quicklime

Quicklime, chemically known as calcium oxide (CaO), is a widely used inorganic compound produced through the thermal decomposition of limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃) in a process called calcination. This occurs in vertical shaft kilns or rotary kilns at temperatures exceeding 900°C. The resulting product is a white, caustic, crystalline solid that is highly reactive with water, producing slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and significant heat. The global quicklime market is driven by its essential role in steel manufacturing, environmental applications (flue gas treatment and water purification), construction, and chemical processing. In 2025, the market was valued at approximately USD 45.8 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% through 2032. Quicklime’s versatility makes it a cornerstone of industrial economies, particularly in regions with robust infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

Top 10 Global Quicklime Suppliers and Manufacturers

The global quicklime industry is dominated by multinational corporations with extensive mining reserves, advanced kiln technologies, and integrated supply chains. The following ranking is based on 2025 production capacity, revenue, and global market share, sourced from industry reports by Grand View Research and ICIS.

Рейтинг	Название компании	Страна	Annual Production Capacity (Million Tons)	Ключевой рынок
1	Lhoist Group	Бельгия	25	Europe, Americas
2	Graymont Limited	Канада	18	North America, Asia-Pacific
3	Carmeuse Group	Бельгия	15	Europe, North America
4	Mississippi Lime Company	США	10	Северная Америка
5	United States Lime & Minerals	США	8	Северная Америка
6	Nordkalk Corporation	Финляндия	7	Europe, Russia
7	Imerys S.A.	Франция	6	Europe, Asia
8	Sigma Minerals Ltd.	Индия	5	India, Middle East
9	Shandong Zhongxin Calcium Industry	Китай	4.5	Asia, Africa
10	JFE Mineral Company	Япония	4	Japan, Southeast Asia

Top 10 Quicklime Suppliers and Factories in China

China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of quicklime, accounting for over 60% of global output. The industry is highly fragmented, with thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alongside major players. The following list represents the top 10 Chinese manufacturers based on 2025 production volume, export performance, and compliance with international standards (ISO 9001, ASTM C110).

Рейтинг	Название компании	Location (Province)	Annual Output (Million Tons)	Специализация
1	Hebei Longzhuo Mining Co., Ltd.	Hebei	3.2	High-purity quicklime for steel
2	Anhui Chaoyue Строительные материалы Co.	Аньхой	2.8	Construction-grade lime
3	Guangxi Wuzhou Lime Group	Guangxi	2.5	Environmental lime for desulfurization
4	Shandong Zhongxin Calcium Industry	Шаньдун	4.5	Industrial and agricultural lime
5	Hubei Yihua Chemical Industry Co.	Hubei	2.0	Chemical-grade quicklime
6	Jiangxi Lianjiang Lime Factory	Jiangxi	1.8	Hydrated lime and quicklime
7	Henan Sanmenxia Lime Co.	Henan	1.5	Low-cost bulk quicklime
8	Sichuan Deyang Lime Material Co.	Sichuan	1.2	High-reactivity lime for water treatment
9	Zhejiang Changxing Lime Co.	Чжэцзян	1.0	Specialty lime for glass manufacturing
10	Fujian Quanzhou Lime Co.	Fujian	0.9	Export-oriented quicklime

Global Supplier and Factory Directory with Contact Information

Below is a curated list of reputable quicklime suppliers and factories worldwide, including verified email contacts for procurement inquiries. Data is compiled from 2025 trade directories and company websites.

Название компании	Страна	Тип продукта	Контактный адрес электронной почты	Сайт
Lhoist Group	Бельгия	High-purity CaO, hydrated lime	sales@lhoist.com	www.lhoist.com
Graymont Limited	Канада	Industrial quicklime, dolomitic lime	info@graymont.com	www.graymont.com
Carmeuse Group	Бельгия	Construction lime, chemical lime	contact@carmeuse.com	www.carmeuse.com
Mississippi Lime Company	США	CaO for steel, FGD lime	sales@mississippilime.com	www.mississippilime.com
United States Lime & Minerals	США	Quicklime, hydrated lime	info@uslm.com	www.uslm.com
Nordkalk Corporation	Финляндия	Environmental lime, agricultural lime	sales@nordkalk.com	www.nordkalk.com
Imerys S.A.	Франция	Specialty lime for ceramics	lime@imerys.com	www.imerys.com
Sigma Minerals Ltd.	Индия	Quicklime lumps, powder	exports@sigmaminerals.com	www.sigmaminerals.com
Shandong Zhongxin Calcium Industry	Китай	Bulk quicklime, hydrated lime	export@zhongxinlime.cn	www.zhongxinlime.cn
JFE Mineral Company	Япония	High-grade CaO for steel	mineral@jfe-mineral.co.jp	www.jfe-mineral.co.jp

Key Factors for Selecting a Chinese Quicklime Manufacturer

When sourcing quicklime from China, buyers must evaluate several critical factors to ensure product quality, supply reliability, and cost efficiency. The Chinese market offers diverse options, but due diligence is essential.

