Potassium chloride, commonly abbreviated as KCl, is a naturally occurring inorganic salt composed of potassium and chlorine. It typically appears as white or off-white crystals, granules or pressed forms, and it is one of the most important sources of potassium for both agriculture and industry. In fertilizer terms, it is the world's most widely used potash fertilizer, often referred to as muriate of potash (MOP). Beyond fertilizer, KCl serves as a versatile industrial raw material for drilling fluids, chemical manufacturing, food processing and water treatment. Weifang Hailei Fine Chemical Co., Ltd supplies potassium chloride as a source factory in Weifang, Shandong, one of China's major inorganic-salt production bases.
Hailei supplies potassium chloride in three main physical forms: ball-type grade, granular grade and tablet grade. The ball-type form consists of compact, rounded particles produced by compaction or pelletizing; the granular form is a free-flowing, sized crystalline or agglomerated material; and the tablet form is pressed into uniform tablets or briquettes. Each form is produced to suit different handling, dissolution and application requirements. Buyers should confirm the target particle size distribution, purity and moisture level with the sales team, since these parameters can be adjusted to match specific end uses.
The potassium content of potash fertilizers is conventionally expressed as "K2O equivalent" rather than as elemental potassium. High-purity potassium chloride typically corresponds to roughly 60% K2O, which makes it one of the most concentrated potash sources available. This value matters because fertilizer recommendations, customs declarations and trade contracts are usually written in terms of K2O, and it directly determines the amount of nutrient a buyer receives per tonne. Hailei can provide the assay data and the corresponding K2O equivalent for the specific grade a buyer selects, and the exact figure should always be confirmed against the certificate of analysis for each shipment.
Potassium chloride is obtained through ore processing, which begins with potash-bearing ores such as sylvite, or through the evaporation and refining of natural brines and salt-lake resources. The mined or extracted material is crushed, dissolved, and purified through processes such as flotation, hot or cold crystallization, and washing to remove impurities like sodium chloride. The purified potassium chloride is then dried, sized and, depending on the required form, compacted, granulated or pressed into tablets. As a source factory, Hailei is located in Weifang, Shandong, a region with well-established inorganic-salt processing infrastructure and access to raw materials, which helps support consistent quality and competitive supply.
Potassium chloride is the dominant potash fertilizer worldwide because it delivers a high concentration of potassium at a low cost per unit of nutrient. Potassium is a macronutrient that regulates water uptake, enzyme activity, photosynthesis and stress tolerance in crops, and it improves yield, quality and shelf life. KCl is widely applied to field crops, horticultural crops and plantation crops, either directly as a straight fertilizer or as a raw material for compound and blended NPK fertilizers. For chloride-sensitive crops, buyers typically choose lower application rates or switch to sulfate-based potash, but for most field crops KCl remains the most economical choice.
Beyond agriculture, potassium chloride is used in a broad range of industrial processes. It serves as a feedstock for the production of potassium hydroxide and other potassium chemicals, and it is used in water softening systems where it regenerates ion-exchange resins. KCl also appears in metal treatment, electroplating, glass manufacturing, detergent formulation and certain food-processing applications. In each case, the required purity, particle size and physical form differ, which is why Hailei offers multiple grades to match specific industrial specifications.
Potassium chloride is a key additive in water-based drilling fluids because potassium ions inhibit the swelling and dispersion of water-sensitive clays and shales. When a well is drilled through reactive shale formations, the potassium ions exchange with other cations in the clay structure and help stabilize the wellbore, reducing the risk of stuck pipe and hole collapse. This shale-inhibition property makes KCl an essential component of many drilling fluid systems used in oil and gas operations. The material is typically added in granular or fine form so that it dissolves quickly and can be dosed precisely, and consistent purity helps ensure predictable mud properties.
The best grade depends on how the product is handled, dissolved and applied in the end use. Granular grade is a free-flowing, uniformly sized material well suited to bulk blending, broadcasting and drilling-fluid mixing, where consistent particle size improves handling. Ball-type grade offers rounded, compact particles that reduce dust and improve flow, making it popular where mechanical spreading or uniform feeding is required. Tablet grade provides a dense, low-dust pressed form that dissolves at a controlled rate and is convenient for metered dosing, such as in certain industrial and water-treatment applications. Buyers should share their particle size, dissolution rate, purity and packaging requirements so Hailei can recommend the most suitable grade.
Quality is typically assessed through a standard set of test items that include potassium chloride purity (and the derived K2O content), moisture content, water-insoluble matter, sodium chloride content, and particle size distribution. Additional checks may cover appearance and color, and, for certain applications, limits on other impurities. International and national standards provide reference frameworks, but each buyer's contract should define the exact acceptance criteria. Hailei controls these parameters during production and can supply a certificate of analysis so buyers can verify that each shipment meets the agreed specification.
Potassium chloride is usually packed in woven polypropylene bags with an inner moisture-proof liner, commonly in 25 kg or 50 kg bags, or in larger jumbo bags of around 500 kg to 1,000 kg for bulk handling. Custom packaging, including specific bag sizes, marking and private-label printing, is generally available on request. Packaging is designed to protect the product from moisture during storage and ocean transport. Buyers can confirm the exact packaging options and any special requirements, such as palletization or shrink-wrapping, when placing an order.
