Market evolution: Sodium borate and perborates (CN 2840) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the evolution of the European Union's trade in borates and perborates (Combined Nomenclature code 2840) over the period 2015–2025. The product group includes various forms of refined borax, other borates, and perborates. The EU's trade position has shifted significantly over the decade, characterized by substantial growth in import values, a widening trade deficit, and a notable reorientation of its export profile. The analysis is based exclusively on the provided trade data.

I. Expanding Trade Deficit Driven by Soaring Import Values

The EU's trade in CN 2840 grew substantially in value over the decade, but import growth far outpaced export growth, leading to a significantly wider trade deficit.

The Value of Both Imports and Exports Increased Substantially

The total value of EU imports of borates and perborates from non-EU countries grew by 76.9% between 2015 and 2025, rising from €83.0 million to €146.9 million. Over the same period, the value of exports grew by 87.6%, from €22.5 million to €42.3 million. Despite the faster percentage growth in exports, the absolute value gap remained large. The EU trade overview illustrates this divergent growth.

Price Increases Outpaced Volume Growth, Widening the Deficit

The expansion in trade value was driven more by price increases than by volume growth. Import prices (EUR per tonne) rose by 36.5% (from €408 to €557), while import volumes grew by 29.6% (from 203,340 t to 263,512 t). Similarly, export prices surged by 61.1% (from €862 to €1,388) against a modest volume increase of 2.6% (from 26,121 t to 26,787 t). Consequently, the EU's trade deficit in value terms deteriorated by 72.9%, from -€60.5 million in 2015 to -€104.6 million in 2025.

II. A Structural Shift: Specialization in High-Value Perborates Exports

Behind the aggregate numbers lies a dramatic restructuring of the EU's export profile, with a massive shift toward high-value perborates, contrasting with a steady focus on imported basic borates.

Imports Remain Dominated by Standard Disodium Tetraborate (Borax)

The vast majority of the EU's import volume consists of standard borax products. In 2025, "Disodium tetraborate (excl. anhydrous)" (CN 284019) accounted for 89.7% of import volumes (236,232 t). The import volume of "Borates (excl. refined borax)" (CN 284020) has declined sharply since 2021. The product segment breakdown provides a detailed view of this composition.

EU Export Profile Pivoted to High-Value, Specialty Products

The most striking development is the exponential growth in the value of EU exports of "Peroxoborates (perborates)" (CN 284030). Export value for this segment skyrocketed from €179,000 in 2015 to €4.3 million in 2025, despite low and volatile volumes. This indicates a focus on high-margin, specialized chemical products. Conversely, the value of exports for CN 284020 ("other borates") fell from €8.3 million to €5.9 million. Exports of the main borax product (CN 284019) more than doubled in value to €27.9 million, aided by a sharp price increase in 2025.

III. Geographic Reorientation and Supply Chain Concentration

The EU's sourcing and destination markets have undergone significant changes, leading to increased import concentration and exposing the bloc to potential supply risks.

Türkiye Solidified its Position as the Dominant Import Supplier

Türkiye's share of EU borate imports surged, with its import value growing by 98.5% to €117.8 million in 2025, making it the source of 80.2% of total import value. This represents a major geographic concentration. The role of the United Kingdom as an import source collapsed after 2019, likely due to Brexit-related trade friction. Other suppliers like the United States and India showed high volatility, as reflected in their high coefficient of variation.

EU Export Markets Showed Divergent Trends and Notable Shocks

EU exports became more diversified by partner, with Norway, Switzerland, and the United States as key stable destinations. However, exports to Ukraine and India showed high volatility. The data reveals significant supply shocks, such as a 570.6% price spike for exports to India in 2020. The import concentration index (HHI) increased from 5,344 to 6,598, confirming rising supplier concentration.

Within the EU, Production Declined and Trade Intensified

EU domestic production of borates (measured in kg B₂O₃) fell by 84.4% between 2015 and 2025, indicating a structural decline in local extraction or refining. This occurred alongside a rise in the EU's net import reliance from 54.0% to 66.7%. The bloc's internal trade dynamics shifted, with Slovenia emerging as a highly specialized exporter and the Netherlands as a major import hub.

Conclusion

Between 2015 and 2025, the EU's market for borates and perborates transformed. The bloc became more reliant on imports to meet its needs, with a dramatically higher trade deficit. This period was marked by two parallel trends: a consolidation of imports for standard borates from a concentrated supplier base, led by Türkiye, and a strategic pivot in exports toward high-value, specialty perborates products. The decline in domestic production underscores this import dependency. While the EU has successfully developed a niche in high-margin exports, the increasing concentration of its import supply chain presents a clear strategic vulnerability that may warrant monitoring.