China and India are the leading exporters of bismuth subcarbonate (CAS 5892-10-4), collectively accounting for the majority of global shipments, while the United States, Germany, and Japan are the largest importers. Bismuth subcarbonate prices have remained relatively stable amid steady demand from pharmaceutical and cosmetic end-users. Exports from China have shown modest growth over the past two years, while Indian exports have plateaued, and U.S. imports have increased slightly—reflecting continued reliance on Asian suppliers.
Recent Market Intelligence Report on Basic Bismuth Carbonate
I. Market Price Dynamics
1. Wuhan Region:
- Wuhan Penglei Biotechnology Co., Ltd.: Prices for basic bismuth carbonate vary according to minimum order quantity (MOQ): ≥1 kg at RMB 24/kg; ≥25 kg at RMB 12/kg; ≥1,000 kg at RMB 3/kg.
- Hubei Yikangyuan Chemical Co., Ltd.: Pricing is also tiered by MOQ: ≥100 kg at RMB 110/kg; ≥500 kg at RMB 100/kg; ≥1,000 kg at RMB 90/kg.
- Wuhan Fengzhulin Chemical Technology Co., Ltd.: Suggested retail price is RMB 1/kg; however, final pricing is subject to negotiation. Total supply available: 2,000 kg.
2. Nanjing Region:
- Nanjing Baimuda Biotechnology Co., Ltd.: Price is negotiable; total supply available: 52,000 kg; purity: 99%.
3. Other Regions:
- Hunan Ruivell Biotechnology Co., Ltd.: Price is negotiable; brand: Hunan Ruivell; packaging: per kilogram.
II. Market Supply and Demand Situation
1. Supply Situation:
- Primary supply of basic bismuth carbonate originates from chemical enterprises located in Wuhan, Nanjing, and other regions. These manufacturers possess established production capacity and reliable supply capability to meet market demand.
- Companies such as Wuhan Penglei Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Hubei Yikangyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. offer tiered pricing structures based on order volume to accommodate diverse customer requirements.
2. Demand Situation:
- As an important pharmaceutical intermediate, basic bismuth carbonate is widely used in the manufacture of gastrointestinal therapeutic drugs, resulting in stable market demand.
- With the accelerating global trend of population aging and growing demand for chronic disease management, market demand for basic bismuth carbonate is expected to sustain steady growth.
III. Key Factors Influencing Market Prices
1. Raw Material Costs:
- Bismuth metal—the key raw material for basic bismuth carbonate—is subject to significant price volatility driven by international supply-demand dynamics, thereby exerting upward pressure on production costs and ultimately impacting final product pricing.
2. Market Competition:
- The basic bismuth carbonate market is highly competitive, with notable inter-company price disparities. To gain or retain market share, enterprises may adopt aggressive pricing strategies, contributing to market price fluctuations.
3. Regulatory and Policy Environment:
- Increasingly stringent environmental regulations worldwide compel manufacturers to invest substantially in equipment upgrades and technological improvements to comply with emission and sustainability standards. Such compliance-related expenditures are likely to be passed on to end-product pricing, thus affecting market prices.
IV. Analysis, Outlook, and Forecast
1. Short-Term Price Trend:
- In the near term, market prices for basic bismuth carbonate may fluctuate moderately under the combined influence of raw material cost changes, competitive pressures, and regulatory adjustments. However, given the stability of underlying demand, overall price volatility is expected to remain relatively limited.
2. Long-Term Price Trend:
- Over the longer term, sustained growth in global population aging and escalating needs for chronic disease treatment will continue to drive demand for basic bismuth carbonate. This structural demand growth should provide solid support for pricing, suggesting a gradual and steady upward price trajectory.
3. Market Opportunities and Challenges:
- Opportunities: Broad application of basic bismuth carbonate across the pharmaceutical sector—coupled with improving healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets (e.g., Southeast Asia, Africa)—offers substantial growth potential.
- Challenges: Volatility in raw material prices, tightening environmental compliance requirements, and intensifying market competition pose risks to pricing stability and corporate profitability. Enterprises must closely monitor evolving market conditions and strengthen R&D investment and cost-control capabilities to mitigate these risks.
Bismuth subcarbonate is a white to off-white, odorless, crystalline or amorphous powder that is insoluble in water and non-volatile. It is an inorganic bismuth salt, specifically a basic carbonate, commonly formulated as Bi₂O₂CO₃ or approximated as 2Bi₂O₃·CO₂·H₂O. It serves primarily as a precursor or intermediate in the production of other bismuth-containing compounds, including catalysts, pharmaceutical actives (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate), and specialty pigments. Its main industrial applications are in pharmaceuticals—particularly gastrointestinal antacids and antimicrobial formulations—and in the manufacture of bismuth-based catalysts for selective oxidation reactions. It is also used in cosmetics and certain ceramic glazes where low-toxicity, white-opaque bismuth compounds are required.
Protectant (topical).
White Fine powder
This chemical is included in Fine Chemicals. See more about what is Bismuth subcarbonate and Bismuth subcarbonate SDS information.
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