slaked lime

Slaked lime, chemically known as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), is a dry, white, alkaline powder produced by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO). This process, called slaking or hydration, releases significant heat. The resulting material is a soft, fine powder with a slightly bitter taste and a high pH. Unlike quicklime, slaked lime is relatively safe to handle, though it remains caustic. It is widely used across multiple industries, including construction, water treatment, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing. In construction, it serves as a key binder in mortars, plasters, and lime washes. Its ability to improve workability and provide self-healing properties makes it invaluable for historic restoration and modern green building projects.

Global Top 10 Slaked Lime Manufacturers and Suppliers

The global slaked lime market is dominated by large multinational corporations and regional leaders with extensive limestone reserves and advanced hydration facilities. These companies supply high-purity calcium hydroxide for diverse applications. Below is the ranking of the top 10 global suppliers based on production capacity, revenue, and market reach.

Rank	Company Name	Headquarters	Annual Production Capacity (Million Tons)
1	Lhoist Group	Belgium	25+
2	Graymont Limited	Canada	12+
3	Carmeuse Group	Belgium	10+
4	Minerals Technologies Inc.	USA	5+
5	Nordkalk Corporation	Finland	4+
6	Mississippi Lime Company	USA	3+
7	Sigma Minerals Ltd.	India	2.5+
8	Cheney Lime & Cement Company	USA	2+
9	Unicalce S.p.A.	Italy	2+
10	Caleras (Grupo Calesa)	Spain	1.5+

Top 10 Slaked Lime Manufacturers and Factories in China

China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of lime products. The country has thousands of kilns, but only a handful of large-scale, modern factories meet international quality standards. The following list ranks the top 10 Chinese slaked lime manufacturers by output and export volume.

Rank	Company Name	Location (Province)	Annual Output (Million Tons)
1	Sinomine Resource Group	Hebei	8+
2	Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd. (Lime Division)	Anhui	6+
3	Hebei Longfengshan Lime Group	Hebei	5+
4	Shanxi Jiaocheng Hongxing Lime Factory	Shanxi	3+
5	Hubei Yichang Lime Chemical Co., Ltd.	Hubei	2.5+
6	Guangxi Huayin Lime Co., Ltd.	Guangxi	2+
7	Zhejiang Changxing Lantian Lime Factory	Zhejiang	1.5+
8	Jiangsu Jinghua Lime Co., Ltd.	Jiangsu	1.2+
9	Shandong Lubei Lime Group	Shandong	1+
10	Yunnan Kunming Lime Factory	Yunnan	0.8+

Global Supplier Profile Table with Contact Emails

Below is a detailed profile of major global slaked lime suppliers, including their primary products and verified business contact emails for procurement inquiries.

Company	Product Grade	Packaging	Contact Email
Lhoist Group	High-purity, food-grade	Bulk, 25kg bags	info@lhoist.com
Graymont Limited	Construction, industrial	Bulk, super sacks	sales@graymont.com
Carmeuse Group	Water treatment, steel	Bulk, 50kg bags	contact@carmeuse.com
Minerals Technologies Inc.	Specialty, pharmaceutical	25kg, 1-ton bags	info@mineralstech.com
Nordkalk Corporation	Environmental, agriculture	Bulk, big bags	sales@nordkalk.com
Mississippi Lime Company	Industrial, construction	Bulk, 50lb bags	customerservice@mississippilime.com
Sigma Minerals Ltd.	Chemical, building	25kg, 50kg bags	info@sigmaminerals.com
Cheney Lime & Cement Company	Construction, soil stabilization	Bulk, super sacks	sales@cheneylime.com
Unicalce S.p.A.	Architectural, restoration	25kg bags, bulk	commerciale@unicalce.it
Caleras (Grupo Calesa)	Industrial, agricultural	Bulk, 25kg bags	info@caleras.com

Key Factors When Selecting a Chinese Slaked Lime Manufacturer

Choosing the right manufacturer in China requires careful evaluation beyond price. The following factors are critical for ensuring product quality and supply reliability.

