pricing History
Methodology
Specifications
Glossary

Potassium Carbonate Pricing Assessment
UNSPC: 12352302

  • Commodity Pricing

potassium carbonate Markets Covered: 

krKorea
inIndia
trTurkey
brBrazil
usUnited States
idIndonesia

potassium carbonate Markets Covered: 

  • Northern India potassium carbonate market price trend
  • Southern India potassium carbonate market price trend
  • Central India potassium carbonate market price trend

Global potassium carbonate Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

In Q1 2025, the price of potassium carbonate in South Korea fell to 951 USD/ ton, marking a 1% decrease from the previous quarter. This modest decline was mainly due to sustained low demand from key end-use sectors such as agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The agriculture industry saw limited demand for potassium-based fertilizers, while the dye and pigments sectors continued to experience slow growth. The pharmaceutical sector showed steady but restricted consumption. The minor price drop was primarily a result of the ongoing oversupply in the market and a lack of significant recovery in demand from these industries 

In Q4 2024, the price of potassium carbonate in South Korea dropped to 963 USD/ ton, marking a 10% decrease compared to the previous quarter. The significant price decline was driven by continued weak demand from key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. In the agriculture sector, the demand for potassium-based fertilizers remained low, while the dyes and pigments industries saw further slowdowns. The pharmaceutical sector also maintained stable but minimal consumption. The sharp price reduction was mainly attributed to oversupply in the market and a prolonged slump in industry-specific demand during the quarter. 

In Q3 2024, the price of potassium carbonate in South Korea fell to 1,071 USD/ ton,, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This significant decline was driven by weaker demand across key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The agriculture sector saw a further slowdown in demand for potassium-based fertilizers, while the dyes and pigments industries continued to face reduced activity. The pharmaceutical sector also experienced stable but limited consumption. The drop in price was largely attributed to an oversupply in the market and continued lower demand from these key industries. 

In Q2 2024, the price of potassium carbonate in South Korea dropped to 1,156 USD/ ton,, marking a 4% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This decline was largely due to weaker demand from key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The agriculture sector saw reduced demand for potassium-based fertilizers, while the dyes and pigments industries experienced slower growth, impacting consumption. The pharmaceutical sector also showed stable but moderate demand. The price decrease was primarily driven by an oversupply in the market and lower industry-specific demand, resulting in a notable reduction during the quarter. 

In Q1 2024, the price of potassium carbonate in South Korea decreased to 1,200 USD/ ton, reflecting a 2% decline compared to the previous quarter. The price drop was largely influenced by stable supply and lower demand from key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. In the agriculture sector, demand for potassium-based fertilizers showed some reduction, while the dyes and pigments industries experienced slower growth. The pharmaceutical sector maintained steady but moderate consumption. This decline in price was primarily driven by changes in supply dynamics and a temporary reduction in industry-specific demand during the quarter. 

India potassium carbonate Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2025, the CIF price of potassium carbonate from South Korea to India decreased to 1,061 USD/ ton, reflecting a 1% decline compared to the previous quarter. This slight decrease was driven by ongoing low demand from key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The agriculture sector saw minimal demand for potassium-based fertilizers, while the dyes and pigments industries continued to face sluggish growth. The pharmaceutical sector maintained stable but limited consumption. The price drop was primarily attributed to the persistent oversupply in the market and a lack of significant recovery in demand across these industries. 

In Q4 2024, the CIF price of potassium carbonate from South Korea to India dropped to 1,070 USD/ ton, reflecting an 11% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This significant decline was primarily due to reduced demand from key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The agriculture sector saw continued weak demand for potassium-based fertilizers, while the dyes and pigments industries experienced slow growth. The pharmaceutical sector also showed limited consumption. The price drop was largely driven by oversupply in the market, coupled with the ongoing lack of recovery in demand across these industries during the quarter. 

In Q3 2024, the CIF price of potassium carbonate from South Korea to India fell to 1,201 USD/ ton, marking a 4% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This decline was mainly driven by continued weak demand from key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The agriculture sector saw further reduced demand for potassium-based fertilizers, while the dyes and pigments industries faced ongoing slow growth. The pharmaceutical sector maintained steady but limited consumption. The price decrease was primarily attributed to oversupply in the market and a lack of significant recovery in demand from these industries. 

