Borates; disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous

HS code 284019 covers borates, including disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous. Borates are a group of minerals that are widely used in various industries, from glass manufacturing to agriculture. As a key input for many essential products, the borate industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, supporting a diverse range of downstream applications.

Borates are primarily extracted from natural deposits, such as borate minerals found in evaporite deposits. The production process typically involves mining, crushing, and refining the raw materials to obtain the desired borate compounds. Depending on the specific borate product, additional processing steps may be required, such as chemical reactions, crystallization, or purification to achieve the desired purity and characteristics.

The main inputs for the borate industry include the raw borate minerals, such as 252840 Ulexite, 252810 Colemanite, and 252820 Sodium borates. Additionally, the industry requires energy sources, water, and specialized equipment for mining, processing, and refining the borates. Transportation infrastructure and logistics are also important inputs to ensure the efficient distribution of borate products to various end-users.

The primary output of HS code 284019 is refined borate products, such as disodium tetraborate (refined borax), which find applications in a wide range of industries. These borate compounds are used in the production of 701000 Glass and glassware, 310000 Fertilizers, 283620 Sodium carbonate, and 284700 (Peroxoborates (perborates)) among others. The borate industry's outputs are essential for maintaining the supply of these critical materials to support various manufacturing and agricultural sectors.