Calcium hydroxide Market Overview 2026

Last Updated
2026-05-26
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
  • Calcium hydroxide market coverage spans 19 countries.
  • 24 exporter companies and 40 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
  • 45 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 11 countries.
  • 0 premium suppliers and 0 catalog items are currently listed.
  • Wholesale sample entries: 0; farmgate sample entries: 0.
  • Page data last updated on 2026-05-26.

Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Calcium hydroxide

Analyze 45 supplier-linked transactions across the top 11 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Calcium hydroxide.

Calcium hydroxide Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum

Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Calcium hydroxide to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Calcium hydroxide: China (-40.7%), Germany (-26.2%), India (-15.4%).

Calcium hydroxide Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary

As of 2025-06, benchmark Calcium hydroxide country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-11, countries with visible Calcium hydroxide transaction unit prices: Mexico (3.18 USD / kg), Guatemala (2.32 USD / kg), South Korea (2.22 USD / kg), China (1.50 USD / kg).
CountryYoY ChangeTransaction Count2025-062025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-05
India-15.4%101.47 USD / kg (115.2 kg)2.05 USD / kg (500 kg)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)
Singapore-2- (-)5.79 USD / kg (2.4 kg)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)
United States-1- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)
South Korea-8- (-)- (-)- (-)2.22 USD / kg (158,400 kg)1.25 USD / kg (350,800 kg)2.22 USD / kg (39,600 kg)
Mexico-12.7%63.18 USD / kg (250 kg)7.85 USD / kg (1,500 kg)7.85 USD / kg (20,430 kg)- (-)- (-)3.18 USD / kg (500 kg)
China-40.7%31.63 USD / kg (28,224 kg)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)1.50 USD / kg (480 kg)
Germany-26.2%2- (-)- (-)- (-)10.64 USD / kg (2,186.5 kg)- (-)- (-)
Guatemala-1- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)2.32 USD / kg (720.55 kg)
Colombia-1.2%7- (-)- (-)3.58 USD / kg (1,036 kg)3.57 USD / kg (1,554 kg)- (-)- (-)
Lithuania-3- (-)1.62 USD / kg (1,382.4 kg)1.63 USD / kg (1,843.2 kg)- (-)- (-)- (-)
Calcium hydroxide Global Supply Chain Coverage
64 companies
24 exporters and 40 importers are mapped for Calcium hydroxide.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Calcium hydroxide, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.

Calcium hydroxide Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals

24 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Calcium hydroxide. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.

Calcium hydroxide Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles

Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 24 total exporter companies in the Calcium hydroxide supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Exporting Countries: Australia
Supplying Products: Calcium hydroxide
(United States)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-08-05
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Freight Forwarding And IntermodalLand TransportOthers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleLogisticsTrade
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-04-26
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesCrop ProductionOthers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleLogisticsTrade
Exporting Countries: Botswana
Supplying Products: Calcium hydroxide
(China)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-12-11
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Exporting Countries: Mexico, Pakistan, Colombia, Vietnam, Ecuador, India
Supplying Products: Calcium hydroxide, Ascorbyl stearate, Casein +5
(Mexico)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-04-26
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 5M - 10M
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Exporting Countries: United States
Supplying Products: Calcium hydroxide
(China)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-04-26
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: Mexico, Indonesia, Russia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Ukraine
Supplying Products: Calcium hydroxide, Tea Extract, Sodium thiosulfate +5
Calcium hydroxide Global Exporter Coverage
24 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Calcium hydroxide supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Calcium hydroxide opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.

Calcium hydroxide Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks

40 importer companies are mapped for Calcium hydroxide demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.

Calcium hydroxide Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners

Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 40 total importer companies tracked for Calcium hydroxide. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Mexico)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 2
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(United States)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Mexico
(Mexico)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-04-26
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Mexico)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-07-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Vietnam)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-04-26
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Ecuador)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-04
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
40 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Calcium hydroxide.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Calcium hydroxide buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.

Classification

Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood Additive (Acidity Regulator / Firming Agent)

Market

Calcium hydroxide (slaked/hydrated lime; INS 526 / E 526) is a mineral-derived food additive used primarily as an acidity regulator and firming agent, with usage provisions referenced in Codex GSFA and national regulations. Global availability is closely linked to the broader lime industry because calcium hydroxide is produced by hydrating lime made from limestone, and large lime-producing countries (e.g., China, the United States, and India) underpin supply capacity. International trade exists, but supply is often regionally oriented because the product is bulky, alkaline, and commonly distributed through industrial chemical and food-ingredient channels. Commercial differentiation is driven by compliance with food-grade purity and contaminant limits (e.g., lead/arsenic and other inorganic impurities) and consistent particle-size/handling characteristics.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Major Producing Countries
  • ChinaLargest lime-producing country in USGS world lime production statistics; lime production base is a proxy for hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) supply capacity.
  • IndiaLarge lime-producing country in USGS world lime production statistics; lime production base supports calcium hydroxide supply.
  • United StatesLarge lime-producing country in USGS world lime production statistics; calcium hydroxide is produced by hydration of lime under U.S. food ingredient definitions.
  • RussiaSignificant lime-producing country in USGS world lime production statistics.
  • BrazilSignificant lime-producing country in USGS world lime production statistics.
  • JapanSignificant lime-producing country in USGS world lime production statistics.
  • TurkiyeSignificant lime-producing country in USGS world lime production statistics.
  • GermanySignificant lime-producing country in USGS world lime production statistics.

