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This report covers supply and demand for a number of industrially important
potassium chemicals: potassium metal and potassium hydroxide, sulfate, nitrate,
carbonate and bicarbonate. Industrial consumption of potassium chloride is
also included; producers and fertilizer markets for this chemical are covered
in greater detail the CEH Potash marketing research report.
Potassium metal is used as a precursor to the production of potassium superoxide,
KO2, which is used in self-contained breathing apparatuses. The second major
market for potassium metal is as a component in sodium-potassium (NaK) alloys.
It is also used in photoelectric cells.
Potassium chloride is the most commonly used and least expensive source of
potassium for plant nutrition, and fertilizers constitute by far the dominant
market for this chemical. This report mainly covers the nonfertilizer market
for potassium chemicals, which accounts for approximately 20% of total potassium
chloride consumption in the United States and 38% in Japan. The largest industrial
market for potassium chloride is for potassium hydroxide production. The rise
in natural gas prices, coupled with weak agricultural demand and price competition
from imports, has resulted in consolidation of the industry.
Most potassium sulfate production is for fertilizer use for crops that are
intolerant of the chloride ion. Capacity in Canada and the United States has
increased since the mid-1990s. World demand for potassium sulfate has also
increased over the past decade, and further growth is expected, particularly
for specialty crops in Asia Pacific countries and for controlled-release fertilizers
in the United States.
Potassium nitrate is the second-largest source of nonchloride potassium fertilizer.
It is more soluble than potassium sulfate, and its use as a fully soluble fertilizer
in applications such as fertigation (applying a soluble fertilizer via the
irrigation system) and interior landscaping is growing. Potassium nitrate’s
major industrial use is as a component of specialty glasses, especially for
cathode-ray tubes for television sets and computer monitors.
Potassium hydroxide is the largest-volume potassium chemical for nonfertilizer
use. It is a stronger base than sodium hydroxide, and its salts are more soluble.
Because it is more expensive to produce, use is largely limited to applications
where these attributes are particularly desirable or where a potassium cation
is required. Consumption is primarily for the production of other potassium
chemicals, particularly potassium carbonate and the potassium phosphates.
The major market for potassium carbonate is the manufacture of specialty glasses
for cathode-ray tubes. Demand for potassium carbonate is expected to increase
through 2008, with growth focused on increases in Asian electronics production.
Potassium bicarbonate, which is derived from potassium carbonate, is used primarily
as a fire extinguisher chemical, leavening agent and pharmaceutical ingredient. |
