Ion Exchange Resin Price per kg (2026)
Price Guide
Indicative FOB China ranges for cation, anion, chelating and specialty resins, the six variables that move the number, and how to turn a range into a firm quote.
What resin costs per kilogram
Ranges below are indicative FOB Shanghai prices for standard grades at 1–5 t, packed in 25 L bags or 1,000 L supersacks. Specialty and certified grades sit at the top of each band.
| Resin type | Typical range | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Strong acid cation (SAC), gel | 1.8 – 3.2 | Uniform particle size, H⁺ vs Na⁺ form, capacity |
| Weak acid cation (WAC) | 2.0 – 3.6 | Acrylic matrix, capacity, regeneration efficiency |
| Strong base anion (SBA), type I | 2.6 – 4.6 | OH⁻ form, silica removal, thermal stability |
| Weak base anion (WBA) | 2.2 – 4.0 | Porosity, organic fouling resistance |
| Chelating (IDA / AMP) | 4.5 – 9.0 | Functional group, metal selectivity, kinetics |
| Nuclear grade / UPW polishing | 8 – 20 | Leachables, conversion rate, cleanroom packing, documentation |
| Macroporous adsorbent | 3.0 – 7.5 | Surface area, pore volume, solvent compatibility |
These are reference ranges for budgeting, not an offer. Contract price depends on grade, volume, certification, packaging, Incoterm and payment terms; request a quotation for a firm number.
Six variables behind the number
Two quotes for the “same” resin can differ by 60% because the specification behind them is different.
1. Polymer matrix and structure
Gel styrene-DVB is the volume product. Uniform-particle grades cost more because the jetting and classification steps reject a larger fraction of production. Acrylic and macroporous matrices carry higher monomer and porogen costs.
2. Functional group and conversion
A sulfonic acid cation resin needs one sulfonation step; a type I quaternary ammonium anion resin needs chloromethylation and amination, which is why SBA typically trades above SAC per kilogram. Chelating resins add a costlier ligand and more washing stages.
3. Capacity and moisture
Higher capacity per litre usually means higher effective value, but it can also mean slower kinetics. Price per litre of bed is the number that matters for a design; price per kilogram is only comparable at the same moisture and form.
4. Certification and documentation
NSF/ANSI 61, WQA Gold Seal, nuclear-grade leachables data and batch CoA packages add testing and traceability cost. If your project needs a third-party witnessed test, budget 5–15% above the standard grade.
5. Volume, packaging and freight
A 20 t container order lands at a lower unit price than a 1 t pallet because production runs and freight are shared. HS code, Incoterm and destination port change the landed cost more than most buyers expect — always compare CIF or DDP, not just FOB.
6. Form and pre-treatment
H⁺/OH⁻ forms, pre-swelled beds, mixed beds and cleanroom-packed cartridges all add handling. A regenerated or sieved material is cheaper, but specify the sieve cut and the residual capacity you will accept.
Price per kg is not cost per cubic metre treated
A cheap resin with 20% lower capacity and a shorter cycle can cost more per year than a premium grade.
The working number is cost per cubic metre of treated water (or per kilogram of product recovered):
Cost/m³ = (resin price × bed volume) ÷ (bed volume × capacity × cycles × availability) + regeneration cost + downtime.
In softening and demineralization, regeneration chemicals and waste neutralisation often exceed the resin cost over a five-year life. In chelating and lithium applications, the cost of lost product during a slow cycle is larger than the resin itself. Model the whole cycle before choosing on price per kilogram.
| Parameter | Why it changes the answer |
|---|---|
| Operating capacity (eq/L) | Directly sets cycle length and resin volume |
| Regeneration ratio | Acid/caustic consumption is a recurring cost |
| Pressure drop | Pumping energy and channeling risk |
| Attrition / life | Replacement frequency and labour |
| Rinse volume | Water and wastewater cost |
How to get a firm quote in 24 hours
Send five things and the answer stops being a range:
1. Duty and target
Feed water or liquor analysis, flow rate, operating hours, and the outlet specification you must hit.
2. Resin type and form
If you already know the grade, send it; if not, describe the separation and we will propose two options with the trade-offs.
3. Quantity and packaging
Bed volume in litres or resin mass in kilograms, plus 25 L bags, 1,000 L supersacks or bulk.
4. Destination and Incoterm
FOB, CIF or DDP, port, and whether you need HS code and certificate of origin for import.
5. Documentation
TDS, MSDS, CoA, NSF/ANSI 61, third-party test reports or a pre-shipment sample.
Questions buyers ask before ordering
What is the minimum order quantity?
One 1,000 L supersack or one pallet of 25 L bags for standard grades. Trial samples of 1–5 L are available for evaluation; specialty grades may require a minimum production batch.
Are samples free?
Samples are free for evaluation; the buyer covers courier and any required pre-shipment analysis. Sample lead time is typically 3–7 working days.
How long is a quotation valid?
Thirty days for standard grades. Specialty and certified grades are quoted against a production slot and may be shorter.
What are the payment terms?
30% deposit and balance against copy of the bill of lading for new buyers; net 30 for repeat customers subject to credit review.
Can you supply under our brand?
Yes — OEM and private label are available with agreed packaging, labelling and batch documentation.
Why is your price higher than a trading company?
Because the quote includes a specified grade, batch CoA, export documentation and technical support. Compare the operating capacity and warranty terms, not only the price per kilogram.