Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for salt in MERCOSUR fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2022. Starting at 2 963 thousand tons in 2018, it dipped to 2 704 thousand tons in 2019 before a sharp drop to 1 819 thousand tons in 2020. A rebound followed in 2021 to 2 923 thousand tons, but volume then fell sharply again to 1 594 thousand tons in 2022. In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern, though 2019 saw a slight increase to $105.9 million despite lower volume, indicating higher average prices.

Trade flows showed distinct trends over the full period. Imports grew steadily from 1 095 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 135 thousand tons in 2024. Exports were more volatile, peaking at 2 306 thousand tons in 2022 before declining to 919 thousand tons in 2024. In monetary terms, import value rose to $125.8 million in 2024, while export value fell to $25.5 million.

In 2024, lower global freight rates and a 3.9% decrease in the average salt import price made imported salt more economical, supporting continued import growth. Regulatory changes in Chile, a MERCOSUR member, opened salt flats for lithium mining under a new public-private model, affecting salt production and market access. Shifting consumer preferences towards gourmet and flavored salts also reflected evolving demand within the region.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K 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

MERCOSUR's production of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 721 K t, marking a significant drop of 18.5% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 80.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -42.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MERCOSUR's production of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 39.2 M $ US, representing a sharp contraction of 32.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 83.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -45.2%.

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

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend during this timeframe. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 765 K t and peaked in 2020 at 1 470 K t, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 1 470 K t, reflecting a substantial year-over-year improvement of 81.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 20.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Nigeria were the dominant export partners for salt, pure NaCl, and sea water in kind. The United States accounted for 54.5% of total flows, while Nigeria made up 28.7%, together forming 83.3% of total exports. Other partners contributed the remaining volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Salt, pure NaCl, and sea water exports from MERCOSUR have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 33 441 K $ US, showing a notable advance of 49.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 30.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 19 564 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 23.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Nigeria, and Cameroon were the main markets for salt, pure NaCl, and sea water exports in value terms from MERCOSUR. The United States accounted for 47.9% of exports, Nigeria for 26.5%, and Cameroon for 5.9%, jointly taking 80.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

Imported volumes of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water in MERCOSUR have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, MERCOSUR imported approximately 1 568 K t, showing a solid increase of 11.9% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 43.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile was overwhelmingly dominant as the destination for salt, pure NaCl, and sea water imports to MERCOSUR in kind, accounting for 91.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water to MERCOSUR have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, MERCOSUR imported 79 105 K $ US, constituting a year-over-year increase of 13.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 56 147 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 11.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 24.6%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, Chile, the United States, and Pakistan were the main sources for salt, pure NaCl, and sea water imports in value terms to MERCOSUR. Chile accounted for 69.5% of imports, the United States for 7.8%, and Pakistan for 5.1%, together making up 82.4% of total flows.

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

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