News Release: May 06, 2025
Potassium Iodide Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
Potassium Iodide is a crucial compound widely used in pharmaceuticals, radiation emergencies, nutrition supplements, and chemical manufacturing. The compound’s global demand is closely monitored due to its importance in public health and industrial applications. In this press release, we explore the Potassium Iodide price trend and production News from the past five years up to the first quarter of 2025, with comprehensive insights into global trade flows and the latest industry updates.
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Potassium Iodide Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements (2019-2024)
Over the past five years, the global Potassium Iodide price trend has experienced several fluctuations, driven by raw material availability, geopolitical factors, changes in demand across end-user industries, and supply chain bottlenecks. In 2019, the average global price hovered around $23,000/MT. The market was stable, supported by steady pharmaceutical and industrial demand.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains globally, affecting the availability of iodine and potassium hydroxide — the key raw materials for Potassium Iodide production. Prices rose marginally to $24,500/MT due to limited manufacturing and transportation restrictions.
In 2021, the market saw a significant surge in demand as countries started restocking emergency medical supplies, particularly iodine tablets, used for thyroid protection during nuclear emergencies. This increased demand pushed the average Potassium Iodide price to $27,800/MT.
By 2022, raw material shortages, particularly iodine sourced from Chile and Japan, coupled with rising energy costs, led to further price escalation. Prices peaked at $30,200/MT by mid-2022. The pressure from logistics issues and the post-COVID manufacturing rebound continued into 2023, with average prices staying high at $29,600/MT.
In 2024, some stabilization occurred as new production capacities came online in China and India, slightly easing the global supply gap. The average price declined to $28,400/MT by the end of 2024. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions kept the market volatile.
The main factors influencing Potassium Iodide price news over this period included:
- Variability in iodine extraction and export, primarily from Chile and Japan
- Increased demand due to pharmaceutical expansion and emergency preparedness initiatives
- Trade disruptions due to pandemic effects and shipping constraints
- Rising energy and production costs in major manufacturing hubs
Global Potassium Iodide sales volume continued to grow, especially driven by increased adoption in nutritional and radiation protection sectors. However, the Potassium Iodide Price Trend remained subject to raw material costs and government policy changes.
Potassium Iodide Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT (2025 Estimates)
In 2025, the Potassium Iodide price trend is anticipated to stabilize, with gradual correction based on improved global supply and subdued raw material cost pressures. Here are the estimated quarterly price updates:
- Q1 2025: $27,800/MT – Slight dip due to eased supply conditions in Asia
- Q2 2025: $27,500/MT – Marginal reduction expected as European producers return to pre-2022 production levels
- Q3 2025: $27,600/MT – Minor rebound due to seasonal pharmaceutical demand
- Q4 2025: $27,900/MT – Expected increase due to year-end stockpiling and new regulatory inventory requirements
These prices reflect regional adjustments and indicate relatively stable global trading conditions. Industry analysts are closely monitoring iodine supply trends and geopolitical factors that could trigger further volatility.
Global Potassium Iodide Import-Export Business Overview (2025)
The global Potassium Iodide market in 2025 continues to reflect dynamic trade patterns shaped by regional production capacities, import policies, and evolving demand from pharmaceutical and industrial users.
Asia-Pacific remains the dominant production and export hub for Potassium Iodide, especially China and India, which have increased domestic production capacities through government-supported initiatives. In 2024, China accounted for nearly 40% of global Potassium Iodide production, while India’s share reached around 18%. These countries export primarily to Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
Europe is a major consumer of Potassium Iodide, particularly in Germany, France, and the UK. Stringent health and nuclear safety regulations fuel consistent demand. Due to limited domestic iodine sources, Europe relies heavily on imports, mainly from Asia and Chile.
The United States witnessed a substantial increase in Potassium Iodide imports in late 2023 and early 2024, driven by emergency preparedness campaigns and a renewed focus on stockpiling radiation protection drugs. Domestic production remains limited, with imports covering over 70% of the country’s demand.
Latin America, led by Brazil and Mexico, is emerging as a growing market for Potassium Iodide, largely due to expanded pharmaceutical infrastructure. However, import dependency is high, particularly from the US and China.
