Price of Potassium Iodate soars
Submitted by GAINadmin on Tue, 11/10/2011 - 8:25am
Action Needed to Ensure Smooth Continuation of Global Universal Salt Iodization Programs
Potassium iodate (KIO3) is the main fortificant used for salt iodization. In recent months, the price of KIO3 has soared to reach an all-time high of $55-60 per kg, which may impact the ability of salt producers to afford KIO3 to iodize their salt. The increase in price is due largely to an increase in industrial demand for raw iodine, exacerbated by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan which led to increased demand for potassium iodide to protect against radiation exposure.
In cooperation with the Iodine Network, the GAIN-UNICEF Partnership investigated the iodine market situation and summarized findings in a reference note for program managers and donors. The note includes a description of recent developments and the future outlook of the prices and market forces that determine global supply and price of KIO3. Given that the current high price for KIO3 is expected to persist for the next 12 months, program managers need to consider the impact on their programs and devise interim solutions to allow salt iodization programs to continue. This situation calls for action in order to avoid putting universal salt iodization targets in jeopardy.
