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Germany, the United States, and China are the leading exporters of potassium hydroxide, collectively accounting for over 40% of global exports in recent years; major importers include India, South Korea, and Mexico, driven by demand from chemical manufacturing and battery production. Imports by India and South Korea have risen steadily since 2022, coinciding with upward pressure on potassium hydroxide prices amid tightening supply chains and increased electrolyte demand for energy storage applications.
Potassium Hydroxide Recent Market Intelligence Report
I. Price Dynamics
1. Quotation Range:
- As of July 28, 2026, the quotation range for potassium hydroxide (90% purity) is between RMB 6,000 and RMB 8,200 per metric ton, with specific prices varying by brand, origin, and delivery location. For instance, potassium hydroxide (90%) from Qinghai Salt Lake produced by Shandong Sing Chemical Co., Ltd. is quoted at RMB 7,400/ton in Linyi City, Shandong Province; whereas multi-origin potassium hydroxide supplied by Changzhou Aozun Composite New Materials Co., Ltd. is uniformly priced at RMB 6,100/ton in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province.
- Quotations for industrial-grade potassium hydroxide (95% purity) are relatively concentrated: Shandong Qiangsen Chemical Co., Ltd. quotes RMB 6,600/ton, while Guangzhou Tianyue Chemical Co., Ltd. offers potassium hydroxide (95%, produced by Jiangsu Youlide) in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, at a premium price of RMB 8,500/ton.
- Prices for liquid potassium hydroxide (48% concentration) are comparatively uniform: domestic product supplied by Shandong Hongyang Chemical Co., Ltd. is quoted at RMB 3,400/ton.
2. Price Volatility:
- Potassium hydroxide prices have recently exhibited volatility, with significant price differentials across brands and origins. For example, potassium hydroxide (90%, produced by Sichuan Huarong) supplied by Pingxiang Lixin Biochemical High-Tech Co., Ltd. is quoted at RMB 8,200/ton in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, but rises to RMB 9,300/ton in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province.
II. Market Supply and Demand
1. Supply Situation:
- The potassium hydroxide market features abundant supply, with numerous manufacturers offering products across various purities and specifications. Key domestic producers include Shandong Sing Chemical Co., Ltd., Changzhou Aozun Composite New Materials Co., Ltd., and Pingxiang Lixin Biochemical High-Tech Co., Ltd.
- Some manufacturers have enhanced production capacity and optimized production processes—such as adopting ion-exchange membrane electrolysis—to better meet market demand, thereby improving both efficiency and product quality.
2. Demand Situation:
- Primary end-user sectors for potassium hydroxide include chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and the electronics industry. Among these, the chemical sector constitutes the largest consumption segment, accounting for approximately 45% of total demand.
- Rapid growth in the new energy industry—particularly rising demand for potassium hydroxide in lithium-ion battery electrolytes—has significantly boosted demand for high-purity potassium hydroxide, driving expansion in this premium segment.
III. Competitive Landscape
1. Key Players:
- Globally, the potassium hydroxide market is dominated by a few multinational giants, including UNID, OxyChem, and Qinghai Huixin Asset Management Co., Ltd.
- In the domestic market, enterprises such as Shandong Sing Chemical Co., Ltd., Changzhou Aozun Composite New Materials Co., Ltd., and Pingxiang Lixin Biochemical High-Tech Co., Ltd. hold notable market shares.
2. Market Share:
- In 2025, first-tier global manufacturers—including UNID, OxyChem, and Qinghai Huixin Asset Management Co., Ltd.—collectively held approximately 49.66% of the global market share.
- Within China, large-scale enterprises—including Shandong Haihua Group and Jiangsu SOPH Chemical Co., Ltd.—accounted for over 60% of the domestic market share.
IV. Analysis and Assessment
1. Price Trend:
- Recent potassium hydroxide prices have shown volatility, primarily influenced by fluctuations in raw material (potassium chloride) costs, electricity pricing, overall demand dynamics, and supply conditions.
