China Hydrochloric Acid Exports Jump 68.3% in Jan-Apr 2026

China imported 495.8 tonnes of hydrochloric acid (hydrogen chloride) in April 2026, down 36.2% from a year earlier, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.

Taiwan was the largest source of imports during the month, supplying 303.8 tonnes and accounting for 61.3% of total inbound shipments. Japan supplied 188.3 tonnes, representing 38.0% of imports.

Meanwhile, China's hydrochloric acid exports reached 4,385.8 tonnes in April, an increase of 4.9% year on year.

Indonesia remained the leading export destination, receiving 2,970.2 tonnes, or 67.7% of total exports. Guinea imported 460.0 tonnes, accounting for 10.5%, while Australia received 154.1 tonnes, representing 3.5% of outbound shipments.

For the first four months of 2026, China's hydrochloric acid imports totaled 2,125.6 tonnes, a decline of 24.5% compared with the same period a year earlier.

Taiwan remained the dominant supplier between January and April, exporting 1,471.3 tonnes to China and accounting for 69.2% of total imports. Japan supplied 572.9 tonnes, representing 27.0%.

During the January-April period, China's hydrochloric acid exports surged 68.3% year on year to 12,542.0 tonnes.

Indonesia was the largest export market, importing 5,177.9 tonnes and accounting for 41.3% of total exports. Guinea received 2,770.6 tonnes, representing 22.1%, while Hong Kong imported 659.9 tonnes, accounting for 5.3% of China's hydrochloric acid exports during the period.