China hydrochloric acid exports surge 196% in March 2026 trade shift

China's hydrochloric acid trade recorded a sharp divergence in March 2026, with imports contracting while exports surged strongly year-on-year, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.

March Trade Shows Steep Export Growth

China imported 548.9 metric tons of hydrochloric acid in March 2026, a decline of 28.1% year-on-year. Imports remained highly concentrated in Asia, primarily from:

• Taiwan region: 340.6 tons (62.1%)

• Japan: 172.2 tons (31.4%)

In contrast, exports jumped to 4,247.6 metric tons, up 196.9% year-on-year, marking a significant expansion in overseas demand.

Top export destinations were dominated by emerging markets:

• Indonesia: 2,196.0 tons (51.7%)

• Guinea: 920.0 tons (21.7%)

• Australia: 208.2 tons (4.9%)

Q1 2026 Trend: Imports Weaken, Exports Accelerate

From January to March 2026, China imported 1,080.9 metric tons of hydrochloric acid, down 15.1% year-on-year.

Import sources remained concentrated:

• Taiwan region: 1,167.4 tons (71.6%)

• Japan: 384.6 tons (23.6%)

Over the same period, exports rose sharply to 8,156.2 metric tons, increasing 149.3% year-on-year.

Key export destinations included:

• Guinea: 2,310.6 tons (28.3%)

• Indonesia: 2,207.8 tons (27.1%)

• Hong Kong: 546.3 tons (6.7%)

Market Context

The data points to a widening trade imbalance in China's hydrochloric acid market, with exports accelerating rapidly into Southeast Asia and Africa while imports continue to decline. The shift reflects changing regional demand patterns and stronger outbound industrial chemical flows in early 2026.