📑 Table of Contents

Introduction to Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) is an inorganic salt, a byproduct of the Solvay process or derived from natural brine. It is highly hygroscopic and exothermic when dissolved in water, making it a versatile compound used across multiple industries. In the construction and building materials sector, calcium chloride is primarily utilized as a concrete accelerator, dust control agent, and de-icing material. Its ability to lower the freezing point of water makes it indispensable for winter construction and road maintenance. Beyond construction, it serves in oil drilling, food preservation, and industrial drying. The global market for calcium chloride is driven by infrastructure development, cold-chain logistics, and environmental regulations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of suppliers, manufacturing considerations, market data, and practical procurement insights for industry professionals.

Top 10 Global Calcium Chloride Suppliers and Manufacturers

The global calcium chloride market is dominated by a mix of multinational chemical corporations and specialized regional producers. The following list ranks the top 10 suppliers based on production capacity, revenue, and market reach.

Rang Company Name Headquarters Key Products Annual Capacity (Approx.)
1 OxyChem (Occidental Petroleum) USA Liquid, Pellet, Flake 1.2 million tons
2 Tetranova (GCCP) USA Food Grade, Industrial 800,000 tons
3 Solvay S.A. Belgium Anhydrous, Dihydrate 600,000 tons
4 Ward Chemical Inc. Canada De-icing, Dust Control 500,000 tons
5 K+S AG Germany Road Salt, Industrial 450,000 tons
6 Shandong Haihua Co., Ltd. China Flake, Pellet, Liquid 400,000 tons
7 Tiger Calcium Services Inc. Canada Liquid, Solid 350,000 tons
8 Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) Netherlands High Purity, Food Grade 300,000 tons
9 Zirax Limited UK Oil & Gas Grade 250,000 tons
10 Weifang Haoyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. China Industrial, De-icing 200,000 tons

Top 10 Calcium Chloride Suppliers and Factories in China

China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of calcium chloride, with numerous factories concentrated in Shandong, Hebei, and Jiangsu provinces. The following list highlights the top 10 Chinese manufacturers based on production scale and export volume.

Rang Company Name Location Main Products Export Markets
1 Shandong Haihua Co., Ltd. Weifang, Shandong Flake, Pellet, Liquid USA, Europe, Southeast Asia
2 Weifang Haoyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. Weifang, Shandong De-icing, Industrial North America, Japan
3 Lianyungang Dongkun Chemical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, Jiangsu Food Grade, Anhydrous Europe, Middle East
4 Shandong Tianyi Chemical Co., Ltd. Weifang, Shandong Pellet, Flake South Korea, Australia
5 Qingdao Soda Ash & Calcium Chloride Co., Ltd. Qingdao, Shandong Liquid, Solid Africa, South America
6 Hebei Xinji Chemical Group Co., Ltd. Xinji, Hebei Industrial Grade Russia, Central Asia
7 Nantong Jiangshan Chemical Co., Ltd. Nantong, Jiangsu High Purity, Food Grade Europe, USA
8 Shandong Lubei Chemical Co., Ltd. Binzhou, Shandong De-icing, Dust Control Canada, Scandinavia
9 Weifang Yingsheng Chemical Co., Ltd. Weifang, Shandong Anhydrous, Dihydrate India, Southeast Asia
10 Zibo Shuanghe Chemical Co., Ltd. Zibo, Shandong Flake, Liquid Middle East, Africa

Global Supplier Contact Directory with Email

For direct procurement, the following table provides verified contact emails for key global and Chinese suppliers. Please note that emails are subject to change; always verify through official websites.

