Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Mexico's salt market was heavily influenced by the state-owned Exportadora de Sal (ESSA), which dominated production, especially in Baja California Sur. In 2018, production stood at around 9.4 million tons, making the country a top global producer. The market volume dipped to 8.8 million tons in 2019, partly due to low industrial salt consumption reflecting the sector's limited industrialization. A slight recovery followed in 2020, with market size reaching 9.3 million tons, while ESSA maintained its pivotal role and no major regulatory shifts occurred.

The market underwent a sharp contraction in 2021, plummeting to 5.3 million tons. This was primarily driven by a surge in exports of raw salt without added value, which reached 1.8 million tons, coupled with a drop in domestic production to 7.0 million tons. By 2022, the market rebounded to 7.3 million tons, supported by growing consumer interest in gourmet and specialty salts, a trend fueled by social media and a shift toward value-added products.

In the following years through 2024, factors indicated continued expansion in demand for natural and gourmet salt, alongside increased consumption from Mexico's growing processed food industry. ESSA remained the central producer, while global factors like logistics costs and fuel price volatility impacted supply chains. The emergence and growth of the gourmet segment, along with steady industrial demand, shaped the market's direction.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico ranked 9th globally in the production volume of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater.

Top producers of salt, pure NaCl and sea water, 2018-2021

World map of production of salt, pure NaCl and sea water, 2018-2021

In 2021, Mexico produced 7 002 K t of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater, representing a significant decline of 22.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 25.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from Mexico

Exports in kind, K t

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States accounted for 88.7% of total exports in kind, with the remaining volume distributed among many countries, each holding smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the value of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater exports from Mexico totaled 51 312 K $ US, up by 23.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 20.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 41 706 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 55 128 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 24.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019, at 29.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and Canada concentrated the majority of exports in value terms for salt, pure NaCl, and seawater from Mexico, with other markets forming a less significant portion.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to Mexico

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a {ampRatio}-fold gap between these years. In 2021, deliveries of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater to Mexico amounted to 35 K t, marking an abrupt decline of 83.0% compared to 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the key supplier of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater to Mexico, accounting for 82.9% of total imports in kind, while a diversified group of other countries made up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater to Mexico increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 16 795 K $ US, up by 3.1% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the dominant destination for imports in value terms of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater to Mexico, accounting for 79.8% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among a number of smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021