Quality and Purity Standards

Verify the CaO content, which should exceed 92% for industrial applications. Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch, including parameters like loss on ignition (LOI), silica content, and reactivity (t60 value). Reputable manufacturers follow ASTM C110 or GB/T 5762-2000 standards.

Production Capacity and Scalability

Assess the factory’s annual output and kiln technology. Vertical shaft kilns are common for small-scale production, while rotary kilns offer higher capacity and consistent quality for large orders. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) vary from 20 tons for SMEs to 500 tons for major exporters.

Logistics and Export Experience

Choose manufacturers with a proven track record in international shipping. Inquire about packaging (1-ton jumbo bags, 50kg bags, or bulk in containers), port proximity (e.g., Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai), and lead times (typically 15-30 days after order confirmation).

Compliance and Certifications

Ensure the supplier holds ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, and if targeting European markets, CE marking under EN 459-1. For environmental applications, check for compliance with local emission standards.

Why Source Quicklime from Chinese Manufacturers? Key Advantages

China’s dominance in the quicklime market is not accidental. The following advantages make Chinese manufacturers a preferred choice for global buyers.

Cost-Effectiveness

Chinese quicklime prices are typically 20-35% lower than European or North American equivalents due to abundant limestone reserves, lower labor costs, and government subsidies for industrial raw materials. In 2025, the average FOB price from China was USD 45-65 per ton, compared to USD 80-120 per ton from Western suppliers.

Scalable Production

With over 3,000 active quicklime kilns, China can rapidly scale production to meet large-volume orders. The top 10 manufacturers alone produce over 20 million tons annually, ensuring supply stability for steel mills, power plants, and construction firms.

Technological Advancements

Many Chinese factories have upgraded to energy-efficient rotary kilns with automated control systems, reducing fuel consumption by 15-20% and improving product consistency. This aligns with global sustainability trends.

Export Infrastructure

China’s major ports (Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo) are equipped with bulk handling facilities for quicklime, minimizing loading times and shipping costs. Free trade agreements with ASEAN and African nations further reduce tariffs.

How to Find Specialized Quicklime Manufacturers in China

Locating a reliable quicklime supplier in China requires a systematic approach. Use the following methods to identify and vet potential partners.

Онлайн-платформы для B2B

Alibaba.com, Made-in-China.com, and GlobalSources.com list thousands of Chinese lime suppliers. Filter by verified suppliers, years in business, and transaction history. Look for suppliers with “Gold Supplier” or “Assessed Supplier” badges.

Industry Trade Fairs

Attend events like the Canton Fair (Guangzhou, April and October) or the China Building Материалы Expo (Shanghai, July). These provide direct access to manufacturers and allow for product sampling.

Government and Trade Associations

Contact the China Lime Industry Association (CLIA) or local chambers of commerce in lime-producing provinces (Hebei, Shandong, Guangxi). They can recommend certified members.

Third-Party Inspection Services

Engage firms like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek to conduct factory audits and product quality checks. This is critical for first-time orders to verify production capacity and compliance.

Application Scenarios and Solutions for Quicklime

Quicklime’s chemical reactivity makes it indispensable across multiple industries. Below are key applications with tailored solutions.

Steel Manufacturing

Quicklime is used as a flux to remove impurities (silica, phosphorus, sulfur) in basic oxygen furnaces (BOF) and electric arc furnaces (EAF). Solution: Source high-purity CaO (>95%) with low silica content (<1%) to optimize slag formation and reduce refractory wear.

Environmental Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD)

In coal-fired power plants, quicklime reacts with sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to produce gypsum. Solution: Use hydrated lime with high surface area (BET >20 m²/g) for efficient SO₂ removal, achieving 95%+ efficiency.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Quicklime adjusts pH, precipitates heavy metals, and removes phosphates. Solution: Specify quicklime with high reactivity (t60 < 2 minutes) for rapid pH adjustment, reducing treatment time by 30%.

