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Barium sulfate plays an indispensable role in improving paint leveling and enhancing paper smoothness, making it widely applicable in Vietnam’s coatings, papermaking, and related industries.
Barium sulfate, the primary component of the mineral barite, is a barium compound with the chemical formula BaSO₄. It appears as a white amorphous powder, exhibits stable properties, and is insoluble in water, acids, alkalis, or organic solvents. It is primarily produced through methods such as the Glauber’s salt-black ash process, brine comprehensive utilization, and barium chloride-refined Glauber’s salt processes. Depending on production techniques, barium sulfate can be categorized into precipitated barium sulfate, modified barium sulfate, and nano-grade precipitated barium sulfate.
In 2023, the global barium sulfate market was valued at approximately RMB 2.6 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2024 to 2029. Abundant upstream raw materials like barite, coupled with rising demand from downstream sectors such as papermaking and pharmaceuticals, have created favorable conditions for China’s barium sulfate market growth. In 2023, China’s barium sulfate market reached around RMB 700 million, with a production capacity of roughly 700,000 tons. China also exports barium sulfate to Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Vietnam, India, and Russia are among the key global demand hubs for barium sulfate.
According to Mordor Intelligence, Vietnam’s plastics market is projected to reach 16.36 million tons by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2024 to 2029. As barium sulfate effectively enhances plastic strength, anti-aging properties, heat resistance, and other performance metrics, it serves as a critical functional filler. Driven by this, demand for barium sulfate is expected to expand significantly in Vietnam’s plastics sector. Additionally, its roles in improving paint leveling and paper smoothness further solidify its importance in Vietnam’s coatings and papermaking industries.
Per the *Vietnam Barium Sulfate Market In-Depth Research and Analysis Report 2025-2029* released by Xinsijie Industry Research Center, China remains one of Vietnam’s primary sources of barium sulfate imports. Data from China’s General Administration of Customs shows that in 2023, China exported approximately 118,000 tons of barium sulfate (Customs Code: 28332700), primarily to India, Brazil, Russia, Italy, Turkey, and Vietnam. Exports to Vietnam totaled 9,140.6 tons in 2023, while the volume from January to November 2024 reached 9,284.2 tons, making Vietnam one of China’s top three export destinations.
Analysts at Xinsijie Vietnam highlight that barium sulfate’s low toxicity, chemical stability, and excellent radiation absorption properties enable its use in producing mordants, adhesives, sealants, gastrointestinal X-ray contrast agents, and glass clarifiers. Its applications span healthcare, glass processing, papermaking, coatings, rubber, plastics, textiles, and more. With Vietnam’s plastics market expanding, rising demand for coatings in construction and industrial sectors, and government fiscal support for sustainable papermaking development, the country’s barium sulfate market is poised for significant growth in the coming years.