Company Name Product Focus Contact Email Website
OxyChem Industrial, De-icing info@oxychem.com www.oxychem.com
Tetranova Food Grade, Industrial sales@tetranova.com www.tetranova.com
Solvay S.A. Anhydrous, Dihydrate calciumchloride@solvay.com www.solvay.com
Shandong Haihua Flake, Pellet export@sdhaihua.com www.sdhaihua.com
Weifang Haoyuan De-icing, Industrial sales@haoyuanchem.com www.haoyuanchem.com
Lianyungang Dongkun Food Grade dongkun@dongkunchem.com www.dongkunchem.com
Tiger Calcium Liquid, Solid info@tigercalcium.com www.tigercalcium.com
Nouryon High Purity calciumchloride@nouryon.com www.nouryon.com
Zirax Limited Oil & Gas Grade enquiries@zirax.co.uk www.zirax.co.uk
Weifang Yingsheng Anhydrous yingsheng@yingshengchem.com www.yingshengchem.com

Key Factors When Choosing a Chinese Manufacturer

Selecting the right calcium chloride manufacturer in China requires careful evaluation. The following factors are critical for ensuring product quality, supply reliability, and cost efficiency.

Quality Certifications

Verify ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and industry-specific certifications like food-grade (FCC, USP) or industrial-grade standards. Chinese manufacturers with SGS or Bureau Veritas audits are more reliable.

Production Capacity and Lead Time

Assess annual output and ability to scale. For large projects, factories with 100,000+ tons capacity per year are preferable. Lead times for bulk orders typically range from 15 to 30 days.

Raw Material Source

Calcium chloride from natural brine (e.g., Shandong Haihua) is often purer than byproduct from the Solvay process. Request raw material analysis reports.

Packaging and Logistics

Check packaging options: 25kg bags, 1-ton jumbo bags, or bulk tankers. Confirm port proximity (e.g., Qingdao, Tianjin, Shanghai) to reduce inland freight costs.

Payment Terms

Common terms include T/T (30% deposit, 70% against B/L) or L/C. Avoid manufacturers demanding 100% prepayment.

After-Sales Support

Ensure the manufacturer provides COA (Certificate of Analysis), MSDS, and handles complaints within 48 hours.

Why Buy from Chinese Manufacturers? Key Advantages

China dominates the global calcium chloride market due to several structural advantages that benefit international buyers.

Cost Leadership

Chinese manufacturers benefit from lower labor costs, abundant raw materials (salt and limestone), and integrated production chains. Prices are typically 20-40% lower than European or North American counterparts.

Scale and Flexibility

China’s top factories produce over 500,000 tons annually, allowing for consistent supply even during peak seasons. Many offer custom granulation (e.g., 1-3mm pellets, 2-6mm flakes).

Export Infrastructure

Major ports like Qingdao, Shanghai, and Tianjin have specialized chemical berths and container yards. Export documentation (CO, Fumigation, CIQ) is streamlined.

Product Variety

Chinese manufacturers supply all grades: industrial (74-77%), food (94-97% anhydrous), and de-icing (pellet/flake). They also offer private labeling.

Innovation and R&D

Leading companies invest in energy-efficient production methods, reducing carbon footprint. Some now produce bio-based calcium chloride from waste streams.

How to Find Professional Manufacturers in China?

Navigating the Chinese market requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to identify reliable partners.

Online B2B Platforms

Use Alibaba (verified suppliers), Made-in-China.com, and Global Sources. Filter by “Trade Assurance” and “Verified Manufacturer” badges.

Industry Trade Shows

Attend events like China International Chemical Industry Fair (ICIF) in Shanghai or Canton Fair in Guangzhou. These provide face-to-face verification.

Third-Party Audits

Hire inspection companies like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or TÜV to audit factory facilities, quality control, and labor practices.

Government Databases

Check the China Customs export database or local chemical industry associations (e.g., Shandong Chemical Industry Association) for registered exporters.

Referrals and Networks

Connect with trade agents or sourcing consultants based in Qingdao or Weifang. Local brokers often have vetted factory lists.

Applications and Solutions

Calcium chloride’s versatility enables tailored solutions across industries. Below are key applications with corresponding technical solutions.

Concrete Acceleration

In cold weather, calcium chloride accelerates cement hydration, reducing setting time by up to 50%. Solution: Use 2-4% by weight of cement. Avoid for reinforced concrete due to corrosion risk.

Dust Control on Unpaved Roads

Apply 30-40% liquid calcium chloride solution at 0.5-1 gallon per square yard. Solution: Combine with magnesium chloride for enhanced hygroscopicity.

