Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the Asian salt market volume remained relatively stable, ranging from 132.7 million tons to 138.5 million tons. Domestic production saw a gradual increase from 114.9 million tons in 2018 to 119.8 million tons in 2020, before moderating to 116.7 million tons by 2022.

The period from 2023 witnessed significant shifts in trade flows, with imports jumping to 29.2 million tons in 2023 before falling to 14.3 million tons in 2024. This volatility occurred alongside major investments in regional production, including Cargill's capacity expansion in Australia and Sojitz Corporation's new refinery, which strengthened local supply. Market activity was further driven by robust industrial demand from sectors like chemicals and water treatment, rapid urbanization, and the growing consumer interest in premium and gourmet salt varieties.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, M 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

Asia's production of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 119.8 million tonnes, showing a slight improvement of 0.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater production in Asia has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 17 875 million US dollars, representing a 12.8% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 912 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 23.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 22.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, salt, pure NaCl, and seawater exports from Asia amounted to 2 350 thousand tonnes, marking a gradual rise of 4.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 19%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 926 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 23.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 48.1%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Asia's exports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater in kind were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Russia accounted for 17.7% of exports, the United States for 4.8%, and the United Kingdom for 1.4%, with these three countries together making up only 23.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Asia exported 351 million US dollars worth of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater, indicating a 16.7% year-on-year advance. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 21.5%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, falling by 8.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States accounted for 10.0% of Asia's exports in value terms, Russia for 9.1%, and the United Kingdom for 3.7%. These three countries were the largest buyers but did not dominate the market, together representing 22.9% of total exports amid a broad range of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater into Asia have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 15 584 thousand tonnes, which is 22.6% less than in 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 24 495 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 55.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia and Mexico remained the largest sources for Asia's imports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater in kind, jointly accounting for 50.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater into Asia have decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, Asia imported 1 159 million US dollars worth of these products, representing a measured decline of 5.5% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 240 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. Australia accounted for 30.4% of imports, Mexico for 11.4%, and the United States for 5.5%, with these three countries together making up 47.2% of total flows.

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

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