Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in Peru

Earlier Report Observations

The physical volume of Peru's salt market fluctuated from 1 088 thousand tons in 2018 to 808 thousand tons in 2022, with a notable peak of 1 146 thousand tons in 2021. In value terms, the market mirrored this volatility, rising from $27.9 million in 2018 to a high of $40.8 million in 2021 before contracting to $27.6 million in 2022.

The contraction in 2022 coincided with the rollout of front-of-package warning labels (octógonos) on foods high in salt, a public health measure designed to curb excessive sodium intake. New Peruvian Technical Standards also came into effect, mandating updated testing methods and fortification with iodine and fluoride for human consumption salt, which may have influenced production costs and supply.

Regulatory attention on salt quality and consumption reduction persisted through 2023 and 2024, with updated hygiene rules for food markets and revised environmental regulations for manufacturing. Consumer shifts toward healthier, lower-salt snack options continued to reflect evolving dietary preferences that shape salt demand.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in Peru

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Peru was among the world's leading producers of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater from 2017 to 2020, ranking 29th globally by production volume.

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

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

Peru's production of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1,031 K t, marking a significant year-over-year decrease of 18.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 30.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 11.4%. The peak production was recorded in 2018 at 1,510 K t, with the largest increase that year at 1.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater in Peru was valued at 26,920 K $ US, showing only a slight fluctuation compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 12.5%, averaging an annualized decline of 4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 26,892 K $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 30,877 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 0.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Peru in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from Peru

Exports in kind, K t

Salt, pure NaCl, and seawater exports from Peru declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Peru exported 180.2 K t, representing a sharp decline of 58.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 55.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -23.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 483.6 K t, with the largest increase that year at 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Colombia were the primary destinations for Peru's exports in kind, together accounting for 98.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater from Peru declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 4,708 K $ US, which is 48.9% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 44.1%, with a CAGR of -17.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 9,891 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 17.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Colombia dominated as destinations for Peru's exports in value terms, jointly capturing 91.1% of total flows, with the remainder going to other markets.

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

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

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to Peru

Imports in kind, K t

Salt, pure NaCl, and seawater imports into Peru increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Peru imported approximately 85.5 K t, which is 15.1% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 47.3%, equating to an annualized increase of 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and China were the dominant sources for Peru's imports in kind, together accounting for 80.0% of total import flows, with the rest coming from other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, salt, pure NaCl, and seawater imports into Peru declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 6,299 K $ US, indicating a solid decline of 10.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 3.5%, averaging an annualized growth of 1.2%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 7,060 K $ US, with the largest increase in 2018 at 14.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Chile, China, and New Zealand—together absorbed 73.7% of total imports in value terms for salt, pure NaCl, and seawater into Peru.

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

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