ammonium chloride

Understanding Ammonium Chloride: An Industrial and Chemical Overview

Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a white crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water. It is produced primarily through the reaction of ammonia (NH₃) with hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas. This compound has a wide range of applications, from serving as a nitrogen source in fertilizers to acting as a flux in metalworking and a key ingredient in dry-cell batteries. In the food industry, it is used as an acidity regulator (E510) and in some traditional confectioneries. Its role in the pharmaceutical sector as an expectorant in cough medicines further underscores its versatility. The global demand for ammonium chloride is closely tied to agricultural cycles, industrial production in emerging economies, and the expansion of the electronics sector, where it is used in soldering fluxes. The market is characterized by a high degree of standardization, with major producers located in Asia, particularly China and India, which account for a significant portion of global output.

Global Top 10 Ammonium Chloride Suppliers and Manufacturers

The global ammonium chloride market is dominated by a mix of large chemical conglomerates and specialized manufacturers. The following list represents the top 10 suppliers based on production capacity, market reach, and industry reputation.

Rank	Company Name	Country	Annual Capacity (Approx.)
1	Huanghua City Shenghua Chemical Co., Ltd.	China	300,000 MT
2	Shandong Haihua Group Co., Ltd.	China	250,000 MT
3	JSC Acron	Russia	200,000 MT
4	Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. (GNFC)	India	180,000 MT
5	BASF SE	Germany	150,000 MT
6	Hubei Shuanghuan Science and Technology Co., Ltd.	China	140,000 MT
7	Dalian Dongxiang Chemical Co., Ltd.	China	120,000 MT
8	Kemira Oyj	Finland	100,000 MT
9	Tangshan Sanyou Group Co., Ltd.	China	90,000 MT
10	Foshan Nanhai Shuanghe Chemical Co., Ltd.	China	80,000 MT

Top 10 Ammonium Chloride Manufacturers and Suppliers in China

China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of ammonium chloride. The industry is concentrated in provinces like Hebei, Shandong, and Hubei, which have abundant coal and ammonia resources. The following list details the top 10 Chinese manufacturers, ranked by scale and market influence.

Rank	Company Name	Location	Key Product Grade
1	Huanghua City Shenghua Chemical Co., Ltd.	Hebei	Industrial & Food Grade
2	Shandong Haihua Group Co., Ltd.	Shandong	Agricultural & Industrial
3	Hubei Shuanghuan Science and Technology Co., Ltd.	Hubei	High-Purity Industrial
4	Dalian Dongxiang Chemical Co., Ltd.	Liaoning	Battery Grade
5	Tangshan Sanyou Group Co., Ltd.	Hebei	Fertilizer Grade
6	Foshan Nanhai Shuanghe Chemical Co., Ltd.	Guangdong	Pharmaceutical Grade
7	Jiangsu Yabang Chemical Co., Ltd.	Jiangsu	Industrial Grade
8	Shandong Luyue Chemical Co., Ltd.	Shandong	Agricultural Grade
9	Hebei Chengxin Co., Ltd.	Hebei	Food Grade
10	Inner Mongolia Yitai Chemical Co., Ltd.	Inner Mongolia	Industrial Grade

Global Supplier Profile Table with Contact Emails

Below is a curated list of key global suppliers with verified contact details. This information is based on publicly available trade data and company directories as of 2025.

Company Name	Country	Product Focus	Contact Email
Huanghua City Shenghua Chemical	China	Industrial, Food, Pharma	shenghua@shenghuachem.com
Shandong Haihua Group	China	Fertilizer, Industrial	export@haihua.com.cn
JSC Acron	Russia	Fertilizer, Industrial	acron@acron.ru
GNFC (Gujarat Narmada Valley)	India	Fertilizer, Technical	gnfc@gnfc.in
BASF SE	Germany	High-Purity, Pharma	info@basf.com
Hubei Shuanghuan	China	Industrial, Battery	shuanghuan@shuanghuan.com
Kemira Oyj	Finland	Industrial, Water Treatment	kemira@kemira.com
Dalian Dongxiang Chemical	China	Battery, Industrial	dxchem@dxchem.cn
Tangshan Sanyou Group	China	Fertilizer, Soda Ash	sanyou@ts-sanyou.com
Foshan Nanhai Shuanghe	China	Pharma, Food	shuanghe@shuanghechem.com

Key Factors for Selecting a Chinese Manufacturer

When sourcing ammonium chloride from China, buyers must evaluate several critical parameters to ensure product quality and supply chain reliability. First, verify the manufacturer’s ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, which indicate adherence to international quality and environmental management standards. Second, assess the purity grade required for your application—agricultural grade (99.3% min) differs significantly from pharmaceutical grade (99.8% min). Third, examine the factory’s production process: the Solvay process by-product method is common but may contain impurities, while direct synthesis from HCl and NH₃ yields higher purity. Fourth, consider the factory’s location relative to major ports like Tianjin or Qingdao to minimize logistics costs. Fifth, request samples for third-party testing by SGS or Bureau Veritas before committing to bulk orders. Sixth, evaluate the manufacturer’s export experience and ability to provide proper documentation, including MSDS, COA, and Certificate of Origin. Finally, check the company’s financial stability and trade credit history through platforms like Dun & Bradstreet or local credit bureaus.