Specification

Physical Attributes
  • White powder (food additive specification descriptions commonly reference a white powder form).
  • Slightly soluble in water; forms alkaline suspensions/slurries for use as a processing aid or pH adjuster.
Compositional Metrics
  • Food additive specifications may set a minimum assay (e.g., EU specification indicates not less than 92.0% for E 526).
  • Food additive specifications may include impurity limits for inorganic contaminants (e.g., EU specification lists limits for acid-insoluble ash, magnesium and alkali salts, barium, fluoride, arsenic, and lead).
  • JECFA evaluation entry for calcium hydroxide lists an ADI of 'not limited' in the WHO JECFA database.
Grades
  • Food additive grade: INS 526 / E 526 meeting applicable Codex/JECFA and jurisdictional purity specifications.
  • Technical/industrial grade: used in non-food applications (not interchangeable with food additive grade without demonstrated specification compliance).
Packaging
  • Moisture-protective multiwall paper bags (commonly used for powdered inorganic food ingredients).
  • Bulk bags (FIBCs) or bulk pneumatic delivery for large-volume industrial users, depending on market and facility design.
ProcessingStrongly alkaline; used for pH adjustment and firming/texture effects in certain processed foods.Absorbs carbon dioxide from air over time (can carbonate), so moisture/air exposure control matters for storage and consistent performance.

Supply Chain

Value Chain
  • Limestone quarrying -> calcination in lime kiln (quicklime production) -> hydration/slaking (calcium hydroxide) -> milling/classification -> packaging (bag/bulk) -> distributors -> food manufacturers/food processors
Demand Drivers
  • Codex-recognized functional use as an acidity regulator and firming agent (INS 526).
  • Use as an alkaline processing aid in traditional and industrial food processing (e.g., alkaline treatments where permitted and specified).
  • Use cases that require low-cost pH adjustment or firming with mineral-origin inputs, subject to jurisdictional additive rules and purity specifications.
Temperature
  • Typically stored and shipped at ambient temperature in dry conditions.
  • Moisture control is critical to prevent caking, handling problems, and reaction with atmospheric CO2; segregate from acids and incompatible reactive chemicals.
Shelf Life
  • Generally stable when kept sealed, dry, and protected from air/CO2 ingress; quality can change if exposed to moisture and carbon dioxide (carbonation).

Risks

Food Safety HighFood additive supply can be disrupted by purity and contaminant non-compliance (e.g., heavy metals and inorganic impurities) versus jurisdictional specifications for E 526 / INS 526, leading to border rejections, customer delisting, or downstream product holds where calcium hydroxide is used under GMP provisions.Qualify suppliers against applicable food additive specifications (e.g., EU E 526 specifications and JECFA/Codex references), require lot-level certificates of analysis, and verify via periodic third-party testing for key impurities (e.g., Pb/As/fluoride/acid-insoluble matter) aligned to buyer and regulatory requirements.
Energy And Carbon Policy MediumUpstream lime kilns generate both process CO2 emissions from calcination and combustion emissions from fuel use; energy price volatility and carbon policy can raise production costs or constrain supply in regions with tighter emissions controls.Diversify sourcing across regions, assess supplier energy/emissions management plans, and incorporate energy/carbon cost pass-through clauses for longer-term supply agreements where feasible.
Occupational Safety MediumCalcium hydroxide dust is irritating/corrosive to eyes, skin, and the respiratory system; poor dust control can cause injuries, regulatory findings, and operational downtime at producers and end users.Implement engineering controls (enclosed handling, local exhaust), enforce PPE requirements, and use documented safe handling procedures consistent with recognized occupational hygiene guidance.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPermitted uses and conditions vary by jurisdiction (e.g., Codex GSFA provisions, EU Union list conditions, and national rules), and changes or differing interpretations can affect addressable markets and customer formulations.Maintain an up-to-date regulatory dossier (Codex/JECFA references and key market regulations) and provide application-specific compliance support to customers (food category and maximum levels where applicable).
Sustainability
  • High CO2 emissions exposure in upstream lime manufacturing: process CO2 from calcination and fuel-combustion emissions are material considerations for cost and compliance in many jurisdictions.
  • Local environmental controls for particulate/dust and hazardous air pollutants at lime manufacturing facilities can affect operating costs and continuity.
Labor & Social
  • Worker health and safety risks from caustic/irritant dust exposure during handling, conveying, and packaging; requires PPE, dust control, and training.
  • Occupational exposure management is relevant across the supply chain (production sites, warehouses, and end-user facilities handling powders/slurries).

FAQ

Is calcium hydroxide recognized internationally as a food additive, and what is it used for?Yes. Codex GSFA lists calcium hydroxide as INS 526 and identifies it as an acidity regulator and firming agent, with food-category provisions and maximum levels/GMP notes depending on the category.
What are the main quality risks for food-grade calcium hydroxide in global trade?The main risks are failing food additive purity/contaminant specifications (for example, limits for lead, arsenic, fluoride, and insoluble matter referenced in EU specifications for E 526 and similar buyer specs), which can trigger shipment rejection or downstream product holds.
How is calcium hydroxide produced for food ingredient use?U.S. food ingredient regulations describe calcium hydroxide (slaked/hydrated lime) as being produced by the hydration of lime; industrially, lime is made by calcining limestone and then hydrated (slaked) with water to form calcium hydroxide.

Calcium hydroxide Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices

Explore country-level Calcium hydroxide market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
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