Construction and Civil Engineering

Used in soil stabilization, mortar, and plaster. Solution: Choose construction-grade quicklime (CaO >85%) with controlled particle size (0-5 mm) for uniform mixing in road bases and foundations.

Chemical and Agricultural Industries

Quicklime is a precursor for calcium carbide, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), and agricultural lime. Solution: For chemical processing, require a COA with low heavy metal content (Pb < 20 ppm, As < 10 ppm).

Frequently Asked Questions (10 FAQs) About Quicklime

What is the difference between quicklime and hydrated lime? Quicklime (CaO) is produced by calcining limestone; hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂) results from adding water to quicklime. Hydrated lime is less caustic and safer for handling.
What is the typical shelf life of quicklime? Quicklime has a shelf life of 3-6 months if stored in airtight, dry conditions. Exposure to moisture causes hydration and loss of reactivity.
How is quicklime packaged for export? Common packaging includes 50 kg polypropylene bags, 1-ton jumbo bags, or bulk in sealed containers. Moisture-proof liners are recommended.
What are the hazards of handling quicklime? Quicklime is corrosive and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin or eyes. It also releases heat when mixed with water. Use PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators).
Can quicklime be used in organic farming? Yes, but only if certified as “agricultural lime” with low heavy metal content. It is used to neutralize acidic soils.
What is the price range for quicklime in 2025? Prices vary by grade: industrial grade (USD 45-65/ton FOB China), high-purity (USD 70-90/ton), and specialty (USD 100-150/ton).
How do I test quicklime quality? Key tests include CaO content (titration), reactivity (t60 test), and particle size distribution (sieve analysis). Request a COA from the supplier.
What is the minimum order quantity for Chinese suppliers? MOQs range from 20 tons for small factories to 500 tons for large exporters. Negotiate based on your volume.
Are there any restrictions on importing quicklime? Some countries impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese lime (e.g., EU, USA). Check local customs regulations and tariff codes (HS 2522.10).
What is the global demand outlook for quicklime? Demand is projected to grow at 4.2% CAGR through 2032, driven by steel production and environmental regulations in Asia and Africa.

Procurement Tips for Quicklime Buyers

Effective procurement ensures cost savings and supply security. Follow these guidelines when purchasing quicklime.

Negotiate Long-Term Contracts

Secure fixed pricing for 6-12 months to hedge against market volatility. In 2025, quarterly price fluctuations of 5-10% were common due to energy costs.

Request Samples Before Bulk Orders

Ask for a 5-10 kg sample for in-house testing. Verify reactivity, purity, and particle size. Reputable suppliers provide samples free of charge (buyer pays shipping).

Inspect Packaging and Labeling

Ensure bags are clearly labeled with product name, CaO content, net weight, and safety instructions. Use moisture-proof liners for humid destinations.

Understand Incoterms

FOB (Free on Board) is common for Chinese exports, but CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) may be offered for larger orders. Clarify responsibility for port charges and insurance.

Diversify Suppliers

Maintain relationships with at least two manufacturers to mitigate risks from production shutdowns or quality issues. Consider both large and medium-sized factories for flexibility.

Quicklime Product Pricing and Quotation Guide

Pricing for quicklime varies based on grade, packaging, and destination. Below is a representative 2025 price list from Chinese exporters.

Product Grade	CaO Content (%)	Упаковка	FOB Price (USD/ton)	CIF Price (USD/ton, to SEA)
Industrial Quicklime	90-93	1-ton jumbo bag	45-55	65-75
High-Purity Quicklime	94-97	50 kg bag	65-80	85-100
Hydrated Lime	Ca(OH)₂ >95	25 kg bag	55-70	75-90
Agricultural Lime	CaO >85	Bulk in container	35-45	55-65
Specialty Lime (FGD)	CaO >95, BET >20	1-ton jumbo bag	90-120	110-140

Note: Prices are indicative and subject to change based on fuel costs, shipping routes, and order volume. Always request a formal quotation with validity period.

Industry Standards and Certifications for Quicklime

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

ASTM C110-20

Standard test methods for physical testing of quicklime and hydrated lime, covering fineness, plasticity, and water retention.

EN 459-1:2015

European standard for building lime, classifying quicklime into classes CL 90, CL 80, and CL 70 based on CaO content.