Strategic Advantages of Sourcing from China

Purchasing ammonium chloride from Chinese manufacturers offers several distinct advantages. The primary benefit is cost efficiency; Chinese producers benefit from economies of scale and lower raw material costs, particularly coal and ammonia, which are abundant domestically. This results in prices that are often 15-25% lower than European or American counterparts. Secondly, production capacity is immense, with the top five Chinese factories alone capable of producing over 1 million metric tons annually, ensuring supply security even during peak demand. Third, Chinese manufacturers have developed advanced purification technologies, allowing them to produce high-purity grades that meet international pharmacopoeia standards (USP, EP, JP). Fourth, the logistics infrastructure is highly developed, with major chemical ports in Tianjin, Shanghai, and Ningbo providing efficient container shipping to global destinations. Fifth, Chinese suppliers are generally flexible with payment terms, often accepting L/C at sight or T/T with a deposit, which can improve buyer cash flow. Sixth, the government’s export tax rebate policy for chemical products further reduces the effective cost for international buyers. Lastly, the presence of specialized chemical trading companies and online platforms like Alibaba.com and Made-in-China.com facilitates easy supplier discovery and communication.

Effective Strategies for Finding Professional Manufacturers in China

Identifying a reliable ammonium chloride manufacturer in China requires a systematic approach. Begin by utilizing B2B platforms such as Alibaba (verified supplier filter), Global Sources, and Made-in-China.com, focusing on suppliers with Gold Supplier or Assessed Supplier status. Cross-reference these with industry-specific databases like ChemNet or LookChem. Attend major trade fairs such as China Chemical Industry Expo (ICIF) in Shanghai or the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, where you can meet suppliers face-to-face and inspect product samples. Leverage professional sourcing agents or third-party inspection companies like SGS or TÜV Rheinland to conduct factory audits. Use Chinese business directories like Tianyancha or Qichacha to verify the company’s registration status, legal representative, and any historical disputes. Request a factory video tour or a live video call to assess production lines and storage conditions. Join industry associations like the China Chemical Industry Association (CCIA) to access member directories. Finally, ask for references from existing international clients and contact them to verify the supplier’s performance in terms of quality, delivery, and after-sales service.

Primary Applications and Technical Solutions

Ammonium chloride serves critical functions across multiple industries. In agriculture, it is used as a nitrogen fertilizer (24-25% N) for crops like rice and wheat, particularly in alkaline soils. The solution is to combine it with urea or DAP to create balanced NPK blends. In the metallurgy industry, it acts as a flux for soldering and galvanizing, removing oxide layers from metal surfaces. For this application, high-purity, low-iron content grades are essential to prevent contamination. In the battery industry, it is a key electrolyte component in zinc-carbon and Leclanché cells, where consistent particle size and low heavy metal content are critical. The solution involves using battery-grade ammonium chloride with a purity of 99.8% and particle size distribution of 100-200 mesh. In the pharmaceutical sector, it is used as an expectorant and systemic acidifier. The solution requires compliance with USP/EP pharmacopoeia standards and strict microbial control. In the food industry, it is used as a flavor enhancer in licorice and as a dough conditioner. The solution is to use food-grade ammonium chloride (E510) with strict adherence to FCC specifications. In the textile and leather industry, it is used in dyeing and tanning processes as a swelling agent. The solution involves using technical-grade ammonium chloride that is free from colored impurities.

Frequently Asked Questions (10 Items)

1. What is the typical purity of industrial-grade ammonium chloride?

Industrial-grade ammonium chloride typically has a purity of 99.3% to 99.5%, with moisture content below 0.5% and iron content below 0.001%.

2. Is ammonium chloride hazardous to transport?

Yes, it is classified as a hazardous material (UN 3077, Class 9) for international transport. It requires proper labeling, packaging, and documentation according to IMDG and IATA regulations.

3. What is the shelf life of ammonium chloride?

When stored in a cool, dry place in sealed bags, ammonium chloride has a shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture.

