Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The salt market in Western Asia entered a phase of rapid expansion from 2018 to 2020, with total volume soaring from 8 163 thousand tonnes to 19 918 thousand tonnes. This period marked a more than twofold increase in market size within just three years.

After a slight stabilization in 2021, where volume dipped marginally to 19 559 thousand tonnes, the growth trajectory resumed strongly in 2022. The market reached 22 248 thousand tonnes that year, setting a new high and consolidating the significant gains achieved since 2018.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in Western Asia

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

Salt, pure NaCl, and sea water production in Western Asia has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, production reached 18 522 K t, marking a significant 71.9% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 380.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 68.8%.

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

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. Import levels fluctuated, with a 4.9-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, exports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water from Western Asia totaled 517 K t, down 29.2% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 903 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 61.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 390.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water from Western Asia were relatively evenly distributed. Russia accounted for 13.3% of exports, the United States for 12.8%, and Romania for 5.1%, together making up just 31.2% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water from Western Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Western Asia exported 101.4 M $ US worth of these products, showing a strong 13.0% increase over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 39.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms remained scattered. The United States accounted for 12.7% of exports, the United Kingdom for 8.0%, and Russia for 7.5%, together representing only 28.2% of total flows, with no single partner clearly dominating.

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

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

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports varied by 4 times, from a low in 2017 to a high in 2018. In 2020, Western Asia's imports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water amounted to 1 914 K t, reflecting a strong 14.7% decline compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 159 K t. The largest decline was in 2019, dropping by 63.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 300.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India, Iran, and Egypt were the key partners for imports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water to Western Asia. India accounted for 57.3% of imports, Iran for 11.8%, and Egypt for 3.8%, together representing 72.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Deliveries of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water to Western Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 150.4 M $ US, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 16.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 151.7 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 0.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 17.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the supplier portfolio for salt, pure NaCl, and sea water to Western Asia was broad. India accounted for 22.4% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 11.3%, and Iran for 6.7%, together contributing only 40.4% of total imports, with many other countries holding smaller but notable shares.

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

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