- With accelerated development in the new energy sector and expanding applications of potassium hydroxide in high-end fields, demand for high-purity grades is expected to continue growing—potentially exerting upward pressure on overall market prices.
2. Supply-Demand Relationship:
- Currently, the potassium hydroxide market maintains a broadly balanced supply-demand equilibrium; however, supply of premium-grade products remains relatively tight. As emerging sectors—including new energy and pharmaceuticals—expand, demand for high-purity potassium hydroxide will further increase.
- Domestic manufacturers are upgrading technologies and expanding capacities to satisfy rising demand, while simultaneously pursuing international market expansion to strengthen global competitiveness.
3. Competitive Landscape Evolution:
- The global potassium hydroxide market remains relatively stable in terms of competitive structure; however, domestically, emerging manufacturers—leveraging technological innovation and cost optimization—are gradually gaining ground, presenting increasing competitive pressure on traditional players.
- Going forward, enterprises possessing advanced high-purity process control capabilities, strong cost competitiveness, and well-developed global distribution channels will be best positioned to secure leadership in the marketplace.
V. Outlook
1. Price Forecast:
- Potassium hydroxide prices are expected to remain volatile in the near term, though the overall market price level may trend upward, driven by intensifying demand for premium-grade products.
- Fluctuations in potassium chloride feedstock prices and electricity costs will significantly impact potassium hydroxide pricing; close monitoring of related market developments is therefore essential.
2. Supply-Demand Forecast:
- Continued rapid growth in the new energy industry—and broader adoption of potassium hydroxide in high-value applications—will sustain robust demand growth.
- Domestic manufacturers will advance technology upgrades and capacity expansions to meet evolving demand, while also actively expanding export volumes and strengthening their presence in overseas markets.
3. Competitive Landscape Forecast:
- The global potassium hydroxide competitive landscape is projected to remain largely stable; however, domestically, emerging players will continue to rise, challenging incumbent firms.
- Enterprises equipped with superior high-purity process control, cost advantages, and globally integrated marketing and distribution networks will gain decisive competitive advantage.
Potassium hydroxide (CAS 1310-58-3) is a white, deliquescent solid at room temperature, typically supplied as flakes, pellets, or aqueous solutions; it has no discernible odor and melts at approximately 360 °C. It is a strong inorganic base and alkali metal hydroxide. Industrially, it serves as a key reagent in saponification, pH adjustment, and neutralization reactions, and functions as an essential intermediate in the production of potassium salts, soft soaps, and biodiesel. Its primary application areas include agrochemicals (e.g., formulation of pesticides and herbicides), pharmaceuticals (as a catalyst or pH regulator), batteries (especially alkaline and nickel–cadmium types), and specialty chemicals for textiles and electroplating.
Potassium hydroxide has many different functions and uses.It is primarily used as an intermediate in industrial manufacturing processes, such as the manufacture of fertilisers, potassium carbonate or other potassium salts and organic chemicals.It is also used in the manufacture of detergents and in alkaline batteries.Small-scale uses include drain cleaning products, paint removers and degreasing agents.manufacture of liquid soap;mordant for wood;absorbing CO2;mercerizing cotton;paint and varnish removers;electroplating, photoengraving and lithography;printing inks;in analytical chemistry and in organic syntheses.Pharmaceutic aid (alkalizer).
Pure potassium hydroxide is a solid at room temperature, though it is often sold as a liquid. Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline substance that dissociates completely in water into the potassium ion (K+) and hydroxide ion (OH-). The dissolution in water generates heat, so a vigorous reaction can occur when potassium hydroxide is added to water. The vapor pressure of the substance is very low and the melting point is high. Potassium hydroxide solutions attack aluminium and its alloys under formation of hydrogen gas. It can be neutralised with acids (e.g. hydrochloric acid) giving the corresponding potassium salts of the acids, which are usually pH neutral and non-corrosive.
This chemical is included in Basic Chemicals. See more about what is Potassium hydroxide and Potassium hydroxide SDS information.
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