In Q2 2024, the CIF price of potassium carbonate from South Korea to India decreased to 1,248 USD/ ton, reflecting a 3% decline compared to the previous quarter. This decrease was primarily due to a slowdown in demand from key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The agriculture sector experienced reduced consumption of potassium-based fertilizers, while the dyes and pigments industries faced sluggish growth. The pharmaceutical sector also showed stable but limited demand. The price drop was mainly attributed to softer market conditions, a slight oversupply, and weaker industry-specific demand during the quarter. 

In Q1 2024, the CIF price of potassium carbonate from South Korea to India rose to 1,283 USD/ ton, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the previous quarter. This price uptick was mainly driven by a slight rebound in demand from key end-use industries, including agriculture, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals. The agriculture sector saw increased consumption of potassium-based fertilizers, while the dyes and pigments industries showed modest growth. The pharmaceutical sector maintained steady demand. The price increase was primarily attributed to stronger market conditions and some supply constraints, along with improving demand across these industries. 

potassium carbonate Parameters Covered: 

  • Potash
  • Soda ash
  • Lime stone
  • South korea 
  • Agriculture
  • Glass manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Textile
  • Turkey
  • Brazil
  • USA
  •   India
  • Indonesia

potassium carbonate Parameters Covered: 

  • Potash
  • Soda ash
  • Lime stone
  • South korea 
  • Agriculture
  • Glass manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Textile
  • Turkey
  • Brazil
  • USA
  •   India
  • Indonesia

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global potassium carbonate price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the potassium carbonate market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence potassium carbonate prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely potassium carbonate market data.

Track PriceWatch's potassium carbonate price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Potassium Carbonate prices

  • Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022): The war impacted transportation and logistics, with restrictions on sea and rail transit, as well as a reduction in air cargo capacity. These challenges increased shipping costs globally, affecting the distribution of commodities, including potassium carbonate​
  • Russia’s position as a major energy supplier led to volatility in crude oil and natural gas prices, which are critical inputs for manufacturing and transportation. These price hikes directly increased production costs for chemicals like potassium carbonate​
  • Texas Winter Storm (2021): The Texas Winter Storm of February 2021, also known as Winter Storm Uri, had significant impacts on the chemical industry, including potassium carbonate prices, due to widespread disruptions in production. The storm caused power outages and operational halts across major chemical manufacturing facilities, particularly in Texas and Louisiana, which produce a large portion of the U.S.’s chemicals.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020):  During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, potassium carbonate prices in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region were influenced significantly by disruptions in global supply chains. The pandemic led to reduced industrial activity, delayed shipments, and logistical challenges, which in turn caused fluctuations in the availability and pricing of chemical commodities, including potassium carbonate. As demand from key industries like glass manufacturing, detergents, and agrochemicals declined temporarily due to lockdown measures, prices were initially volatile. However, toward the latter part of the year, as industries adapted to the new normal and operations resumed, supply chain pressures began to ease, stabilizing the prices​
  • Geopolitical Tensions (2018-2019): Between 2018 and 2019, geopolitical tensions, such as trade disputes and economic sanctions, influenced global potassium carbonate markets. These conflicts, including U.S.-South Korea trade tensions, affected the cost and availability of potassium carbonate due to their impact on supply chains and raw material trade, such as potash. Disruptions in key exporting regions led to price volatility, with some markets experiencing increased costs due to limited supply and heightened transportation expenses.
  • Shale Gas Boom (2010): The shale gas boom of 2010, driven by advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, significantly increased the production of natural gas and related hydrocarbons in the U.S. This surge impacted global markets by reducing dependency on imports and causing a decline in energy costs. Potassium carbonate prices were indirectly influenced as the boom contributed to lower production costs in energy-intensive industries, including those producing potassium carbonate. Reduced natural gas prices led to cheaper ammonia and other feedstocks, which are critical in manufacturing processes for various chemicals, including potassium carbonate​
  • Global Financial Crisis (2008-2009): During the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009, potassium carbonate prices were significantly affected due to the broader economic downturn that disrupted demand and supply chains globally. The crisis led to reduced industrial activity, particularly in key sectors like construction, glass manufacturing, and chemicals, which are major consumers of potassium carbonate. As a result, demand for the compound saw a sharp decline during this period.
  • Hurricane Katrina (2005): The immediate impact on potassium carbonate prices was tied to the broader disruptions in energy and feedstock supplies. Natural gas and oil production were severely hampered, leading to cost escalations in energy-dependent chemical manufacturing. Additionally, the Gulf Coast’s ports, which are major hubs for importing and exporting raw materials and finished goods, faced operational restrictions, causing delays and increased shipping costs. These factors combined likely drove potassium carbonate prices upward in the short term due to constrained supply and increased production costs

 

These events underscore the Potassium carbonate market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions.
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Potassium carbonate production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Potassium carbonate supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g. potassium Hydroxide ) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Potassium carbonate prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing.
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Potassium carbonate production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks.
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., Agriculture, Pharmaceutical ), to predict shifts in Potassium carbonate demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Potassium carbonate production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately.
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Potassium carbonate production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including packaging, Agriculture, and Pharmaceutical. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments.
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Potassium carbonate pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Potassium carbonate prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power.
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes.

