Chemicals play a crucial role in the modern world. In fact, these substances compose the foundation for many products in chemical industry. Increasing demand for chemicals in the world markets leads to export to different countries. Chemical companies produce high quality products in accordance with the highest standards for different industries. China, the United States and Germany are the largest exporters of chemicals in the world.

According to the export data, the total value of international chemical exports accounted for $695 billion in 2024. In this article, we introduce some export chemicals and examine the barriers to the export of these products.

Export chemicals

Chemicals play a crucial role in various industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, etc. A large volume of chemicals produced are industrial chemicals that are used in agriculture, detergent industry, glass industry, etc. Some export chemicals that are widely used in different industries are:

Sodium nitrate: Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. This product is composed of (Na+) cation and (NO3−) anion. Sodium nitrate is used for the production of fertilizers, pyrotechnics, glass, and food preservatives. Sodium nitrate suppliers provide this product with high quality and competitive prices.

Caustic soda: Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is a white solid compound with the chemical formula NaOH. This product is composed of sodium cations (Na+) and hydroxide anions (OH−). Caustic soda is used in the production of soap, paper, detergents, and cosmetics. Caustic soda price in world markets depends on the quality, purity, and brand.

Ethylene: Ethylene is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H4. This substance has four hydrogen atoms bounded to a pair of carbon atoms by a double bond. Ethylene is used in the manufacturing of different products such as plastics, adhesives, and detergents.

Sulfuric Acid: Sulfuric acid is an oily liquid with chemical formula H₂SO₄. This product is a strong acid with hygroscopic properties. Sulfuric acid is used in the production of fertilizers, petroleum refining, and battery manufacturing. For example, it is used in the production of phosphate fertilizers like ammonium phosphate and superphosphate.

Ammonia: Ammonia is a colorless gas with chemical formula NH3. This product is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. Ammonia is a vital chemical in agriculture, it is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth. Ammonia is used in fertilizers like urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate.

Phosphoric Acid: Phosphoric acid is a colorless liquid with the chemical formula H3PO4. It is composed of hydrogen (H+) and phosphate ion (PO43−). Phosphoric acid has a wide range of applications in different industries. For example, it is used in fertilizers, detergents, and food processing. Phosphoric acid manufacturers in the world produce this product with the highest quality and compliance with relevant standards, and supply it to global markets.

What are the challenges in the export of chemicals?

Chemical exporters encounter different challenges affecting competition in international markets. In the following, some of the most important challenges in this field are examined.

Compliance with global standards

Chemical regulations such as REACH, make it difficult for exporters to maintain compliance with global standards.

Environmental and safety regulations

Compliance with international standards becomes more complex under new environmental regulations. For example, the increasing concerns about plastic waste and carbon footprints encourage companies to produce environmentally friendly products. But high costs and a lack of technology make this process difficult.

Price competition

Chemicals are offered at competitive prices in global markets, and producers who cannot compete in this field will be eliminated from the market.

Logistics and transportation

Many exporters face challenges in logistics, especially in the transportation of chemicals that require specialized handling. High transportation costs and a lack of planning lead to delays, which affect the supply chain.

Raw materials

Manufacturers need raw materials for chemical production, and fluctuations in global prices or supply chain disruptions can significantly impact production costs. Plus, currency fluctuations can also affect the timely supply of raw materials.

Export policies

Export policies, including export restrictions and regulations, can create new challenges for chemical exporters. Some export policies can disrupt operations and force exporters to re-strategize export plans.

Sanctions and geopolitical issues

Sanctions and geopolitical issues can affect chemical exports, both in terms of volume and market structure. Geopolitical issues can create barriers to trade and disrupt supply chains, thereby affecting chemical exports. Overall, the chemical export market becomes more volatile during sanctions, with long-term impacts on competitiveness and market access.

What is the export trend of chemicals in the coming years?

Over the last decade, chemical exports have experienced steady growth. This was driven by the expansion of industrial production and growing demand in sectors like agriculture, construction, and the detergent industry. During this period, Germany was a major chemical exporter, producing high-quality materials and industrial chemicals. Industrial chemicals are used in the production of fertilizers, paints, detergents, and etc. The United States and China invested heavily in both basic and high-value chemicals, becoming two powerful exporters in the world.

The same trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Exports of basic chemicals will grow, but the leaders in this trade will be those who can combine cost efficiency with innovation.

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