Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

The salt market in Uzbekistan saw its volume decline from 297.2 thousand tons in 2018 to 279.5 thousand tons in 2019, before a slight recovery to 288.2 thousand tons in 2020.

A sharp expansion occurred in 2021, with the market reaching 428.8 thousand tons as imports jumped to 23.3 thousand tons. This was followed by a contraction to 260.8 thousand tons in 2022, when imports fell back and exports increased to 11.0 thousand tons.

In 2023 and 2024, exports remained high at 17.3 thousand tons and 15.8 thousand tons respectively, while imports stayed low. The supply of Russian salt to Uzbekistan influenced import patterns, and growth in retail turnover and remittances from abroad supported consumer demand.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in Uzbekistan

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

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, followed by a peak in 2018, showing a fivefold fluctuation between these years. In 2020, Uzbekistan produced 292.7 K t of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water, representing a 3.9% increase from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 300.7 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.3% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 401.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market demonstrated volatility throughout the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, with the maximum in 2018, showing a 4.8-fold variation between these years. In 2020, the output of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water in Uzbekistan was valued at 14 291 K $ US, marking a moderate decline of 8.2% compared to 2019. The highest value was in 2018 at 17 192 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 9.5% decrease, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 377.4%.

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

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, t

Salt, pure NaCl, and sea water exports from Uzbekistan increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 5 647 t, reflecting a 25.3% improvement from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 19%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 405 t, with the largest decline occurring that year at 7.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan together accounted for 83.4% of total exports in kind, while the remaining flows were distributed thinly across other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, exports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water from Uzbekistan increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 276 K $ US, which is 10.8% above the year-over-year level. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 3.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 249 K $ US, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 11.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan—played leading roles in exports in value terms, together accounting for 85.5% of total flows, while the rest was distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, t

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.2-fold variation between these years. In 2020, salt, pure NaCl, and sea water shipments to Uzbekistan from abroad registered 1 138 t, amounting to a steep fall of 48.6% versus the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 213 t, with the largest increase occurring that year at 134.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Russia, Tajikistan, and China—together absorbed 72.3% of total imports in kind of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water to Uzbekistan.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Salt, pure NaCl, and sea water shipments to Uzbekistan from abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 120 K $ US, which is 50.4% greater year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 297.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 58.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (32.5% of imports in value terms), Russia (15.4% of imports in value terms), and Lithuania (14.8% of imports in value terms) together accounted for 62.7% of total imports in value terms, remaining the main destinations for salt, pure NaCl, and sea water to Uzbekistan.

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

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