HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2839.90 – Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates, other than of sodium
HS code 2839.90 is the 6-digit subheading for silicates, commercial alkali metal silicates, other than of sodium. It is used for potassium silicate solution, lithium silicate solution, potassium silicate powder, lithium silicate powder and potassium waterglass.
What HS 2839.90 covers
This HS code covers commercial alkali metal silicates, excluding those of sodium, which are classified elsewhere. These compounds, such as potassium silicate or lithium silicate, are versatile inorganic chemicals used in a range of industrial applications. They serve as binders in welding rods, deflocculants in ceramics, components in detergents, and protective coatings. International trade involves countries with chemical manufacturing capabilities supplying these specialized silicates to industries globally. Key aspects to consider include the specific alkali metal (potassium, lithium), the silicate ratio, and the form (liquid solution, powder), as these dictate their suitability for different applications. Their demand is often tied to the health of the construction, manufacturing, and specialty chemical sectors.
- Covers
- Potassium silicate solution
- Lithium silicate solution
- Potassium silicate powder
- Lithium silicate powder
- Potassium waterglass
- Lithium waterglass
- Examples
PQ Corporation Kasil, W. R. Grace & Co. Lithium Silicate, Evonik Potassium Silicate, Huber Engineered Materials Potassium Silicate
Codes often confused with 2839.90
Common mistake. This code is distinct from sodium silicates (2839.11 or 2839.19) due to the specific alkali metal. It also differs from other silicon compounds like silicon dioxide (2811.22) or other silicates of non-alkali metals.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283990, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283990 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 9.1% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $72M 25% of world exports
- 2 China $57M 20% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $34M 12% of world exports
World total: $289M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $32M 9.1% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $27M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 China $24M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $351M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 2839.90 6
Brazil splits HS 2839.90 into 6 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2839.90.10 Magnesium silicateDe magnésio
- 2839.90.20 Aluminium silicateDe alumínio
- 2839.90.30 Zirconium silicateDe zircônio
- 2839.90.40 Lead silicateDe chumbo
- 2839.90.50 Potassium silicateDe potássio
- 2839.90.90 Other silicatesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.39 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2839.90
What is HS code 283990?
HS code 283990 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates, other than of sodium. This HS code covers commercial alkali metal silicates, excluding those of sodium, which are classified elsewhere. These compounds, such as potassium silicate or lithium silicate, are versatile inorganic chemicals used in a range of industrial applications. They serve as binders in welding rods, deflocculants in ceramics, components in detergents, and protective coatings. International trade involves countries with chemical manufacturing capabilities supplying these specialized silicates to industries globally. Key aspects to consider include the specific alkali metal (potassium, lithium), the silicate ratio, and the form (liquid solution, powder), as these dictate their suitability for different applications. Their demand is often tied to the health of the construction, manufacturing, and specialty chemical sectors.
What products fall under HS code 283990?
Potassium silicate solution, Lithium silicate solution, Potassium silicate powder, Lithium silicate powder, Potassium waterglass, Lithium waterglass
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283990?
This code is distinct from sodium silicates (2839.11 or 2839.19) due to the specific alkali metal. It also differs from other silicon compounds like silicon dioxide (2811.22) or other silicates of non-alkali metals.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283990?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283990 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($72M, 25% of world exports), China ($57M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World exports came to about $289M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 283990?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283990 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($32M, 9.1% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($27M) and China ($24M). World imports came to about $351M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 283990 structured?
HS code 283990 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (39) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283990?
Brazil splits HS code 283990 into 6 NCM codes: 2839.90.10 (Magnesium silicate), 2839.90.20 (Aluminium silicate), 2839.90.30 (Zirconium silicate), 2839.90.40 (Lead silicate), 2839.90.50 (Potassium silicate), 2839.90.90 (Other silicates). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.