Middle East and Africa have relatively lower consumption levels but are seeing growth in Potassium Iodide sales volume due to new healthcare investments and expanding chemical industries. Imports, mainly from Asia, are steadily increasing, although logistics challenges persist due to limited port infrastructure.
Import-export dynamics in 2025 show the following key patterns:
- China remains the largest net exporter, with a favorable price-to-volume ratio and low production costs.
- Europe has increased imports by 9% in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024 due to anticipated policy updates on iodine tablet stockpiles.
- The US has diversified its import sources to include more suppliers from Japan and Europe, reducing over-reliance on China.
- India has become a dual-status player — exporting to African and Southeast Asian countries while importing iodine raw materials from Chile.
Potassium Iodide production efficiency is a decisive factor shaping global competitiveness. Chinese manufacturers benefit from scale and vertically integrated supply chains, enabling them to offer lower prices despite volatile raw material trends.
Regulatory developments are also reshaping trade strategies. The EU’s updated pharmaceutical directive, requiring higher safety stock levels, is driving demand and influencing Potassium Iodide price news. Similarly, the US Department of Health and Human Services’ contract expansions for emergency medical stockpiles are expected to support price stability through 2025.
Environmental and quality standards are playing a larger role in procurement decisions. Buyers in Europe and North America are increasingly prioritizing suppliers with verified low-emission processes and certified manufacturing practices. This trend has led to a shift in trade preferences and slightly reduced volumes from smaller, unregulated producers in Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, the global Potassium Iodide import-export market is expected to remain resilient, with moderate growth in sales volume. The key to long-term stability lies in balanced production expansion, regulatory predictability, and raw material supply security.
For full detailed market statistics and sample data on global Potassium Iodide sales volume, import-export analytics, and price forecasts, Request Sample on Potassium Iodide Market Data,
Potassium Iodide Production Trends by Geography (2025)
Potassium Iodide production across the globe is driven by various regional factors such as raw material availability, technological capability, government support, and proximity to end-use industries. As of 2025, key production hubs are concentrated in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and to a lesser extent, North America. Below is a detailed geographical overview of Potassium Iodide production trends.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region continues to dominate global Potassium Iodide production in 2025. China remains the largest single producer, accounting for a significant share of global capacity. The country’s robust chemical manufacturing infrastructure, combined with abundant access to iodine and potassium-based inputs, enables large-scale and cost-effective production.
China’s production advantage is bolstered by its integration of Potassium Iodide manufacturing with its vast iodine extraction industry. Most producers are vertically integrated, allowing for better cost control and quality consistency. Additionally, government incentives for pharmaceutical and chemical exports support industry growth.
India also plays a growing role in Potassium Iodide production. Indian manufacturers have expanded capacity in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, focusing on pharmaceutical-grade Potassium Iodide for both domestic and export markets. India has improved its raw material import networks, especially for iodine sourced from Chile and Japan, to support its rising production levels.
Japan and South Korea have niche production capabilities focusing on high-purity Potassium Iodide for electronic and medical applications. While their volumes are lower than China or India, their quality and purity standards position them as suppliers of choice in premium markets such as the EU and the US.
Europe
Europe’s Potassium Iodide production is more fragmented, with key players located in Germany, France, and Belgium. The continent faces challenges related to iodine sourcing, as there are limited local reserves. European manufacturers often rely on imported iodine, primarily from Chile.
Despite this, the region maintains a steady output due to strict regulatory requirements and high domestic demand, particularly in pharmaceuticals and radiation protection. Germany remains the leading European producer, supported by advanced manufacturing systems and research capabilities. France and Belgium also host mid-sized production facilities, primarily supplying to intra-European Union markets.
Europe is seeing investments in environmentally sustainable production processes. This shift is driven by EU mandates on green manufacturing, which, although increasing operational costs, have enhanced the global perception of European Potassium Iodide as a clean and reliable product.
North America
The United States has a limited but strategically important Potassium Iodide production base. Most domestic production is geared toward supplying government contracts for emergency preparedness and pharmaceutical companies. U.S.-based producers source a majority of their iodine from external markets, particularly Chile and Japan.
