Which Country Imports the Most Salt and Pure Sodium Chloride in the World?

In 2016, approx. 93M tonnes of salt were imported worldwide; remaining stable against the previous year figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2007 to 2016; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013, when import increased by 9% against the previous year level. In that year, global salt imports attained its maximum volume of 96M tonnes. From 2014 to 2016, growth of global salt imports failed to regain its strength.

In value terms, salt imports stood at $3.2B in 2016. Overall, it indicated a notable expansion from 2007 to 2016: the total imports value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. Based on the result of 2016, salt imports decreased by -19.7% against its level of 2014. Over the period under review, global salt imports reached its maximum level of $3.9B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2016, it failed to regain its strength.

Top Salt Importing Countries in the World

1. Japan (418.3 million USD)

2. China (189.2 million USD)

3. Germany (167.3 million USD)

4. South Korea (141.5 million USD)

5. Canada (86.9 million USD)

6. Netherlands (34.5 million USD)

7. Mexico (18.3 million USD)

8. Romania (15.4 million USD)

9. Ukraine (5.2 million USD)

10. India (4.1 million USD)

11. Chile (2.8 million USD)

12. Tunisia (0.9 million USD)

Salt Imports By Country

Chile (10M tonnes), Mexico (9.2M tonnes), Japan (7.3M tonnes), India (7.3M tonnes), Canada (5.6M tonnes), China (5.3M tonnes), the Netherlands (4M tonnes), and South Korea (3.9M tonnes) represented roughly 57% of total imports of salt in 2016. Ukraine (2.6M tonnes), Germany (2.4M tonnes), Tunisia (2.4M tonnes), and Romania (2.2M tonnes) followed a long way behind this figure.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of salt imports, among the main importing countries, was attained by Romania (+17.6% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Japan ($418M) constitutes the largest market for imported salt worldwide, making up 13% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by China ($189M), with the share of 6% of global imports. It was followed by Germany, with the share of 5%.

In Japan, salt imports expanded at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2007-2016. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates: China (+14.7% per year) and Germany (+1.3% per year).

Salt Import Prices By Country

The average salt import price stood at $34 per tonne in 2016, dropping by -10.5% against the previous year. Over the last nine years it increased at an average annual rate of +2.2%.The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008, when import increased by 21% from the previous year level. Over the period under review, average salt import price reached its maximum level of $43 per tonne in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2016, it failed to regain its strength.

There were significant differences in the average import prices amongst major importing countries. In 2016, the country with the highest import prices was Germany ($70 per tonne), while Chile ($0 per kg) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of salt import prices was attained by the Netherlands (+13.0% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Do you want to know more about global salt market? Get the latest trends and insight from our report. It includes a wide range of statistics on

• salt market share
• salt prices
• salt industry
• salt sales
• salt import
• salt export
• salt market forecast
• salt price forecast
• key salt producers

All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 2501 - Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water.

Source: World: Salt And Pure Sodium Chloride - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025