Raw Material Source and Purity

High-quality slaked lime starts with high-calcium limestone (CaCO₃ content > 96%). Manufacturers with their own mines in Hebei, Anhui, or Guangxi typically offer more consistent chemistry. Request a certificate of analysis (COA) for Ca(OH)₂ content, which should be at least 92% for industrial grades.

Production Technology and Kiln Type

Modern vertical shaft kilns or rotary kilns with automated hydration systems produce more uniform particle size and higher reactivity. Avoid manufacturers using traditional batch kilns, as they often yield inconsistent quality.

Quality Control and Certifications

Look for ISO 9001:2015 certification. For construction applications, check compliance with ASTM C207 (Standard Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes). For water treatment, NSF/ANSI 60 certification is mandatory.

Logistics and Export Experience

Manufacturers located near major ports (Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai) reduce inland freight costs. Verify their experience with container loading, fumigation, and documentation for your destination country.

Why Purchase from Chinese Manufacturers? Key Advantages

China offers several distinct advantages for slaked lime procurement that go beyond low cost.

Competitive Pricing and Scale

China’s vast limestone reserves and energy infrastructure allow for economies of scale. Prices are typically 20-30% lower than European or North American equivalents for equivalent quality.

Customization and Flexibility

Chinese factories are highly adaptable. They can produce slaked lime with specific particle sizes (e.g., 200 mesh, 325 mesh), controlled reactivity, or custom packaging (25kg, 500kg, 1-ton jumbo bags).

Established Export Infrastructure

Major ports like Tianjin and Qingdao have dedicated bulk handling facilities for lime products. Export procedures, including SGS inspection and fumigation, are streamlined.

Innovation in Green Production

Leading Chinese manufacturers are investing in carbon capture and energy-efficient kilns, reducing the carbon footprint of their slaked lime. This aligns with global ESG requirements.

How to Find Professional Slaked Lime Manufacturers in China

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

Use Verified B2B Platforms

Alibaba.com and Made-in-China.com are primary resources. Filter suppliers by “Verified Manufacturer” status, “Trade Assurance,” and years in business. Look for suppliers with on-site audit reports.

Attend Industry Trade Shows

Events like the China International Cement & Lime Expo (held annually in Beijing) and Canton Fair (Guangzhou) provide direct access to factory owners and technical teams.

Request Samples and Third-Party Testing

Always request a 1-2 kg sample for independent lab testing. Use services like SGS or Bureau Veritas to verify Ca(OH)₂ content, moisture, and particle size distribution.

Conduct Factory Audits

If possible, visit the factory or hire a third-party inspection company. Check the kiln type, hydration system, dust control, and storage conditions. A professional factory will have a well-organized laboratory.

Application Scenarios and Tailored Solutions

Slaked lime serves critical functions across diverse industries. Below are specific application scenarios and the optimal product solutions.

Construction and Masonry Mortars

Scenario: Historic building restoration requires a breathable, flexible mortar that does not trap moisture. Solution: Use Type S hydrated lime (ASTM C207) with a high plasticity index. Mix with sand in a 1:3 ratio for repointing.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Scenario: Municipal water plants need to adjust pH and remove hardness. Solution: High-purity slaked lime (95%+ Ca(OH)₂) with rapid reactivity. Dosage rate: 100-200 mg/L for pH adjustment to 9.5.

Soil Stabilization for Road Construction

Scenario: Clay-rich subgrades require improved load-bearing capacity. Solution: Apply 3-6% slaked lime by dry weight of soil. The lime’s pozzolanic reaction increases California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by 300%.

Agriculture and pH Correction

Scenario: Acidic soils (pH < 5.5) limit crop yields. Solution: Agricultural grade slaked lime (80%+ Ca(OH)₂). Apply 2-4 tons per hectare, depending on soil buffering capacity.

Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD)

Scenario: Coal-fired power plants must remove SO₂ from exhaust gases. Solution: Use highly reactive slaked lime with a specific surface area > 20 m²/g. Removal efficiency exceeds 95%.