Domestic production has increased modestly since 2023, driven by new investment in emergency medicine manufacturing. However, the U.S. remains a net importer due to demand from diverse sectors and limited scale of local production.
Latin America
Latin America is an emerging market in Potassium Iodide production, with Brazil leading small-scale manufacturing focused on local demand. Chile, while not a major producer of Potassium Iodide, is a critical player as a global iodine supplier. Much of the raw material used in Potassium Iodide production across the world originates from Chilean iodine mining operations.
Middle East and Africa
Potassium Iodide production in the Middle East and Africa remains minimal. The region is largely import-dependent, with limited infrastructure to support chemical manufacturing. However, demand is growing, especially in African nations investing in pharmaceuticals and public health systems.
Some Gulf Cooperation Council countries are exploring chemical diversification plans under broader industrial development strategies, which may include future investments in Potassium Iodide production. Currently, the region acts more as a consumer and distributor than a producer.
In summary, global Potassium Iodide production is led by Asia-Pacific due to scale, efficiency, and raw material availability. Europe and North America maintain high-quality but lower-volume output, while emerging regions are expanding slowly with increased demand and policy support.
Potassium Iodide Market Segmentation (2025)
Key Market Segments:
- By Application
- Pharmaceuticals
- Nutritional Supplements
- Radiation Protection
- Industrial/Photographic
- Veterinary Medicine
- By End-User Industry
- Healthcare and Hospitals
- Government Emergency Preparedness
- Food & Beverage Fortification
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Electronics
- By Grade
- Pharmaceutical Grade
- Industrial Grade
- Food Grade
- By Geography
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Detailed Segment Analysis
Pharmaceuticals
This segment dominates the Potassium Iodide market due to its essential role in thyroid treatments and as an expectorant in cough medications. In 2025, over 45% of global Potassium Iodide sales volume is expected to be absorbed by pharmaceutical applications. The compound is used in treating hyperthyroidism and protecting the thyroid gland during radiation exposure. The increased focus on public health post-COVID and preparedness for nuclear events have intensified demand, especially from government stockpile agencies.
Radiation Protection
Potassium Iodide is globally recognized for its use in radiation emergencies. In this segment, demand has surged due to geopolitical conflicts and increased awareness. Governments in Europe, Asia, and North America have all bolstered their emergency reserves. This application now accounts for nearly 20% of total market demand, up from just 10% five years ago. The U.S. and European Union have led in procurement, while emerging economies are following suit with strategic reserves.
Nutritional Supplements
Another growing segment is nutritional supplementation, where Potassium Iodide is used as a source of iodine in fortified foods and multivitamin products. Iodine deficiency remains a public health concern in several parts of Africa and Asia, prompting government and NGO-led fortification initiatives. This segment is forecasted to grow steadily, especially in developing markets, contributing around 15% to global demand in 2025.
Industrial Applications
Potassium Iodide is used in photographic chemicals, textile printing, and certain analytical chemistry procedures. While this segment’s relative share has declined due to digitalization and changes in photographic processing, it still maintains relevance in specific industrial niches. Industrial-grade Potassium Iodide is often sourced from Asia due to cost efficiency.
By Grade
Pharmaceutical-grade Potassium Iodide leads the market due to stringent purity and quality standards required for medical and nutritional use. Manufacturers in the US, EU, and Japan specialize in high-purity grades. In contrast, industrial-grade is mostly produced in bulk by Chinese and Indian manufacturers due to its lower cost sensitivity.
By End-User Industry
Healthcare and government sectors are the largest buyers. Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies contribute significantly to year-round demand, while national governments procure large quantities for strategic stockpiling. Food and beverage manufacturers are emerging users due to increasing regulations on nutrient fortification.
By Region
Asia-Pacific holds the highest share of production and consumption. North America and Europe remain key consumption hubs, while Latin America and Africa are fast-growing markets with rising health awareness. Regional demand varies by application, but all regions are experiencing year-on-year growth.
Overall, the Potassium Iodide market in 2025 is led by pharmaceutical and emergency protection applications, supported by rising health investments, increasing iodine deficiency awareness, and evolving global safety concerns. Market segmentation highlights diverse use cases and dynamic demand across global regions.