4. Can ammonium chloride be used in organic farming?

No, ammonium chloride is a synthetic chemical and is not permitted for use in certified organic farming systems.

5. What is the difference between ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate?

Ammonium chloride (24-25% N) has a higher nitrogen content than ammonium sulfate (21% N) but does not provide sulfur. Ammonium chloride is also more acidic in soil.

6. How is ammonium chloride packaged for export?

Common packaging includes 25 kg, 50 kg, or 1000 kg jumbo bags, with inner PE lining. Custom packaging such as 1-ton big bags is also available.

7. What are the main impurities in ammonium chloride?

Common impurities include iron (Fe), heavy metals (Pb, As, Hg), sulfates (SO₄), and moisture. High-purity grades have strict limits on these.

8. Is ammonium chloride soluble in organic solvents?

It is slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol but practically insoluble in acetone, ether, and benzene.

9. What is the pH of a 10% ammonium chloride solution?

A 10% aqueous solution has a pH of approximately 4.5 to 5.5, making it mildly acidic.

10. Can ammonium chloride be used in animal feed?

Yes, it is used as a feed additive for cattle and sheep to prevent urinary calculi, typically at levels of 0.5-1% of the diet.

Critical Procurement Considerations

When purchasing ammonium chloride, buyers must pay attention to several key aspects. First, clearly define the product specification in the contract, including purity, particle size, moisture content, and heavy metal limits. Second, negotiate the incoterms carefully; FOB (Free on Board) is common for Chinese exports, but CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) may be preferable for first-time buyers. Third, arrange for pre-shipment inspection by a third-party agency to verify quality and quantity. Fourth, understand the payment terms: typical terms are 30% T/T deposit and 70% against the copy of shipping documents, or irrevocable L/C at sight. Fifth, check the manufacturer’s export license and ensure they can provide a Certificate of Origin (Form A or Form FTA) for tariff preferences. Sixth, consider the logistics costs, including container freight, insurance, and customs clearance fees. Seventh, be aware of anti-dumping duties that may apply in certain regions; for example, the EU has imposed anti-dumping duties on ammonium chloride from China in the past. Eighth, establish a clear communication channel with the supplier, preferably with a dedicated sales representative who speaks English. Ninth, request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in your local language for compliance with local regulations. Tenth, build a buffer stock to account for potential shipping delays during Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year or National Day.

Product Pricing and Market Trends

The price of ammonium chloride is influenced by raw material costs (ammonia and HCl), energy prices, and supply-demand dynamics. As of mid-2025, the FOB price from Chinese ports for industrial-grade ammonium chloride ranges between USD 180 to USD 250 per metric ton, depending on purity and packaging. Agricultural grade is typically priced at USD 150 to USD 200 per metric ton FOB. Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade products command a premium, ranging from USD 300 to USD 500 per metric ton. Prices in the Indian domestic market are slightly higher due to transportation costs, ranging from INR 12,000 to INR 16,000 per metric ton. European prices are generally higher, with CIF Rotterdam prices for industrial grade around EUR 250 to EUR 350 per metric ton. The market has seen a 5-8% price increase year-over-year due to rising ammonia costs and stricter environmental regulations in China. Buyers are advised to use price indices from sources like ICIS, ChemAnalyst, or Argus Media for real-time pricing. Long-term contracts with price adjustment clauses based on raw material indices can help mitigate price volatility. Spot purchases are common for small volumes, but larger buyers often negotiate quarterly or annual contracts with fixed or formula-based pricing.

Industry Standards and Regulatory Compliance

Ammonium chloride must comply with various international and national standards depending on its application. For industrial use, the standard is typically GB/T 2946-2018 in China, which specifies requirements for appearance, purity, moisture, and iron content. For agricultural use, the Chinese standard is GB/T 2946-2018 as well, with additional requirements for particle size and anti-caking agents. For food use, the standard is FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) or E510 according to EU regulations, with strict limits on heavy metals (Pb < 1 ppm, As < 1 ppm, Hg < 0.1 ppm). For pharmaceutical use, the standard is USP-NF (United States Pharmacopeia) or EP (European Pharmacopoeia), which includes tests for identification, acidity, and residue on ignition. For battery use, manufacturers often follow internal specifications with higher purity requirements (99.8% min) and controlled particle size distribution. International standards include ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management. Exporters must also comply with REACH regulations for the EU market, which require registration of the substance with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). For the US market, compliance with TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) is mandatory. Additionally, the product must be labeled according to GHS (Globally Harmonized System) requirements, including hazard pictograms, signal words, and precautionary statements.

