In a glass bottle factory in Santiago, robotic arms on the production line precisely add food-grade sodium bicarbonate to raw materials. These Chilean-made glass containers will later be used to export wine globally.
Domestic companies and research institutions in Chile are evaluating the possibility of building new sodium bicarbonate production facilities to meet growing local demand. The country is currently a net importer of the product, relying mainly on imports from nations like China to satisfy its industrial needs.
01 Current Market Status
Chile is a net importer of sodium bicarbonate. According to data from September 2022, Chile appeared on the list of destination countries for sodium bicarbonate exports from China. This indicates the country’s need to import the product from the international market to meet domestic demand.
Information disclosed at international industry conferences reveals that Chile is conducting relevant technical and economic studies to assess the feasibility of establishing new sodium bicarbonate plants. This move suggests Chile is considering enhancing its domestic production capabilities.
Chile’s current sodium bicarbonate supply chain may face certain challenges. Carter Fruits Agroindust S.a., a Chilean company engaged in glass manufacturing, has import records showing it sources various production materials and equipment from multiple countries, but no direct records of sodium bicarbonate purchases are shown. This may imply that some Chilean enterprises procure sodium bicarbonate through different channels.
02 Global Context
According to research by Global Info Research, the global bicarbonate market revenue was approximately USD 1.184 billion in 2024, with projections reaching around USD 2.007 billion by 2031. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to be 7.9% from 2025 to 2031.
Major global players in the sodium bicarbonate market include well-known chemical companies such as Solvay, Church & Dwight, Natural Soda, and Tata Chemicals. These firms operate worldwide, including in South America.
The primary application fields for sodium bicarbonate are extensive, spanning the food and beverage, oil, chemical, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries, among others. Products of varying purity and grades cater to specific needs across these sectors.
| Application Field | Primary Uses |
| Food & Beverage | Leavening agent, pH regulator, etc. |
| Chemical Industry | Neutralizing agent, raw material, etc. |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | Drug ingredient, excipient, etc. |
| Agricultural Sector | Feed additive, soil conditioner, etc. |
| Other Industries | Flue gas treatment, cleaning products, etc. |
03 Product Applications
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), as a versatile chemical, finds wide-ranging applications across various industries.
In the food industry, food-grade sodium bicarbonate is primarily used as a leavening agent and pH regulator. Particularly in baked goods, it reacts with acidic components to produce carbon dioxide, causing dough to rise.
Within the chemical industry, sodium bicarbonate serves as an important neutralizing agent and raw material. It is used to adjust pH levels, treat acidic wastewater, and act as a precursor in the production of other chemicals.
In the pharmaceutical field, sodium bicarbonate can be used as an antacid drug ingredient to relieve discomfort caused by excess stomach acid. It also functions as an excipient in certain medications to adjust the formulation’s pH.
Agriculturally, sodium bicarbonate is utilized as a feed additive and soil conditioner. It can improve the digestion and absorption of feed and help regulate soil acidity.
Additionally, sodium bicarbonate is employed in flue gas treatment, household cleaning products, and numerous other areas. Its multifunctionality makes it an indispensable chemical in many sectors.
04 Future Trends
The ongoing growth trend in the global sodium bicarbonate market presents development opportunities for countries like Chile. As the market expands, demand in emerging markets is also increasing.
Technological advancements in the industry are driving improvements in sodium bicarbonate production processes. International conferences have specifically highlighted topics like reducing carbon footprints and enhancing factory energy efficiency. These innovations may lower production costs and boost product competitiveness.
The potential development of local production capacity in Chile could alter the country’s supply chain structure. If plans for new factories materialize, Chile might transition from a pure importer to a partially self-sufficient or even exporting nation.
Collaboration with other South American countries may become a growing trend. Neighboring countries like Argentina and Bolivia are also conducting technical and economic studies related to sodium bicarbonate. Regional cooperation could optimize resource allocation and enhance the industrial competitiveness of the entire area.
On a vacant plot in an industrial park north of Santiago, Chilean engineers are meticulously evaluating soil samples in preparation for a potential sodium bicarbonate production plant.
At the port of Valparaíso, container cranes unload chemical raw materials from cargo ships arriving from China, including the food-grade sodium bicarbonate urgently needed by Chile’s food and pharmaceutical industries.
Representatives from Chile who attended international industry conferences have returned with the latest technical information and market analyses, which will directly influence the future planning of the country’s chemical sector.
Post time: Jan-09-2026