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations.
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice.

 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Potassium carbonate pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

138.205 g/mol

CAS No

584-08-7

HS Code

28364000

Molecular Formula

K2CO3
potassium carbonate

Potassium Carbonate is a white, water-soluble inorganic compound used in the production of glass, fertilizers, and as a drying agent in the chemical industry. It is also used in food processing as a leavening agent. Feedstock for potassium carbonate includes potassium Hydroxide and limestone, processed through a chemical reaction. It plays a key role in various industrial applications.

Packaging Type

25 Kg Bag

Grades Covered

Industrial Grade

Incoterms Used

FOB South Korea, CIF Nhava Seva (South Korea), CIF Jakarta (South Korea), CIF Houston (South Korea), CIF Santos (South Korea), CIF Mersin (South Korea).

Synonym

Carbonate of potash

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28 MT

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Specification  Value Approx Unit  
Density (20°C)  2.4 g/cm3 
Bulk Density (20°C)  0.55-0.65 g/cm3 
Solubility in 100 g water (20°C)  110 g 
Solubility in 100 g water (60°C)  127 g 
Melting point   891°C 
Particles> 200 Mesh   Max.20 % 

Applications

  • Fertilizers Potassium carbonate is used as a source of potassium in fertilizers, promoting plant growth and enhancing crop yield. It’s particularly beneficial for fruit and vegetable production. 
  • Production of Other Chemicals Serves as a raw material for producing other potassium compounds, such as potassium sulfate and potassium hydroxide. 
  • pH Regulation Used in various chemical processes to regulate pH levels. 
  • Flux in Glass Production Acts as a flux in the manufacture of glass, helping to lower the melting point of silica and improve the workability of glass materials. 
  • Laxatives Potassium carbonate is sometimes used in pharmaceutical formulations as a mild laxative or as an electrolyte in rehydration solutions. 
  • Alkaline Cleaner Serves as an ingredient in household and industrial cleaning products due to its alkaline properties, effectively breaking down dirt and grease. 
  • Fire Suppression Used in certain types of fire extinguishers, particularly for electrical and grease fires. 
Potassium Carbonate price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for potassium carbonate. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The pricing of potassium carbonate is influenced by several factors, including:
• Raw Material Costs: The price of potash (potassium chloride), a key feedstock, significantly impacts potassium carbonate prices.
• Energy Costs: Production processes require substantial energy, making prices sensitive to changes in energy costs.
• Supply and Demand Dynamics: Seasonal demand from industries like agriculture, food processing, and glass manufacturing can cause price fluctuations.
• Global Trade Policies: Tariffs, import/export restrictions, and geopolitical events can influence availability and pricing.
• Transportation and Logistics: Shipping costs and availability of transportation also affect the delivered cost of potassium carbonate.

The grade or purity of potassium carbonate directly impacts its pricing:
• Industrial Grade: Typically used in glass manufacturing, detergents, and fertilizers, this grade is more cost-effective due to lower purity requirements.
• Food Grade: Used in food processing, this grade undergoes additional purification processes, resulting in higher costs.
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Requires the highest purity levels and stringent compliance with regulatory standards, making it the most expensive.
Procurement heads should specify the intended application to receive accurate pricing tailored to their requirements.

Potassium carbonate pricing trends often align with the following:
• Seasonal Variations: Prices may rise during peak demand periods in agriculture or food processing industries.
• Market Conditions: Shortages in potash supply or increased demand from industries like glass or detergents can drive prices upward.
• Energy Costs: As production is energy-intensive, fluctuations in energy prices directly impact costs.
To manage cost volatility, procurement teams can:
• Establish long-term contracts with suppliers to lock in stable pricing.
• Explore bulk purchasing options for volume discounts.
• Diversify suppliers across regions to mitigate risks from local market disruptions.

Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited

Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited

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