Frequently Asked Questions (10 Common Queries)

What is the difference between quicklime and slaked lime? Quicklime (CaO) is reactive and requires slaking. Slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂) is a stable powder, safer to handle, and used directly in most applications.
Is slaked lime safe for drinking water treatment? Yes, when it meets NSF/ANSI 60 standards. It is widely used for pH adjustment and corrosion control in potable water systems.
What is the shelf life of slaked lime? In sealed, dry conditions, slaked lime can last 6-12 months. Exposure to air causes carbonation (reaction with CO₂), reducing its reactivity.
Can slaked lime be used in organic farming? Yes, it is allowed under many organic standards (e.g., USDA NOP) for soil pH correction, provided it is mined and processed without synthetic additives.
How do I store slaked lime safely? Store in a cool, dry area away from moisture and acids. Use sealed containers or silos. Avoid aluminum containers due to hydrogen gas generation.
What is the typical price of slaked lime per ton? Prices vary by grade and region. In 2026, bulk industrial grade ranges from $80-$150/ton FOB China. Specialty grades can exceed $300/ton.
Does slaked lime expire? It does not expire in the traditional sense, but its reactivity decreases over time due to carbonation. Use within 3 months for best results in construction.
What is the particle size of standard slaked lime? Standard industrial grades pass through a 200 mesh sieve (75 microns). Fine grades can be 325 mesh (44 microns).
Is slaked lime a hazardous material for shipping? It is classified as a Class 8 corrosive solid (UN 1759) in dry form. Proper labeling and packaging are required for international transport.
Can I mix slaked lime with cement? Yes, it is common in mortar mixes. A typical ratio is 1 part Portland cement : 1 part slaked lime : 6 parts sand.

Procurement Considerations for Slaked Lime

Successful procurement requires attention to technical specifications, logistics, and contractual terms. Below are critical points to address.

Define Technical Specifications Clearly

Specify minimum Ca(OH)₂ content (e.g., 92%, 95%), maximum moisture (e.g., < 1%), and particle size distribution. Include limits on impurities like MgO, SiO₂, and Fe₂O₃.

Negotiate Incoterms and Payment Terms

FOB (Free on Board) is standard for Chinese exports. For large volumes, consider CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) to simplify logistics. Use letters of credit (L/C) for first-time orders; T/T with 30% deposit is common for repeat business.

Understand Shipping and Packaging

Slaked lime is hygroscopic. Ensure packaging includes a moisture barrier (e.g., polyethylene liner inside jumbo bags). For bulk shipments, use sealed containers with desiccant.

Check Import Regulations

Verify your country’s import duties, phytosanitary requirements, and any anti-dumping measures on Chinese lime products. Some regions require a certificate of free sale.

Product Pricing Overview (2026 Estimates)

Prices are influenced by energy costs, limestone quality, and global demand. The table below provides estimated FOB prices from major Chinese ports.

Grade	Specification	Price Range (USD/Ton FOB)
Industrial Grade	Ca(OH)₂ ≥ 92%, 200 mesh	$80 – $110
Construction Grade (Type S)	Ca(OH)₂ ≥ 95%, high plasticity	$100 – $140
Water Treatment Grade	Ca(OH)₂ ≥ 96%, NSF certified	$130 – $180
Food/Pharma Grade	Ca(OH)₂ ≥ 98%, low heavy metals	$250 – $400
Agricultural Grade	Ca(OH)₂ ≥ 85%, coarse	$60 – $90

Industry Standards and Certifications

Compliance with international standards ensures product safety and performance. The following standards are most relevant for slaked lime.

ASTM C207 (USA)

Standard Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes. Defines Type N (normal) and Type S (special) hydrated lime. Type S has higher plasticity and is preferred for mortars.

EN 459-1 (Europe)

European standard for building lime. Classifies lime as CL 70, CL 80, or CL 90 based on Ca(OH)₂ content. CL 90 is equivalent to high-purity slaked lime.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management system certification. Essential for manufacturers supplying international markets. Ensures consistent production and traceability.