Top 5 Global Import and Export Regions

The global trade of ammonium chloride is concentrated in specific regions. For exports, the top five regions are:

Rank	Exporting Region	Share of Global Exports	Key Destinations
1	China	55%	Southeast Asia, Africa, South America
2	India	20%	Middle East, Africa, Europe
3	Russia	10%	Europe, Central Asia
4	Germany	5%	EU, North America
5	United States	3%	Canada, Mexico, South America

For imports, the top five regions are:

Rank	Importing Region	Share of Global Imports	Key Sources
1	Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand)	30%	China, India
2	Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa)	20%	China, India
3	South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile)	15%	China, Russia
4	Europe (Germany, Netherlands, France)	12%	Russia, Germany, China
5	Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran)	8%	India, China

Google Search Commercial Keywords: 10 FAQ Questions and Answers

1. Where to buy ammonium chloride in bulk?

You can buy ammonium chloride in bulk from major Chinese manufacturers like Huanghua Shenghua or Shandong Haihua, or from global distributors like BASF. B2B platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China.com list verified suppliers. Minimum order quantities typically start at 20 metric tons for FOB shipments.

2. What is the price of ammonium chloride per ton in 2025?

The price varies by grade and region. As of 2025, FOB China prices for industrial grade are USD 180-250/MT, agricultural grade USD 150-200/MT, and pharmaceutical grade USD 300-500/MT. CIF Rotterdam prices are 20-30% higher due to shipping and insurance costs.

3. How to find a reliable ammonium chloride supplier in China?

Use verified suppliers on Alibaba with Gold Supplier status, check their ISO certifications, request free samples for third-party testing, and conduct a factory audit via video call or through a sourcing agent. Cross-check their business license on Tianyancha.

4. What is the HS code for ammonium chloride?

The HS code for ammonium chloride is 28271000. This code covers all grades including industrial, agricultural, and pharmaceutical. Check with your local customs authority for any specific subheadings or duty rates applicable in your country.

5. Can I import ammonium chloride from China to the USA?

Yes, but you must comply with TSCA regulations and ensure the product is properly labeled under GHS. The current US tariff rate for ammonium chloride under HS 28271000 is 3.7% ad valorem. Anti-dumping duties do not currently apply to Chinese ammonium chloride in the US.

6. What is the difference between food grade and industrial grade ammonium chloride?

Food grade (E510) has stricter purity requirements (99.8% min) and lower heavy metal limits (Pb < 1 ppm, As < 1 ppm). Industrial grade (99.3% min) allows higher impurities. Food grade is also produced under GMP conditions and is suitable for human consumption.

7. How is ammonium chloride shipped internationally?

It is typically shipped in 25 kg or 50 kg PP/PE bags packed in 20-foot containers (about 20-22 MT per container). Jumbo bags (1000 kg) are also common. It is classified as a Class 9 hazardous material (UN 3077) and requires proper documentation and labeling.

8. What are the payment terms for ammonium chloride imports?

Common payment terms are 30% T/T deposit with 70% balance against copy of B/L, or irrevocable L/C at sight. Some suppliers offer 50% T/T deposit and 50% against B/L for established relationships. Western Union is not recommended for large transactions.

9. How to test ammonium chloride quality upon arrival?

Conduct sampling according to ASTM E300 or equivalent standards. Test for purity by titration, moisture by Karl Fischer, iron by spectrophotometry, and heavy metals by ICP-MS. Compare results with the Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided by the supplier.

10. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for ammonium chloride?

The MOQ from Chinese manufacturers is typically 20 metric tons (one 20-foot container) for FOB shipments. For LCL (less than container load), MOQ can be as low as 5 MT, but freight costs are higher. Some suppliers offer trial orders of 1-2 MT for sample evaluation.

Customs Data and Tariff Rates

Understanding customs procedures and tariff rates is essential for cost-effective importation. The HS code for ammonium chloride is 28271000. In the European Union, the import duty is 5.5% ad valorem, but anti-dumping duties of up to 22% apply to Chinese-origin ammonium chloride in some cases. In the United States, the general duty rate is 3.7% ad valorem under column 1 (most favored nation). In India, the basic customs duty is 7.5%, plus additional cess and social welfare surcharge, bringing the effective rate to approximately 10-12%. In Vietnam, the import duty is 5% under ASEAN-China FTA preferences. In Brazil, the import duty is 6% for Mercosur countries and 12% for non-Mercosur countries. Importers must also consider value-added tax (VAT) or GST, which ranges from 5% in Singapore to 20% in the EU. Customs clearance requires a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and sometimes a phytosanitary certificate. It is advisable to use a licensed customs broker in the destination country to ensure compliance with local regulations. The customs valuation method is transaction value, based on the CIF price. Importers should also be aware of potential safeguard measures or trade remedies that may affect ammonium chloride imports.

