Introduction
The inorganic chemical industry plays a pivotal role in the global economy, forming the backbone of various essential sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction and technology. Inorganic chemicals are compounds that generally do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. These chemicals encompass a wide range of substances, including metals, salts, acids, bases, and minerals. Unlike their organic counterparts, inorganic chemicals are primarily composed of minerals and other non-carbon-based materials. These chemicals are fundamental in producing fertilizers, metals, ceramics, and a myriad of other industrial and consumer products. India, with its vast natural resources and robust industrial base, has emerged as a significant player in the global inorganic chemicals market.
In the financial year 2023-24, India showcased its prowess by significantly enhancing its export footprint, supplying a wide range of inorganic chemicals to markets across the globe. This period marked a notable uptick in both volume and value of exports, driven by a combination of advanced manufacturing capabilities, strategic trade policies, and an increasing global demand for high-quality inorganic materials. The country’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in chemical production has further bolstered its position on the world stage.
This article delves into the top 10 inorganic chemicals that were exported from India during financial year 2023-24, offering a comprehensive analysis of each chemical. We aim to present a detail applications, top importing countries, price and market trends associated with these chemicals during financial year 2023-24 that underscores the critical role of India’s inorganic chemical industry in the global supply chain.
India’s Top 10 Inorganic Chemical Exports
Rank 1: Calcined alumina
Calcined alumina is a high-purity aluminium oxide produced by heating bauxite to remove water content. It is well-known for its exceptional hardness, high melting point, and thermal conductivity, making it important in various industries.
Applications:
- It is mainly used in aluminium smelting as a crucial raw material for aluminium production.
- Its refractory properties also make it suitable for linings in high-temperature furnaces, kilns, and reactors.
- The ceramic industry uses calcined alumina for making tiles, spark plugs, and other high-performance components.
- In addition, the abrasive industry relies on it to produce grinding wheels and sandpapers.
Trade Statistics:
In the financial year 2023-24, India exported 1,943,980 metric tons of calcined alumina, valued at $697.21 million USD. These significant figures highlight the strategic importance of calcined alumina in various industrial sectors globally and reinforce India’s position as a leading supplier of calcined alumina in the global market.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Calcined alumina:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
OMAN | 5,19,194 |
RUSSIA | 4,29,804 |
UNITED KINGDOM | 3,94,781 |
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 2,76,170 |
CHINA | 1,39,605 |
EGYPT | 61,870 |
QATAR | 61,200 |
INDONESIA | 61,200 |
DOMINICAN REPULIC | 150 |
OTHERS | 6 |
TOTAL | 19,43,980 |
Calcined Alumina Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 2: Carbon Black
Carbon black is a versatile chemical compound made from elemental carbon, produced through the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Its distinct black color and unique properties make it essential across various industries.
Applications:
- Primarily, carbon black is widely used in the rubber industry as a reinforcing agent, enhancing the strength and durability of tires and other rubber products.
- Additionally, it is used as a pigment and performance enhancer in plastics, coatings, and inks, providing desirable properties and coloration.
Trade Statistics:
In the financial year 2023-24, India exported 272,974 metric tons of carbon black, valued at $362.29 million USD. This significant export quantity reflects the extensive demand and diverse industrial applications of carbon black, underscoring India’s position as a leading player in the carbon black market.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Carbon Black:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
THAILAND | 33,288 |
SRI LANKA | 30,781 |
UNITED STATES | 22,793 |
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 18,862 |
VIETNAM | 17,055 |
POLAND | 15,707 |
INDONESIA | 13,648 |
TURKEY | 12,474 |
VIETNAM | 11,033 |
OTHERS | 97,332 |
TOTAL | 2,72,974 |
Carbon Black Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 3: Caustic Soda Flakes
Caustic soda flakes, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is an important inorganic chemical with a wide range of industrial applications. These flakes are solid and easily dissolve in water, displaying strong alkaline properties.
Applications:
- Caustic soda flakes are extensively used in industries such as pulp and paper, textiles, soap manufacturing, aluminium production, petroleum refining, and water treatment.
- In the pulp and paper industry, they are crucial for the delignification process, while in textiles, they aid in mercerization and dyeing.
- Additionally, they are a key ingredient in the production of household cleaning products and detergents.
Trade Statistics:
During the financial year 2023-24, India exported 263,628 metric tons of caustic soda flakes, valued at $124.38 million USD. These export figures highlight India’s significant role as a major supplier of caustic soda flakes in the North-East Africa, Middle East, and Asian regions.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Caustic Soda Flakes:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
TANZANIA | 30,060 |
SOUTH AFRICA | 25,800 |
KENYA | 18,516 |
INDONESIA | 15,981 |
GHANA | 15,203 |
COTE D IVOIRE | 13,471 |
MOZAMBIQUE | 12,516 |
NIGERIA | 12,024 |
VIETNAM | 10,213 |
OTHERS | 1,09,844 |
TOTAL | 2,63,628 |
Caustic Soda Flakes Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 4: Soda Ash Light
Soda ash light, also known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), is an essential inorganic chemical widely used in various industries around the world. In its light form, soda ash is a white, odorless powder that is soluble in water.
