Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. salt market volume in physical terms grew from 60 323 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 73 924 thousand tons in 2020, reflecting increased consumption. However, it subsequently contracted to 70 113 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 58 293 thousand tons in 2022.

Rock salt for highway de-icing has historically accounted for a significant share of U.S. salt consumption, supported by extensive domestic deposits. In recent years, companies like True Salt have announced capacity expansions, and acquisitions such as Prairie Farms Dairy's purchase of a SmithFoods facility indicate ongoing industry consolidation. Meanwhile, evolving consumer preferences for natural and flavored salts, along with stricter international standards on impurities, are influencing product offerings and market access.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked as the world's second-largest producer of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater.

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

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

Salt, pure NaCl, and seawater production in the United States grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 50 700 K t, up 13.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 28.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater production in the United States was 8 589 M $ US, an 18.4% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 30.2%, averaging 9.2% per year. The largest drop occurred in 2019 at 11.4%, while the biggest gain was in 2018 at 24.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, U.S. exports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 1 268 K t, a 27.4% increase from 2019. Over 2017-2020, exports rose by 10.7%, with a 3.5% average annual growth rate. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 996 K t, and the largest decrease was in 2018 at 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the dominant destination for U.S. exports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater in volume terms, accounting for 85.7% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of losses, the value of U.S. exports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 214.9 M $ US, a sharp 33.3% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 12.4%, with an average annual rate of 4.0%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 161.2 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred that same year at 15.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, China, and Mexico were the top destinations for U.S. exports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater in value terms, with shares of 41.8%, 21.2%, and 7.4%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 70.4% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

U.S. imports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 24 492 K t, up 31.0% from the previous year. Over 2017-2020, import volume surged by 94.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 24.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, Canada, and Mexico were the main sources of U.S. imports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater in volume terms, with shares of 27.0%, 23.8%, and 22.7%, respectively. Combined, they made up 73.5% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, the value of U.S. imports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater declined. In 2020, imports totaled 687.9 M $ US, a moderate 8.7% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 31.7%, averaging 9.6% per year. The highest value was in 2019 at 753.5 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 41.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Chile, and Egypt were the leading sources for U.S. imports of salt, pure NaCl, and seawater in value terms, with shares of 27.4%, 26.8%, and 7.9%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 62.1% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020