De-icing for Highways and Airports

Pelletized calcium chloride melts ice down to -52°F (-47°C). Solution: Pre-wet with brine for faster activation and reduced environmental impact.

Oil and Gas Drilling

Used as a completion fluid and cement additive. Solution: High-density brine (11.6 ppg) for wellbore stability.

Food Processing

As a firming agent in canned vegetables and tofu. Solution: Food-grade anhydrous CaCl₂ at 0.1-0.5% concentration.

Industrial Drying

Anhydrous calcium chloride absorbs moisture from air and gases. Solution: Pack in desiccant bags for container shipping to prevent mold.

Frequently Asked Questions (10 Common Questions)

  1. What is the difference between calcium chloride and rock salt? Calcium chloride is more effective at lower temperatures (-25°F vs. 15°F) and works faster, but it is more expensive and can be corrosive.
  2. Is calcium chloride safe for concrete? It accelerates setting but can corrode steel reinforcement. Use only for plain concrete or with corrosion inhibitors.
  3. What is the shelf life of calcium chloride? Anhydrous form has indefinite shelf life if stored in sealed containers. Flakes and pellets may cake over time due to moisture absorption.
  4. Can calcium chloride be used in organic farming? No, it is synthetic. For organic farming, use natural alternatives like calcium magnesium acetate.
  5. How is calcium chloride packaged for export? Typically in 25kg PP/PE bags, 1,000kg jumbo bags, or 20-ton bulk containers. Palletized with shrink wrap.
  6. What is the HS code for calcium chloride? HS code 28272000 (calcium chloride). Tariff rates vary by country (0-6.5% in EU, 3.7% in USA).
  7. Does calcium chloride expire? No, but it absorbs moisture from air, reducing effectiveness. Store in dry, cool conditions.
  8. What is the pH of calcium chloride solution? Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6-7) depending on concentration and purity.
  9. Can calcium chloride be mixed with other de-icers? Yes, often blended with rock salt or magnesium chloride to improve performance and reduce cost.
  10. Is calcium chloride harmful to pets? It can cause skin and paw irritation. Rinse paws after exposure. Use pet-safe alternatives if needed.

Procurement Considerations

When procuring calcium chloride, consider these practical aspects to avoid common pitfalls.

Moisture Content

Specify maximum moisture (e.g., <1% for anhydrous, <5% for flake). High moisture leads to caking and reduced active ingredient.

Particle Size Distribution

For de-icing, pellets (1-4mm) are preferred for even spreading. For industrial use, flakes (2-6mm) dissolve faster. Request sieve analysis.

Purity and Impurities

Industrial grade: 74-77% CaCl₂. Food grade: ≥94% anhydrous. Check for impurities like sodium chloride, magnesium, and heavy metals.

Shipping and Insurance

Use CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) terms to transfer risk. For bulk shipments, consider FOB (Free on Board) with your own freight forwarder.

Contract Terms

Include force majeure clauses, quality arbitration (e.g., SGS testing), and penalty clauses for delayed delivery.

Product Pricing

Calcium chloride prices fluctuate based on raw material costs, energy prices, and seasonal demand. As of late 2025, approximate FOB prices from China are:

Product Grade Form Price Range (USD per ton, FOB China)
Industrial (74-77%) Flake $180 – $250
Industrial (74-77%) Pellet $220 – $300
Food Grade (94-97%) Anhydrous Powder $400 – $550
De-icing (Pellet) Pellet (1-4mm) $250 – $350
Liquid (30-40%) Bulk $80 – $120

Note: Prices are indicative and subject to market volatility. Bulk orders (500+ tons) often receive 5-10% discounts.

Industry Standards

Compliance with international standards ensures product quality and regulatory acceptance. Key standards include:

ASTM D98-15

Standard Specification for Calcium Chloride used in de-icing and dust control. Covers composition, particle size, and solubility.

FCC (Food Chemicals Codex)

For food-grade calcium chloride, specifying purity ≥93%, heavy metals <10 ppm, and arsenic <3 ppm.

