Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium chloride

HS code 310420 covers the classification of potassium chloride, a vital mineral fertilizer used extensively in modern agriculture. As a key source of potassium, this chemical compound plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth and development, making it an essential input for the global food production industry. The trade and production of potassium chloride fertilizers are closely monitored, as they contribute significantly to the overall agricultural economy.

Potassium chloride is primarily produced through the mining and processing of natural mineral deposits, such as sylvinite and carnallite. The raw materials are extracted, crushed, and then subjected to a series of physical and chemical separation techniques to isolate the potassium chloride. This may involve flotation, dissolution, and crystallization processes to achieve the desired purity levels before the final product is dried, granulated, and packaged for distribution.

The main inputs required for the production of potassium chloride fertilizers include the raw mineral deposits, as well as energy sources, such as electricity and natural gas, to power the extraction and processing equipment. Additionally, specialized machinery and equipment, such as crushers, flotation cells, and drying units, are essential for the efficient and large-scale production of this commodity.

The primary output of HS code 310420 is potassium chloride, which is then used as a key ingredient in the formulation of various 310510 Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; nitrogenous, 310520 Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; phosphatic, and 310560 Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, n.e.c. in heading 3105.