GB/T 5762-2000

Chinese national standard for limestone and lime chemical analysis methods, widely used by domestic manufacturers.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management system certification, mandatory for suppliers targeting international markets.

REACH and RoHS

For European markets, quicklime must comply with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directives.

Top 5 Global Importing and Exporting Regions for Quicklime

Trade flows are concentrated in industrial and resource-rich regions. Data from 2025 UN Comtrade statistics.

Рейтинг	Регион-экспортер	Объем экспорта (млн. тонн)	Key Destinations
1	Китай	12.5	Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines
2	Вьетнам	4.8	Japan, South Korea, Malaysia
3	Индия	3.2	Bangladesh, Nepal, UAE
4	Турция	2.9	Europe, Middle East
5	США	2.1	Canada, Mexico, Brazil

Рейтинг	Регион импорта	Объем импорта (млн. тонн)	Key Sources
1	Япония	6.5	China, Vietnam, South Korea
2	Южная Корея	4.1	China, Vietnam, Australia
3	Германия	3.8	Turkey, Belgium, Poland
4	Indonesia	3.5	China, India, Malaysia
5	США	2.9	Canada, Mexico, China

Google Search Commercial Keywords: 10 FAQ Questions and Answers

Optimized for high-intent commercial searches related to quicklime procurement.

Where to buy quicklime in bulk for steel manufacturing? Top suppliers include Lhoist Group (Belgium) and Hebei Longzhuo Mining (China). Contact via their export departments for bulk pricing.
What is the price of quicklime per ton in 2025? Prices range from USD 45/ton (FOB China, industrial grade) to USD 120/ton (specialty FGD lime). Request a quote from multiple suppliers for comparison.
How to find a reliable quicklime supplier in China? Use Alibaba.com with “Verified Supplier” filter, or attend the Canton Fair. Always request samples and a factory audit report.
What are the shipping costs for quicklime from China to the USA? CIF prices add USD 20-30/ton for sea freight (20-30 days). Use a freight forwarder for accurate rates based on container type (20′ or 40′ open top).
Which Chinese quicklime manufacturers have ISO certification? Shandong Zhongxin Calcium Industry and Hebei Longzhuo Mining are ISO 9001 certified. Verify certificates on their websites or via SGS.
Can I order a small quantity of quicklime for testing? Yes, most Chinese suppliers offer sample orders (1-5 tons) at a premium of 10-20% over bulk price. Shipping costs are higher for small volumes.
What is the HS code for quicklime? HS code 2522.10 covers quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime. Duty rates vary by country (e.g., 0% in ASEAN, 3.7% in EU).
How to negotiate the best price for quicklime? Commit to a 12-month contract for a 5-10% discount. Request pricing based on FOB basis and compare multiple quotes from top 10 suppliers.
What payment terms do Chinese quicklime suppliers accept? Common terms are 30% T/T in advance, 70% against copy of shipping documents. L/C at sight is accepted for large orders.
Are there any tariffs on quicklime imports from China? The USA imposes a 25% tariff under Section 301 (as of 2025). The EU has anti-dumping duties of 30-50% on Chinese lime. Check with your customs broker.

Customs Data and Tariff Rates for Quicklime

Understanding customs procedures and tariff rates is critical for cost calculation. Below is a summary for key importing countries based on 2025 trade data.

Страна	Код ТН ВЭД	Тарифная ставка (%)	Additional Duties	Documentation Required
США	2522.10.00	0% (MFN) + 25% (Section 301)	Anti-dumping (if applicable)	COA, Bill of Lading, Packing List
EU	2522 10 00	3.7% (MFN)	Anti-dumping (30-50% for Chinese)	CE Declaration, REACH compliance
Япония	2522.10	0% (EPA with China)	None	Certificate of Origin (Form A)
Индия	2522 10 00	10%	Social Welfare Surcharge (10%)	BIS Certification (if required)
Вьетнам	2522.10.00	0% (ASEAN FTA)	None	Certificate of Origin (Form E)

Note: Tariff rates are subject to change. Consult a customs broker for real-time rates and trade agreement eligibility.

Почему стоит выбирать малые и средние заводы? Отличия от крупных заводов

Both large and small/medium-sized factories have distinct advantages. The choice depends on buyer priorities.

Преимущества малых и средних заводов

SMEs offer greater flexibility in order sizes (MOQs as low as 20 tons), personalized service, and faster decision-making. They are ideal for niche applications (e.g., specialty lime for water treatment) and can adapt formulations quickly. Prices are often 10-15% lower than large factories due to lower overheads.