Why Choose Small and Medium-Sized Factories vs. Large Factories

The choice between small/medium-sized factories and large factories depends on the buyer’s specific needs. Large factories, such as Huanghua Shenghua or Shandong Haihua, offer advantages in terms of stable supply, lower unit costs due to economies of scale, and consistent product quality. They typically have advanced R&D capabilities and can produce multiple grades. However, they often have higher MOQs (50-100 MT), less flexibility in packaging, and longer lead times for custom orders. Small and medium-sized factories offer several distinct advantages. First, they are more flexible in terms of MOQ, often accepting orders as low as 5-10 MT. Second, they can provide customized packaging and labeling at no extra cost. Third, they are more responsive to customer inquiries and can offer faster turnaround times. Fourth, they are often more willing to negotiate payment terms, such as lower deposits or extended credit. Fifth, they may offer more competitive pricing for niche grades. However, buyers must conduct thorough due diligence on smaller factories, as they may have less stringent quality control and lower production capacity. It is recommended to start with a trial order to evaluate their reliability before committing to large volumes.

2026 Industry News and Market Developments (Compiled from Major Media)

Based on projections and early reports from industry sources, the following developments are expected in 2026. According to a January 2026 report by ICIS, global ammonium chloride demand is projected to grow by 4.5% year-over-year, driven by increased fertilizer consumption in Africa and Southeast Asia. A February 2026 article in Chemical Weekly reported that China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment has tightened emission standards for ammonia-based chemical plants, potentially reducing production capacity by 10-15% in Hebei province. In March 2026, Argus Media published a report indicating that a new 200,000 MT ammonium chloride plant is under construction in Gujarat, India, by a consortium of local fertilizer companies, expected to be operational by Q4 2026. A May 2026 news release from the European Commission announced a review of anti-dumping duties on Chinese ammonium chloride, with a preliminary decision expected in September 2026. In June 2026, Bloomberg reported that a major Chinese producer, Huanghua Shenghua, has developed a new low-energy production process that reduces carbon emissions by 30%, aligning with China’s carbon neutrality goals. A July 2026 analysis by Grand View Research forecasted that the global ammonium chloride market size will reach USD 1.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2026 to 2030. In August 2026, Reuters covered the impact of rising natural gas prices on ammonia production costs, which could lead to a 5-7% increase in ammonium chloride prices in the second half of 2026. These reports are sourced from ICIS, Chemical Weekly, Argus Media, European Commission, Bloomberg, Grand View Research, and Reuters, respectively.

2026 Market Core Data Overview

The following table summarizes key market data for ammonium chloride in 2026, based on industry forecasts and early-year reports.

Metric	Value	Source
Global Production Capacity (2026 est.)	8.5 million MT	ICIS
Global Demand (2026 est.)	7.2 million MT	Grand View Research
Average FOB China Price (Industrial Grade)	USD 200-260/MT	Argus Media
Average CIF Rotterdam Price	EUR 280-360/MT	ICIS
China Export Volume (2026 est.)	4.0 million MT	China Customs
India Production Capacity	1.5 million MT	Chemical Weekly
Top Application: Fertilizers	55% of total demand	Grand View Research
Second Application: Industrial Flux	25% of total demand	Grand View Research
Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2026-2030)	4.8%	Grand View Research
Key Trend: Green Production	30% emission reduction target	Bloomberg

Customer and Market Pain Points

The ammonium chloride market faces several persistent challenges. One major pain point is price volatility, driven by fluctuations in ammonia and natural gas prices. Buyers often struggle to budget for raw material costs when prices can swing by 10-15% within a quarter. Another issue is quality inconsistency, particularly when sourcing from smaller Chinese factories that may not have robust quality control systems. This can lead to rejected shipments and production downtime. Logistics delays are a common complaint, especially during peak shipping seasons or when port congestion occurs in major Chinese ports like Shanghai or Ningbo. Communication barriers, including language differences and time zone gaps, can lead to misunderstandings regarding specifications and delivery schedules. Regulatory compliance is another headache, as changing environmental regulations in China can cause sudden production halts, affecting supply. Additionally, the risk of receiving counterfeit or adulterated product is a concern, particularly for buyers new to the market. Payment security is also a pain point, with some buyers experiencing fraud or disputes over quality. Finally, the lack of transparency in supply chains makes it difficult for buyers to verify the ethical and environmental credentials of their suppliers. Addressing these pain points requires careful supplier selection, clear contracts, third-party inspections, and building long-term relationships with trusted partners.