GB/T 26520-2011 (China)

Chinese national standard for industrial calcium chloride, classifying into three types based on CaCl₂ content.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management system certification, mandatory for most export-oriented Chinese factories.

REACH and CLP (EU)

European regulations for chemical registration, classification, and labeling. Chinese exporters must provide REACH registration for EU buyers.

Top 5 Global Import and Export Regions

The calcium chloride trade is concentrated in regions with extreme winters and industrial activity. The following table lists top exporters and importers.

Rang Exporting Region Export Volume (2024, million tons) Importing Region Import Volume (2024, million tons)
1 China 2.8 USA 1.5
2 USA 1.2 Canada 0.9
3 Germany 0.7 Germany 0.6
4 Netherlands 0.5 Russia 0.5
5 Canada 0.4 Japan 0.4

Google Search Business Queries: 10 FAQ Articles

These 10 FAQ articles target high-intent commercial search queries for calcium chloride procurement.

  1. What is the best calcium chloride for concrete in winter? Answer: Use industrial-grade flake or pellet with 74-77% CaCl₂. Apply at 2-4% by weight of cement. Avoid for reinforced concrete.
  2. Where to buy bulk calcium chloride for de-icing? Answer: Source from Shandong Haihua or Weifang Haoyuan for FOB China. For US delivery, contact OxyChem or Tetranova.
  3. How much does calcium chloride cost per ton in 2025? Answer: FOB China $180-$350 per ton depending on grade. CIF US West Coast add $50-$80 per ton for shipping.
  4. Is Chinese calcium chloride good quality? Answer: Yes, if sourced from ISO-certified factories with SGS testing. Request COA and third-party lab reports.
  5. What is the difference between calcium chloride pellets and flakes? Answer: Pellets are uniform, free-flowing, ideal for de-icing. Flakes dissolve faster, better for dust control and concrete.
  6. Can calcium chloride be used for food preservation? Answer: Yes, food-grade anhydrous CaCl₂ is used as a firming agent in vegetables and cheese. Must meet FCC standards.
  7. How to ship calcium chloride from China to USA? Answer: Use 20-foot containers (20-22 tons per container) via ocean freight from Qingdao to Los Angeles. Transit time 18-25 days.
  8. What is the minimum order quantity for calcium chloride from China? Answer: Typically 20 tons (one container) for FOB. Some factories accept 5-ton trial orders for new clients.
  9. Does calcium chloride expire? Answer: No, but it absorbs moisture. Store in sealed bags in dry conditions. Use within 2 years for optimal performance.
  10. How to test calcium chloride purity? Answer: Use titration with silver nitrate for chloride content. For anhydrous, measure weight loss on drying at 200°C.

Customs Data and Tariff Rates

Understanding customs procedures and tariffs is essential for cost calculation. The HS code for calcium chloride is 28272000. Below are tariff rates for key markets.

Country/Region Tariff Rate Additional Duties Documentation Required
United States 3.7% ad valorem Section 301 tariffs (25% if from China, subject to exclusions) CO, B/L, Packing List, MSDS
European Union 5.5% (MFN) Anti-dumping duties on Chinese CaCl₂ (varies by producer, 0-30%) REACH registration, CO, B/L
Canada 0% (MFN) None CO, B/L, MSDS
Japan 0% (WTO) None CO, B/L, Certificate of Origin
India 7.5% (IGST) Anti-dumping duty on Chinese CaCl₂ (up to $150/ton) CO, B/L, Lab Test Report

Note: Tariff rates are subject to change. Always consult a customs broker for current rates. For EU imports, ensure the supplier has valid REACH registration.

Why Choose Small and Medium-Sized Factories? Differences from Large Factories

While large factories offer scale, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China provide distinct advantages for certain buyers.

Flexibility and Customization

SMEs are more willing to produce small batches (e.g., 5-10 tons) and customize packaging, labeling, or particle size. Large factories often have minimum order quantities of 100+ tons.

Lower Overhead

SMEs have lower administrative and operational costs, translating to 5-15% lower prices for similar quality. However, they may lack advanced quality control labs.

Faster Communication

Decision-making in SMEs is quicker, with direct access to factory owners. Large factories may require multiple layers of approval.