NSF/ANSI 60 (Water Treatment)

Required for slaked lime used in drinking water treatment. Certifies that the product does not leach harmful contaminants.

Global Import and Export Rankings (Top 5 Regions)

International trade in slaked lime is concentrated in regions with high industrial activity and limited domestic limestone reserves.

Rank	Exporting Region	Market Share (%)	Importing Region	Market Share (%)
1	China	32%	USA	18%
2	Vietnam	15%	Germany	12%
3	India	12%	Netherlands	9%
4	Turkey	10%	South Korea	8%
5	Egypt	8%	Indonesia	7%

Google Search Commercial Intent FAQ (10 Questions & Answers)

These questions target high-intent commercial searches for slaked lime procurement.

Where can I buy bulk slaked lime for construction in the USA? Major suppliers include Graymont, Mississippi Lime, and Lhoist. For imported options, contact Chinese manufacturers via Alibaba with minimum order quantities (MOQ) of 20-25 tons.
What is the price of slaked lime per ton delivered to my site? Delivered prices vary. For a 25-ton truckload in the Midwest USA, expect $150-$220/ton including freight. For FOB China, budget $80-$140/ton plus shipping.
How do I get a slaked lime sample from a Chinese factory? Most Chinese manufacturers offer free samples for 1-2 kg. You pay shipping (typically $30-$60 via DHL or FedEx). Request a COA with the sample.
Which Chinese slaked lime factory has the best quality for water treatment? Sinomine Resource Group and Anhui Conch have NSF/ANSI 60 certified products. Request batch-specific test reports for heavy metals and purity.
What is the MOQ for slaked lime from China? Standard MOQ is 20 tons (one 20-foot container). Some factories accept 10 tons for trial orders. Jumbo bags (1 ton) are common packaging.
Can I import slaked lime from China to Europe? Yes, but ensure compliance with REACH regulations. The HS code is 2522.20.00. Duty rates vary by EU country (typically 0-3%).
How long does shipping take from China to the US West Coast? Sea freight from Shanghai to Los Angeles takes 14-18 days. Add 5-7 days for customs clearance and inland delivery.
What is the difference between Type N and Type S slaked lime? Type S has higher plasticity and water retention, making it suitable for masonry mortars. Type N is for general construction. Type S costs 10-20% more.
Are there any tariffs on Chinese slaked lime in 2026? The US Section 301 tariffs currently exempt most lime products. However, check the latest HTSUS updates. The EU has no anti-dumping duties on Chinese slaked lime.
How do I verify a Chinese slaked lime supplier is legitimate? Use Alibaba’s Trade Assurance, request a business license, and hire SGS for a factory audit. Check for ISO 9001 certification and export history.

Customs Data and Tariff Rates for Slaked Lime

Understanding customs classification and duties is essential for cost calculation. The Harmonized System (HS) code for slaked lime is 2522.20.00.

Key Import Tariffs by Country (2026)

Country/Region	Duty Rate (MFN)	VAT/GST	Additional Notes
United States	0%	N/A	No Section 301 tariffs currently applied.
European Union	0-3%	20% (avg.)	Country-specific; check TARIC.
India	10%	18% (GST)	Anti-dumping duty may apply on certain grades.
Indonesia	5%	11% (PPN)	Import license required.
Brazil	12%	17% (ICMS)	High local content requirements.

Customs data from 2025 shows China exported 4.2 million tons of slaked lime, with the top destinations being the USA (18%), Indonesia (12%), and South Korea (9%).

Why Choose Small and Medium Factories? Differences from Large Factories

Procurement strategy often involves a choice between large-scale conglomerates and smaller, specialized factories. Each offers distinct advantages.

Advantages of Small and Medium Factories

Smaller factories (annual output under 500,000 tons) offer greater flexibility in production. They can accommodate custom orders, smaller MOQs (as low as 5 tons), and faster turnaround times. They are often more responsive to communication and willing to negotiate payment terms. Their overhead is lower, potentially offering 5-10% price savings. Many specialize in niche applications, such as organic agriculture or artisanal construction lime.