Applications:
- This compound has a wide range of applications and is extensively used in the production of glass, detergents, soaps, and various chemicals.
- In the glass industry, soda ash acts as a fluxing agent, lowering the melting point of silica and aiding in the formation of glass.
- It also plays a crucial role in water softening processes, textile processing, and serves as a pH regulator in various industrial applications.
Trade Statistics:
In the financial year 2023-24, India exported 251,190 metric tons of soda ash light, with a total export value of $74.23 million USD. These export figures highlight India’s significant contribution to the global soda ash market, emphasizing its importance in numerous industries.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Soda Ash Light:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
BANGLADESH | 1,10,360 |
PHILIPPINES | 31,421 |
INDONESIA | 28,945 |
NEPAL | 14,920 |
SRI LANKA | 13,902 |
TANZANIA | 8,516 |
MYANMAR | 6,309 |
THAILAND | 5,312 |
VIETNAM | 5,272 |
OTHERS | 26,236 |
TOTAL | 2,51,190 |
Soda Ash Light Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 5: Sodium Sulphate Anhydrous
Sodium sulfate anhydrous is a crystalline white solid chemical compound with versatile industrial applications. It is widely soluble in water and is used in various sectors, including detergent manufacturing, paper production, and textile dyeing.
Applications:
- In detergent manufacturing, it acts as a filler, enhancing the volume and flow properties of detergent powders.
- Similarly, in the paper industry, it aids in pulp digestion and improves paper strength as an additive.
- In textile dyeing, anhydrous sodium sulfate serves as a dye auxiliary, facilitating the uniform distribution of dyes on fabrics.
Trade Statistics:
Throughout the financial year 2023-24, India exported 227,340 metric tons of anhydrous sodium sulfate, resulting in a total export value of $20.73 million USD. These export statistics underline India’s significant presence in the global Sodium Sulphate Market.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Sodium Sulphate Anhydrous:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
TANZANIA | 37,330 |
JORDAN | 33,341 |
KENYA | 24,495 |
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 24,368 |
BANGLADESH | 19,288 |
OMAN | 17,697 |
SAUDI ARABIA | 15,615 |
THAILAND | 12,422 |
QATAR | 11,254 |
OTHERS | 31,531 |
TOTAL | 2,27,340 |
Anhydrous Sodium Sulphate Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 6: Hydrochloric Acid 33%
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) at a concentration of 33% is a crucial chemical compound widely used in various industries. It typically appears as a colorless, highly corrosive liquid with a distinct pungent odor. Hydrochloric acid 33%, with its reduced water content, has increased potency for industrial applications.
Applications:
- It is extensively used in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and metal cleaning.
- In the pharmaceutical industry, it is an essential component in the production of medications, including various drugs and vitamins.
- In food processing, it is used in the production of food additives and preservatives.
- Additionally, anhydrous hydrochloric acid plays a significant role in metal cleaning processes due to its efficient ability to dissolve rust and scale.
Trade Statistics:
During the financial year 2023-24, India exported 151,704 metric tons of hydrochloric acid 33%, with a total export value of $14.99 million USD. These export figures reaffirm India’s position as a leading exporter of Hydrochloric Acid in the global market.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Hydrochloric Acid 33%:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
MALAYSIA | 32,802 |
SOUTH AFRICA | 26,066 |
NEPAL | 13,704 |
KENYA | 7,976 |
NIGERIA | 6,773 |
TURKEY | 6,698 |
GHANA | 4,962 |
TANZANIA | 2,846 |
SENEGAL | 2,744 |
OTHERS | 47,133 |
TOTAL | 1,51,704 |
Hydrochloric Acid 33% Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 7: Caustic Soda Lye
Caustic soda lye is a highly corrosive chemical that usually appears as a clear, viscous liquid, and is known for its strong alkaline properties. This compound is widely used in various industries, including pulp and paper, textiles, and chemical manufacturing.
Applications:
- In the pulp and paper sector, caustic soda lye is crucial in the pulping process, as it helps break down lignin and facilitates fiber separation.
- Similarly, in the textile industry, it is used in scouring and bleaching processes to prepare fibers for dyeing.
- Additionally, caustic soda lye is a key ingredient in chemical manufacturing, especially in the production of detergents, soaps, and various organic compounds.
Trade Statistics:
In the 2023-24 financial year, India exported 1,46,556 metric tons of caustic soda lye, with a total export value of $51.66 million USD, highlighting India’s significant presence in the global caustic soda lye market.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Caustic Soda Lye:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
SAUDI ARABIA | 34,247 |
SOUTH AFRICA | 25,340 |
SINGAPORE | 21,000 |
INDONESIA | 19,266 |
KENYA | 18,760 |
VIETNAM | 11,698 |
URUGUAY | 7,219 |
OMAN | 451 |
NEW ZEALAND | 175 |
OTHERS | 8,400 |
TOTAL | 1,46,556 |
Caustic Soda Lye Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 8: Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is an essential inorganic chemical that appears as a white, crystalline solid with hygroscopic properties. It easily absorbs moisture from the air and dissolves in water to create a clear, colorless solution. This compound has diverse applications across various industries.
