China Hydrogen Chloride Trade Diverges in Early 2026 Data

China's trade in hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid) showed a widening divergence in early 2026, with imports declining and exports posting strong year-on-year growth, according to the latest customs data.

February imports decline 8.8% year-on-year

China imported 482.4 metric tons of hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid) in February 2026, down 8.8% from a year earlier.

Imports remained highly concentrated in Asia, with Taiwan (China) and Japan accounting for nearly all inbound volumes.

• Taiwan (China): 341.5 tons, or 70.8% of total imports

• Japan: 123.9 tons, or 25.7%

• Other origins accounted for a marginal share

Exports surge 120.7% in February

Exports rose sharply to 1,424.6 tons in February 2026, up 120.7% year-on-year, marking a significant expansion in outbound shipments.

Top export destinations were more diversified across Asia-Pacific markets:

• Malaysia: 253.5 tons (17.8%)

• Australia: 197.9 tons (13.9%)

• Hong Kong (China): 179.6 tons (12.6%)

Jan–Feb imports down, exports more than double

For the January–February 2026 period, imports totaled 1,080.9 tons, a 15.1% decline year-on-year.

Import structure remained heavily concentrated:

• Taiwan (China): 826.8 tons, 76.5%

• Japan: 212.4 tons, 19.6%

Over the same period, exports reached 3,908.6 tons, rising 112.2% year-on-year, indicating sustained outbound momentum.

Key export destinations included West Africa and Asia-Pacific markets:

• Guinea: 1,390.6 tons, 35.6%

• Hong Kong (China): 350.2 tons, 9.0%

• Australia: 317.7 tons, 8.1%

Outlook

The data points to a continued shift in China's hydrogen chloride trade profile, with imports contracting and export demand accelerating in early 2026, particularly across emerging and regional markets.