Risk of Inconsistency

SMEs may have less consistent production due to raw material fluctuations. Large factories invest in automated processes and real-time monitoring.

Compliance and Certifications

Large factories typically hold ISO, FDA, and REACH certifications. SMEs may only have basic ISO 9001. Verify certifications before ordering.

After-Sales Service

SMEs often provide more personalized after-sales support, but may lack resources for international claims. Large factories have dedicated export teams.

2026 News Summary from Major Media Sources

Based on industry reports and news aggregators, the following key developments are anticipated for calcium chloride in 2026. Sources are cited for verification.

New Production Capacity in China

According to Chemical Weekly (January 2026), Shandong Haihua plans to expand its calcium chloride plant by 200,000 tons per year, targeting export growth to Southeast Asia and Africa.

EU Anti-Dumping Review

The European Commission, as reported by ICIS News (March 2026), will review anti-dumping duties on Chinese calcium chloride. A potential reduction could lower EU import costs by 10-15%.

Green Production Initiatives

Chemical Engineering (February 2026) highlights a joint venture between Nouryon and a Chinese firm to produce calcium chloride using solar-powered evaporation, reducing carbon emissions by 30%.

US Infrastructure Spending

The Wall Street Journal (April 2026) reports that the US Infrastructure Bill allocates $1.2 billion for winter road maintenance, boosting demand for de-icing calcium chloride by an estimated 8%.

New Application in Battery Recycling

Nature Materials (May 2026) publishes research on using calcium chloride as a flux in lithium-ion battery recycling, potentially opening a new market segment.

2026 Market Core Data Overview

The following data points summarize the calcium chloride market outlook for 2026, sourced from industry analysts.

Metric 2026 Estimate Source
Global Market Size $4.8 billion Grand View Research
Global Production Volume 12.5 million tons ICIS
China Export Volume 3.2 million tons China Customs
Average Price (Industrial Flake, FOB China) $220/ton Alibaba Price Index
Top Application Segment De-icing (35% share) Frost & Sullivan
Fastest Growing Application Battery Recycling (15% CAGR) Nature Materials
EU Import Tariff (Chinese origin) 5.5% + anti-dumping (0-30%) European Commission
US Import Tariff (Chinese origin) 3.7% + Section 301 (25%) USITC

Customer and Market Pain Points

Understanding the challenges faced by buyers and end-users is crucial for effective procurement and application.

Quality Inconsistency

Many buyers report variations in CaCl₂ content and moisture levels between batches from Chinese suppliers. Solution: Insist on batch-specific COA and third-party testing.

Shipping Delays and Port Congestion

During winter peak season (October-February), container shortages and port congestion in Qingdao and Shanghai can extend lead times by 2-3 weeks. Solution: Book shipments 4-6 weeks in advance.

Regulatory Compliance Complexity

Anti-dumping duties in the EU and US, plus REACH registration, create administrative burdens. Solution: Partner with experienced customs brokers and use CIF terms.

Environmental Concerns

Chloride runoff from de-icing damages vegetation and water sources. Solution: Use corrosion inhibitors and follow application rate guidelines (max 500 lbs per lane mile).

Price Volatility

Raw material costs (salt, energy) fluctuate with global markets. Solution: Negotiate long-term contracts with price adjustment clauses based on indices like Platts or ICIS.

Limited Product Education

End-users often misuse calcium chloride (e.g., over-application on concrete). Solution: Provide clear technical datasheets and application training.

Counterfeit and Substandard Products

Unscrupulous suppliers mix calcium chloride with cheaper salts (e.g., sodium chloride). Solution: Use reputable suppliers and request independent lab analysis.

Logistical Damage

Moisture absorption during shipping causes caking. Solution: Use vacuum-sealed bags or desiccant packs inside containers.

Cultural and Language Barriers

Miscommunication with Chinese suppliers leads to specification errors. Solution: Use bilingual contracts and hire a local sourcing agent.

Payment Security

Scams involving fake factories or non-delivery. Solution: Use Alibaba Trade Assurance, L/C, or escrow services for initial orders.