China produces 200,000 tons of citric acid every year, as much as Europe and the United States combined, and has a total capacity of 300,000 tons. The 150,000 tons of citric acid China exports annually ranks first in the world. World annual consumption of this additive, used mainly to prevent tooth decay, is about 12,000 tons. China s annual output is more than 10,000 tons, with a total capacity of 30,000 tons. China exports 10,000 tons a year, or 80 percent of the world trade volume, making the country the biggest producer and exporter of xylitol.
Some countries import the raw materials from China and re-export it after processing.
The estimated U.S. consumption of WPAP for this year is 13,000 tons. China used to import WPAP but now exports 5,000 tons a year. China also produces more than 20,000 tons of benzoic acid and exports more than 10,000 tons. Asia accounts for 44 percent of saccharin consumption, and North and South America account for 18 percent. Saccharin holds 60 percent of the market for sweetness concentrates.