Potassium chloride is hygroscopic to some degree, so it should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse away from direct sunlight, rain and ground moisture. Bags should be kept on pallets and stacked stably to protect them from damage, and the product should be used on a first-in, first-out basis. Keep potassium chloride away from incompatible materials and follow the guidance in the safety data sheet. Proper storage preserves free-flowing properties, prevents caking and extends the usable shelf life.
The minimum order quantity for potassium chloride generally corresponds to a full container load, and the exact figure depends on the grade, packaging and the buyer's destination. Lead time varies with the production schedule, the volume ordered, packaging requirements and seasonal demand, so it is best confirmed at the time of quotation. As a source factory, Hailei can typically arrange production and loading efficiently, but buyers planning for seasonal or project-based demand should communicate their timelines early. The sales team will provide a concrete MOQ and delivery schedule once the specification and destination are confirmed.
Several factors determine the price of potassium chloride, including purity and K2O content, physical form and particle size, and the type of packaging. Order volume, customization, and the distance and mode of transport to the destination port also affect the final landed cost. Because potash is a commodity, broader market conditions, raw-material and energy costs, exchange rates and seasonal demand can all cause prices to fluctuate. For this reason, Hailei recommends that buyers request a current quotation and confirm the terms, including incoterms and freight, before comparing suppliers.
A reliable supplier should demonstrate stable product quality, a clear specification and certificate of analysis, and the ability to deliver consistent shipments over time. Buyers are advised to request samples, review the factory's production capability and quality-control process, and, where possible, arrange a factory audit or third-party inspection. Experience in export logistics, proper packaging and responsive communication are also important indicators of a dependable partner. Working with a source factory such as Hailei can help reduce intermediaries and give buyers more direct control over specification, pricing and lead time.
Potassium chloride is normally shipped by sea in standard dry containers, packed in bags or jumbo bags, or in bulk for very large volumes. The product is not classified as dangerous for transport in its ordinary commercial form, which simplifies documentation and reduces shipping costs. Weifang is close to major Chinese ports such as Qingdao, giving Hailei convenient access to export shipping lines. Buyers can choose incoterms such as FOB or CIF according to their preference, and the sales team will advise on the most economical and reliable routing for the destination.
Potassium chloride is a low-hazard inorganic salt that is generally safe to handle under normal conditions, but standard industrial precautions should still be followed. Fine dust may irritate the eyes or respiratory tract, so workers should use appropriate dust control and personal protective equipment. As a hygroscopic material it should be kept dry, and it should be stored away from incompatible substances. Hailei provides a safety data sheet with each shipment so that handling, storage and emergency procedures are clearly documented.
The choice between potassium chloride (KCl) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4, or SOP) depends mainly on the crop and soil conditions. KCl is the most economical and concentrated potash source and is suitable for the vast majority of field crops that tolerate chloride. Potassium sulfate also supplies sulfur and is preferred for chloride-sensitive or high-value crops, such as certain fruits, vegetables and tobacco, because it avoids chloride stress. The decision usually balances nutrient needs, soil chloride levels, crop tolerance and cost per unit of potassium. For most large-scale agricultural use, KCl offers the best value, while K2SO4 is chosen where chloride sensitivity justifies the higher price.
Potassium chloride tends to absorb moisture from humid air, which can cause particles to stick together and cake over time. This is managed through proper drying during production, anti-caking treatment where specified, and moisture-proof packaging with an inner liner. Storing the product in dry, ventilated conditions and handling it on a first-in, first-out basis further reduces caking. Buyers who require especially long storage periods or operate in humid climates should discuss anti-caking and packaging options with Hailei at the quotation stage.
Yes — as a source factory, Hailei can work with buyers to adjust particle size, purity grade, moisture limits and packaging to suit specific applications. Private-label and customized bag printing, logos and markings are generally available for orders of sufficient volume. Buyers should provide detailed target specifications and any artwork or labeling requirements so the factory can confirm feasibility and cost. This flexibility helps distributors and industrial users build a product offering matched to their local market.
Hailei supplies the standard export document set, which typically includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of analysis, along with any other documents required by the destination country. Trade is normally conducted under common incoterms such as FOB or CIF, and the terms are agreed before the order is confirmed. The sales team can also assist with documents required for customs clearance or buyer-requested inspections. Buyers should confirm document and incoterm requirements early so that shipping proceeds without delay.
Weifang, Shandong is a major production base for inorganic salts and industrial chemicals in China, with mature raw-material supply, processing capacity and logistics networks. Buying directly from a source factory such as Hailei means fewer intermediaries, better control over specification and quality, and more competitive pricing. Hailei's product range — which also includes calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and industrial salt — reflects deep expertise in inorganic-salt manufacturing. This combination of location, experience and direct factory access helps ensure reliable supply for global B2B buyers.
Buyers can begin by contacting Hailei through the company's website with their target specification, application, quantity and destination. The team can then arrange samples for evaluation and provide a quotation, lead time and packaging options. After the specification and commercial terms are agreed, the order is confirmed and production is scheduled. Hailei also welcomes buyers who wish to arrange a factory visit or third-party inspection to verify quality before shipment.