Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in Armenia

Earlier Report Observations

The salt market in Armenia expanded from 31 089 t in 2018 to 46 825 t in 2021. This growth coincided with the entry of the Wildberries online marketplace into the country, which broadened distribution channels and increased salt accessibility for consumers. Additionally, Armenia's leading regional economic growth in 2019 boosted demand for consumer goods, including salt.

Market volume contracted to 36 781 t in 2022, primarily due to a sharp drop in domestic production from 32 667 t to 22 534 t. Concurrently, salt imports continued to rise, reaching 15 064 t in 2022, partly supported by increased foreign trade flows and supplies from Russia. Imports further grew to 16 034 t in 2023 and 17 968 t in 2024, fueled by an 8.7% GDP growth in 2023 and a 19% surge in online purchases via Wildberries recorded in early 2024, reflecting changing consumer habits and a robust economic environment.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in Armenia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of salt, pure NaCl and sea water, 2017-2020

World map of production of salt, pure NaCl and sea water, 2017-2020

Armenia's production of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 28,168 tons, marking a solid 12.8% rise compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 13.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 22,583 tons, with that year also seeing the largest drop of 30.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Armenia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from Armenia

Exports in kind, t

Armenia's exports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water in 2020 amounted to 179 tons, showing a sharp decrease of 30.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 62.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -27.6%. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 56.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 25.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Armenia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Georgia and Switzerland were the primary destinations for Armenia's exports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water in volume terms, while other markets played a less significant role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Armenia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Armenia's exports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 68,000 US dollars, representing a 28.7% increase over the past year. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 16.1%, with a CAGR of -5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 35,000 US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 57.1%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 52.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Armenia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland and Georgia were the main export markets in value terms, jointly accounting for 84.0% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Armenia in value, 2017-2020

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to Armenia

Imports in kind, t

Armenia's imports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 12,635 tons, up by 20.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 109.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 28.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Armenia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017–2020, Iran was the leading source for Armenia's imports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water in volume, capturing 79.9% of total flows, while the rest was spread across various smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Armenia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Armenia's imports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value stood at 1,505,000 US dollars, reflecting a 14.5% year-over-year advance. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 59%, with a CAGR of 16.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Armenia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in value terms was dominated by Iran and Ukraine, which together made up 81.7% of total flows, with other markets forming a long tail.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Armenia in value, 2017-2020