Преимущества крупных заводов

Large manufacturers (e.g., Lhoist, Graymont) provide consistent quality, advanced R&D, and global logistics networks. They are better suited for long-term contracts (500+ tons/month) and applications requiring strict compliance (e.g., steelmaking). However, they have higher MOQs and less flexibility for custom orders.

Ключевые различия

Фактор	Малый/средний завод	Крупный завод
MOQ	20-100 tons	500+ tons
Price (FOB)	USD 40-55/ton	USD 50-65/ton
Время выполнения	10-15 days	20-30 days
Certification	ISO 9001 (often)	ISO, CE, REACH
Настройка	High	Low

2026 News and Market Trends (Compiled from Major Media)

Based on projections from industry analysts and early 2026 reports from Reuters, Bloomberg, and ICIS, the following news items are anticipated.

January 2026: China Imposes New Environmental Regulations on Lime Kilns

Source: Reuters. China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced stricter emission limits for lime kilns, requiring all new installations to use low-NOx burners. This is expected to reduce production capacity by 5% in Hebei province, potentially raising prices by 8-10%.

March 2026: Lhoist Group Expands in Africa

Source: Bloomberg. Lhoist announced a USD 200 million investment in a new quicklime plant in Nigeria, targeting the growing steel and construction markets in West Africa. Production is expected to start in Q4 2026.

June 2026: EU Extends Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Lime

Source: ICIS. The European Commission confirmed a five-year extension of anti-dumping duties on Chinese quicklime, with rates ranging from 30% to 50%, citing continued price undercutting. This will push European buyers to source from Turkey and Vietnam.

September 2026: Global Quicklime Market Reaches USD 48 Billion

Source: Grand View Research. The market is projected to hit USD 48.2 billion by end of 2026, driven by infrastructure spending in India and Southeast Asia. Steel production remains the largest end-use sector, accounting for 45% of demand.

November 2026: Technological Breakthrough in Carbon Capture Using Quicklime

Source: ScienceDaily. Researchers at MIT developed a new process using quicklime to capture CO₂ from industrial flue gases at 95% efficiency, with the lime regenerated through solar-powered calcination. Pilot projects are planned in Germany and China for 2027.

Обзор основных данных рынка на 2026 год

Key statistics for the global quicklime market in 2026, based on forecasts from industry reports.

Метрика	Значение	Источник
Размер мирового рынка	USD 48.2 billion	Grand View Research
Annual Production Volume	420 million tons	ICIS
China’s Share of Production	62% (260 million tons)	China Lime Industry Association
Средняя цена (ФОБ Китай)	USD 52/ton (industrial grade)	Market analysis
Top End-Use Sector	Steel manufacturing (45%)	Всемирная ассоциация производителей стали
Самый быстрорастущий регион	Southeast Asia (7.8% CAGR)	Bloomberg
Key Importing Country	Japan (6.5 million tons)	UN Comtrade
Environmental Regulation Impact	5% capacity reduction in China	Reuters

Customer and Market Pain Points in the Quicklime Industry

Understanding common challenges helps buyers make informed decisions.

Волатильность цен

Quicklime prices are sensitive to energy costs (coal, natural gas) and limestone availability. In 2025, prices fluctuated by 15% quarter-over-quarter due to coal price spikes in China. Solution: Use long-term contracts with price adjustment clauses tied to energy indices.

Несоответствие качества

Many small Chinese factories lack advanced quality control, leading to variations in CaO content and reactivity. Solution: Insist on third-party testing (SGS) for every shipment and maintain a COA database.

Logistical Challenges

Quicklime is hygroscopic and can hydrate during transit, reducing effectiveness. Moisture-proof packaging and sealed containers are essential. Solution: Specify vacuum-sealed jumbo bags with desiccants for humid destinations.

Regulatory Compliance

Anti-dumping duties in the EU and USA increase costs for Chinese imports. Solution: Diversify sourcing to Vietnam or Turkey, or set up a local warehouse in a free trade zone.

Нарушения в цепочке поставок

Geopolitical tensions and shipping container shortages can delay deliveries. Solution: Maintain safety stock (30-60 days) and work with multiple freight forwarders.

Environmental Concerns

Quicklime production is carbon-intensive, emitting 0.8-1.0 tons of CO₂ per ton of lime. Solution: Source from factories using carbon capture technology or biomass fuels, and request carbon footprint reports.