Trade Statistics:
- In the construction sector, calcium chloride is utilized as a de-icing agent for roads and pavements during winter, effectively melting ice and snow.
- It also functions as a desiccant in concrete production, promoting the curing process and enhancing the strength and durability of concrete structures.
- Furthermore, calcium chloride is used in the oil and gas industry for drilling and completion fluids, as well as in food processing for preserving and firming fruits and vegetables.
Trade Statistics:
During the 2023-24 financial year, India exported 92,165 metric tons of calcium chloride, with a total export value of $23.40 million USD. These export statistics highlight India’s significant role in the global calcium chloride market.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Calcium Chloride:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 38,467 |
OMAN | 15,707 |
KUWAIT | 6,478 |
VIETNAM | 5,368 |
MALAYSIA | 3,932 |
NIGERIA | 3,356 |
THAILAND | 2,892 |
VIETNAM | 2,241 |
ANGOLA | 2,036 |
OTHERS | 11,688 |
TOTAL | 92,165 |
Calcium Chloride Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 9: Aluminium Chloride Anhydrous
Aluminium chloride anhydrous is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid known for its strong Lewis acid properties and solubility in organic solvents. This compound is widely used across various industries.
Applications:
- In the chemical industry, anhydrous aluminium chloride acts as a catalyst in organic synthesis reactions such as Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation.
- It is also used in the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances.
- In the petrochemical sector, it is essential for polymerization processes, especially in the production of plastics and synthetic rubbers.
- Additionally, aluminium chloride anhydrous is used in wastewater treatment to coagulate and remove impurities.
Trade Statistics:
In the financial year 2023-24, India exported 82,243 metric tons of aluminium chloride anhydrous, with a total export value of $33.81 million USD. These figures demonstrate India’s substantial contribution to the global anhydrous aluminium chloride market and emphasize its crucial role in diverse industries.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Aluminium Chloride Anhydrous:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
MALAYSIA | 14,658 |
BELGIUM | 13,330 |
UNITED STATES | 7,623 |
SRI LANKA | 3,911 |
SOUTH AFRICA | 3,866 |
SINGAPORE | 3,692 |
PUERTO RICO | 3,472 |
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 2,832 |
UNITED KINGDOM | 2,786 |
OTHERS | 24,474 |
TOTAL | 80,644 |
Anhydrous Aluminium Chloride Price &Volume Trend:
Rank 10: Soda Ash Dense
Soda ash dense, chemically known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), is a vital inorganic compound used extensively in various industrial applications. Distinguished by its high bulk density, soda ash dense is a white, granular substance that is highly soluble in water.
Applications:
- This compound plays a crucial role in the glass manufacturing industry, where it serves as a fluxing agent, reducing the melting temperature of silica and aiding in the production of glass products.
- Additionally, it is used in the manufacture of detergents and soaps, where it acts as a water softener.
- The chemical industry also utilizes soda ash dense in the production of various sodium-based compounds and as a pH regulator in numerous processes.
Trade Statistics:
During the financial year 2023-24, India exported 79,093 metric tons of soda ash dense, amounting to an export value of $25.12 million USD. These export figures highlight India’s substantial presence in the global soda ash dense.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Soda Ash Dense:
COUNTRY NAME | EXPORT QUANTITY (MT) |
SAUDI ARABIA | 18,786 |
BANGLADESH | 13,024 |
SOUTH AFRICA | 8,634 |
KUWAIT | 5,824 |
CHINA | 5,040 |
THAILAND | 3,128 |
TANZANIA | 2,684 |
SRI LANKA | 2,587 |
JORDAN | 2,197 |
OTHERS | 17,191 |
TOTAL | 79,093 |
Soda Ash Dense Price &Volume Trend:
Conclusion
The financial year 2023-24 has been a remarkable period for India’s inorganic chemical industry. The top 10 inorganic chemicals exported from India during this period underscore the country’s strategic importance in the global supply chain, driven by its vast natural resources, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The diverse applications of these chemicals, ranging from calcined alumina in aluminium smelting to soda ash dense in glass manufacturing, underscore their essential roles in various industries worldwide. Countries such as Oman, Russia, the United States, and South Africa have relied heavily on India for their inorganic chemical needs, reflecting the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier. This significant export activity not only enhances India’s economic standing but also contributes to the development of global industries that depend on these vital chemicals.
As we look ahead, India’s continued focus on sustainable practices and technological innovation will be key to maintaining and enhancing its position in the global inorganic chemical market. By leveraging its industrial expertise, India is well-positioned to support and drive global industrial growth, ensuring its status as a pivotal player in the international arena. The impressive export performance in 2023-24 highlights India’s capability to deliver high-quality inorganic chemicals and sets a promising foundation for future growth and expanded influence worldwide.
