1. Overview
Export Volume: ~2.5–3 million tons/year (Top 5 globally)
Export Value: ~$200–250 million/year
Purity: 98–99.5% CaCO₃
2. Types & Applications
| Product Type | Particle Size | Key Markets | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated | 10–100 microns | ASEAN, India | Construction, animal feed |
| Coated | 1–10 microns | EU, Japan, Korea | Plastics, paints, rubber, pharmaceuticals |
| Nano-grade | 0.1–1 micron | USA, Germany | Premium paper, cosmetics |
3. Major Export Markets
Top 5: Indonesia (25%), Bangladesh (18%), India (15%), Japan (12%), South Korea (10%)
Potential Markets: EU (REACH compliant), Middle East
4. Competitive Advantages
✔ Abundant limestone resources (Northern/Central Vietnam)
✔ Modern grinding technology (Hosokawa Alpine, Germany)
✔ Competitive pricing: $80–150/ton (varies by type)
5. Challenges
Heavy reliance on ASEAN markets (60% share)
Strict quality requirements (Fe/SiO₂ <0.1% for pharmaceuticals)
Example: 20ft container of coated powder (25 tons) to Japan ≈ $3,000–3,500.
(Source: Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, 2023)
1. Plastics & Rubber Industry
Function: Filler agent, enhances hardness, reduces costs
Products: Plastic pipes, tires, packaging
Requirements: Fine particles (1-5 microns), whiteness >98%
2. Paints & Printing Inks
Purpose: Improves coverage and glossiness
Type Used: Ultra-fine CaCO₃ (0.5-2 microns)
Examples: Interior/exterior paints, decal inks
3. Paper Industry
Application: Coating for premium paper
Blending Ratio: 10-30% (enhances whiteness/smoothness)
Standards: ISO brightness >90%, low impurities
4. Construction & Building Materials
Uses:
Concrete additive (improves durability)
Ceramic tiles, tile adhesives
Particle Size: 20-100 microns
5. Food & Pharmaceuticals
Requirements: High purity (CaCO₃ >99%, lead <2ppm)
Examples:
Calcium supplements in nutraceuticals
Tablet excipients in medicines
6. Environmental Treatment
Applications:
Neutralizes acidic wastewater
Flue gas desulfurization
7. Agriculture
Purposes:
Soil pH adjustment
Animal feed mineral supplements
Industry-Specific Specifications
| Industry | Particle Size | Purity |
|---|---|---|
| Plastics/Rubber | 1-5 microns | >97% CaCO₃ |
| Pharmaceuticals | 0.5-3 microns | >99.5% CaCO₃ |
| Construction | 20-100 microns | >95% CaCO₃ |
Note: Some applications may require surface-treated CaCO₃ (stearate/silane coating) for better compatibility.