Global Salt Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Global Salt Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Market Outlook

According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global salt market size reached approximately USD 36.7 billion in 2024. Aided by the increasing demand for salt (NaCl) across various sectors and its wide-ranging applications in food preservation, chemical manufacturing, and water treatment, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 57.4 billion by 2034.

Salt, chemically known as sodium chloride (NaCl), is an essential mineral widely used across multiple sectors, including food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. It plays a vital role in preserving food, enhancing flavour, de-icing roads, and supporting chemical reactions in various industrial processes. The food sector remains the largest consumer of salt, primarily for seasoning and preservation. Additionally, the chemical industry heavily relies on salt for the production of chlorine, caustic soda, and soda ash, all essential components in numerous manufacturing processes.

The salt market growth is also being propelled by its diverse applications across various sectors. In the chemical sector, salt is a fundamental raw material used in the production of chlorine, which is essential for manufacturing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a versatile plastic used in construction, automotive, and healthcare industries. Additionally, the production of caustic soda, an alkali used in producing paper, textiles, and detergents, heavily relies on salt.

Salt is also indispensable in water treatment processes. It is used in ion exchange systems to soften water by removing calcium and magnesium ions. With the increasing demand for freshwater and the growing importance of efficient water treatment systems in both residential and industrial settings, the use of salt in water softening and desalination plants is expected to grow significantly.

Moreover, salt is widely used in the de-icing of roads during winter in regions with harsh weather conditions. As governments and municipalities invest in road safety and infrastructure maintenance, particularly in North America and Europe, the demand for salt for de-icing purposes is anticipated to remain robust during the forecast period, consequently driving up the salt market share.

In the agricultural sector, salt plays a critical role in promoting crop growth and soil health. Sodium chloride is often used as a fertiliser to supplement sodium-deficient soils, particularly in arid regions. It also helps regulate the water content in plants and enhances the availability of other essential nutrients. With the global demand for food production continuing to rise, the use of salt in agriculture is likely to expand, particularly in regions where soil salinity poses a challenge to crop growth.

In addition, salt is used in animal feed to ensure the health and growth of livestock. Sodium is an essential nutrient for animals, supporting vital physiological functions such as maintaining electrolyte balance, muscle contraction, and nerve function. The growing demand for animal products, including meat and dairy, is expected to drive the use of salt in animal nutrition, thereby contributing to the salt market expansion.

The increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with different types of salt, such as sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, and kosher salt, is contributing to the market's expansion. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking alternatives to traditional table salt, which has undergone extensive refining and processing. Speciality salts, which are often less processed and retain more minerals, are gaining popularity for their perceived health benefits and unique flavours.

In particular, sea salt, which is harvested through the evaporation of seawater, has seen a surge in demand due to its natural processing methods and trace mineral content. Himalayan pink salt, known for its distinctive pink hue and high mineral content, is also becoming a popular choice among health-conscious consumers and gourmet chefs alike.

As per the salt market analysis, kosher salt, valued for its coarse texture and ease of use in seasoning and curing meats, is widely used in both professional kitchens and home cooking. With the rising demand for artisanal and gourmet food products, the market for speciality salts is expected to grow, providing new opportunities for manufacturers.

North America and Europe are currently the largest markets for salt, driven by the high demand for salt in food processing, chemical manufacturing, and road de-icing applications. In the United States and Canada, the use of salt for de-icing roads during winter is a major factor contributing to market growth. Similarly, in Europe, countries with cold climates, such as Germany, Russia, and the Scandinavian nations, rely heavily on salt for road maintenance and safety during winter months.

Market Segmentation

The global salt market can be divided based on type, application, and region.

Market Breakup by Type

• Rock Salt
• Brine
• Solar Salt
• Vacuum Salt

Market Breakup by Application

• Chemical Processing
• Road De-icing
• Food Processing
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape

The EMR report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the global salt market. Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:

• Cargill, Incorporated
• Syensqo SA
• Tata Chemical Ltd.
• K+S Aktiengesellschaft
• Wacker Chemie AG
• China National Salt Industry Corporation
• CIECH S.A.
• The Salins Group
• Compass Minerals International, Inc.
• Archean Chemical Industries Limited
• Others

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*We at Expert Market Research always strive to provide you with the latest information. The numbers in the article are only indicative and may be different from the actual report.