Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2)

Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) Production Process

• Magnesium chloride is mainly produced through evaporation of brine solutions obtained from lake salt deposits. Several hydrates of magnesium chloride are produced, of which, hexahydrate is used in culinary and horticulture applications. Anhydrous magnesium chloride is widely employed in the development of de-icing solutions.

Magnesium Chloride Industry Drivers and Constraints

Drivers

Downstream Demand

• The magnesium chloride market is expected to be driven by the demand from de-Icing solutions, in geographies with cold climate conditions

• Consumption of magnesium chloride helps offer multiple health benefits in the form of heart health, optimal nerve functioning, healthy immune system and better digestion. This has led to an increased use of MgCl2 in the development of food supplements

• Use of MgCl2 as a component in cement is rising in the construction sector, among Asian countries

• Downstream demand for magnesium alloys is increasing in the aerospace and automotive sectors, thereby driving the magnesium chloride market

Constraints

Hygroscopic Salt

• A rising issue with the use of MgCl2 salt as a de-icing agent is the damage caused to concrete roads. Following application, the salt penetrates minor cracks in roads and absorbs atmospheric water

• The issue was witnessed in countries with cold climate conditions, resulting in buyers opting for calcium chloride based solutions

Magnesium Chloride Global Imports

• South Korea is the major importer of MgCl2 salt and primarily importing it from China.

Magnesium Chloride Global Exports

• China is the major exporter of MgCl2 salt in 2022, with the key importing countries being the South Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries. China have the large reserves of magnesite ores, which is used for the commercial production of MgCl2.