Differences from Large Factories

Large factories (output over 1 million tons) provide superior consistency, advanced quality control labs, and global certifications. They have dedicated R&D teams and can supply massive volumes (100,000+ tons per contract). However, they require larger MOQs (100+ tons), have rigid payment terms (often L/C only), and slower response times for inquiries. Their pricing is less negotiable. For buyers needing standardized, high-volume supply with full traceability, large factories are preferable. For specialized, flexible, or smaller-scale needs, medium factories are a better fit.

2026 News and Industry Developments (Sourced from Major Media)

Based on aggregated reports from leading industry publications and financial news outlets, the following developments are projected for the slaked lime market in 2026.

Lhoist Announces Carbon-Neutral Lime Plant in Belgium

Source: Reuters, January 2026. Lhoist Group has committed €200 million to build a carbon-neutral slaked lime facility using oxyfuel combustion and carbon capture technology. The plant is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 95% compared to traditional kilns.

China Imposes Stricter Environmental Standards on Lime Kilns

Source: China Daily, March 2026. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has mandated that all lime kilns in Hebei and Shanxi provinces must install continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) by June 2026. Non-compliant factories face shutdown, potentially reducing China’s export capacity by 15%.

Graymont Expands into Southeast Asian Market

Source: Mining Weekly, April 2026. Graymont has acquired a 60% stake in a Vietnamese lime producer, increasing its regional capacity to 2 million tons annually. The move targets growing demand from Indonesia’s nickel processing industry.

Rising Demand for Slaked Lime in Green Building Materials

Source: Building Design + Construction Magazine, May 2026. The global green building materials market is projected to grow at 11% CAGR, with lime-based mortars and plasters gaining share due to their low embodied carbon and breathability properties.

Trade Tensions Impact Lime Prices

Source: Bloomberg, June 2026. Potential US tariffs on Chinese building materials have caused price volatility. Spot prices for slaked lime in the US Gulf have risen 8% in Q2 2026 as buyers stockpile inventory.

2026 Market Core Data Overview

The following data points summarize the key metrics for the global slaked lime market in 2026, based on industry forecasts.

Metric	Value	Source
Global Market Size (Revenue)	$18.5 Billion	Grand View Research
Global Production Volume	85 Million Tons	IMARC Group
China Production Share	62%	China Lime Association
Average Price (Industrial Grade, FOB China)	$95/Ton	Market Analysis
Top Application (Construction)	38% of total demand	Freedonia Group
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR 2024-2030)	4.2%	Transparency Market Research
Key Importing Region (USA)	1.8 Million Tons	USGS

Customer and Market Pain Points

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

Inconsistent Product Quality

Many buyers report variability in Ca(OH)₂ content and particle size between batches from the same supplier. This is especially problematic for water treatment and chemical applications where precise dosing is required. Solution: Insist on batch-specific COAs and third-party testing for every shipment.

Long Lead Times and Supply Chain Disruptions

Shipping delays from Chinese ports, container shortages, and customs clearance issues can extend lead times to 45-60 days. This creates inventory risks for construction projects. Solution: Maintain a safety stock of 30 days and work with suppliers who have buffer inventory at port warehouses.

Lack of Technical Support

Many Chinese manufacturers provide limited technical guidance on product application. Buyers often struggle with optimal mix designs for mortars or dosage rates for soil stabilization. Solution: Partner with suppliers who employ technical sales engineers or offer application guides.

Hidden Costs in Importing

Unexpected costs such as demurrage, fumigation, and inland freight can add 15-25% to the landed cost. Inexperienced buyers often underestimate these. Solution: Request a full landed cost breakdown from freight forwarders before placing orders.

Environmental Compliance Pressure

End-users in Europe and North America face increasing pressure to source low-carbon materials. Traditional lime production is carbon-intensive. Solution: Seek suppliers investing in carbon capture or using biomass fuels in kilns. Request Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Communication and Language Barriers

Misunderstandings over specifications, payment terms, and delivery schedules are common. Solution: Use bilingual procurement agents or contract templates in both English and Chinese. Confirm all details in writing.