montmorillonite K 10

Recent Market Intelligence Report on Activated Bleaching Earth

I. Price Dynamics
1. Domestic Market:
- According to B2B platform Shengyishe data, the benchmark price of activated bleaching earth remained stable on June 22–23, 2026. Specific prices varied by brand, specification, and region. The ex-factory average price for domestic Grade I activated bleaching earth (decolorizing power ≥180, moisture content ≤12%, ≥95% passing through 200-mesh sieve) held steady in the range of RMB 1,350–1,580 per metric ton. The lowest quotations came from Yixing, Jiangsu Province, at RMB 1,320–1,380/ton. Due to advantages in high-calcium bentonite raw materials, premium sodium-based activated bleaching earth from Jianping, Liaoning Province, commanded prices of RMB 1,620–1,690/ton.
- Food-grade activated bleaching earth commands a premium of over 30% versus standard grades; pharmaceutical-grade products commonly exceed RMB 3,800/ton.

2. International Market:
- For imported bleaching earth, Turkish high-purity bleaching clays (Claytonite series) are priced at RMB 2,100–2,350/ton on a delivered-at-destination (CIF) basis in China. This reflects a ~9% increase since the beginning of the year, driven primarily by Red Sea shipping surcharges.

II. Supply-Demand Situation
1. Supply Side:
- Domestic production capacity for activated bleaching earth continues to expand; however, high-end products remain largely import-dependent. Several enterprises are enhancing competitiveness through technological upgrades and capacity expansion—for instance, Nanning Wuming Gui Run Chemical Co., Ltd. has recently commenced trial operation of its new 20,000-ton annual capacity activated bleaching earth production line, specializing in “low residual oil content” products.
- Regarding raw material supply, bentonite ore mining is subject to stricter regulation under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s “Technical Specifications for Mine Ecological Restoration,” resulting in extended approval timelines for new mining rights in major producing regions such as Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang—thus delaying compliant capacity ramp-up.

2. Demand Side:
- Demand for activated bleaching earth continues to grow across petroleum refining, food processing, and environmental protection sectors. In the food industry specifically, heightened consumer awareness regarding food purity and safety is driving robust growth in demand for food-grade activated bleaching earth.
- Environmental applications have emerged as a new engine for demand growth: modified activated bleaching earth is seeing rapidly increasing adoption rates in industrial wastewater treatment and carbon capture technologies.

III. Industry Developments
1. Technological Innovation:
- Significant progress has been achieved in green manufacturing processes and strategic capacity deployment. Multiple manufacturers have optimized semi-wet activation processes and invested in advanced electrostatic precipitators, thereby reducing both production costs and environmental impact.
- Cutting-edge technologies—including nanoscale functionalization, bio-synthetic routes, and AI-driven process optimization—are poised to substantially enhance adsorption efficiency and overall production productivity.

2. Policy Impact:
- Deepening implementation of China’s national “Dual Carbon” (carbon peak & carbon neutrality) strategy and the “Action Plan for Emerging Pollutant Governance” is accelerating penetration of activated bleaching earth into industrial wastewater treatment, soil remediation, and carbon capture applications.
- Industry entry thresholds have risen markedly: maximum permitted capacity per facility is now strictly capped, compelling enterprises to shift toward high-end, value-added product portfolios. Adjustments to export tax rebate policies now offer stronger policy incentives for high-value-added products, while eroding the tax advantage previously enjoyed by low-end offerings.

IV. Analysis & Outlook
1. Price Trend:
- In the short term, activated bleaching earth prices are expected to remain relatively stable, influenced by multiple factors including raw material availability, energy costs, and downstream demand. Over the longer term, rising demand for premium products and declining import dependency are likely to support gradual upward price pressure.

2. Supply-Demand Balance:
- Overall market supply and demand remain broadly balanced; however, high-end product supply remains comparatively tight. As domestic producers advance technologically and scale up capacity, high-end supply capabilities will progressively improve to meet growing market requirements.

3. Industry Trends:
- The activated bleaching earth industry is evolving toward higher efficiency, greater environmental sustainability, and lower production costs. Technological innovation and supportive policy frameworks will jointly drive transformation toward green, low-carbon, and circular development models.

V. Forecast
1. Price Forecast:
- Over the next 12 months, activated bleaching earth prices are projected to remain relatively stable overall; however, premium-grade product prices are expected to rise gradually. Import prices may continue to increase, reflecting ongoing volatility in international shipping costs and tightening raw material supply conditions.

2. Supply-Demand Forecast:
- Market demand for activated bleaching earth will continue expanding, especially in the food processing and environmental protection sectors. Domestic manufacturers’ technology upgrades and capacity expansions will steadily enhance high-end supply capability, meeting market needs and gradually reducing import reliance.

3. Industry Trend Forecast:
- The activated bleaching earth industry stands at the threshold of new growth opportunities. Technological innovation and policy guidance will collectively propel the sector toward green, low-carbon, and circular development. Enterprises should prioritize R&D investment, strengthen market development capabilities, and elevate product value-added and competitive positioning.