During Q2 2026, raw salt prices in China weakened during April before stabilizing through May as seasonal supply increased faster than industrial demand. The Xinhua-China Salt industrial salt index declined 2.47% month on month in April, reflecting growing inventories as northern coastal salt fields entered their spring harvesting period. Higher temperatures improved sea-salt production, while mine-salt facilities maintained strong operating rates and additional capacity increased market availability. Demand did not absorb this increase because soda ash and chlor-alkali producers remained cautious amid plant maintenance and weaker downstream conditions. Buyers largely relied on contractual volumes and immediate requirements rather than building inventories, limiting producer bargaining power. Conditions became more balanced in May as rainfall and cooler weather temporarily affected production in some salt-producing areas, but abundant spring supply prevented a meaningful recovery.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, raw salt prices are expected to remain broadly stable to slightly soft as seasonal production keeps availability comfortable, while any improvement in soda ash and chlor-alkali operating rates could provide limited support.
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During Q1’26, the raw salt market was primarily influenced by stable chemical-sector demand and rising logistics expenses linked to the Iran conflict and Middle East shipping disruptions. In the United States, domestic salt production was estimated at 40 million tons in 2025, while salt sold or used totalled nearly 39 million tons, reflecting balanced availability across the market. The chemical industry accounted for about 42% of total salt sales, with chlorine and caustic soda manufacturers remaining the largest downstream consumers, supporting steady industrial demand. Highway deicing represented around 37% of total consumption, although mild winter conditions restricted stronger seasonal procurement. Rising bunker fuel prices and vessel rerouting around the Strait of Hormuz increased transportation and import costs for bulk minerals, supporting firmer market sentiment despite adequate domestic supply. Import reliance remained near 24% of apparent consumption, keeping buyers exposed to freight volatility and global shipping delays. Industrial buyers largely maintained short-term purchasing strategies due to uncertainty in manufacturing recovery and weak construction-linked chemical demand.
Raw Salt appears as a white crystalline solid. It is a type of sea salt generally containing high amount of sodium chloride production, calcium minerals, iodine, and other mineral elements. It generally occurs in seas and underground deposits. It has numerous applications including its utilisation as a raw material in salt refineries to produce various end use products. The raw salt is refined to get pure salt and to enhance its storage and handling characteristics. This generally involves recrystallisation of brine solution upon its treatment with chemicals, thus, precipitating most impurities.
Pharmaceuticals, Chemical industry, Food processing
Crystal salt, Rock salt
EM Salt Group, Cargill, Incornporated, Tata Chemicals Ltd., Indo Brine Industries Ltd.
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
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The industrial or commercial production of Raw Salt involves the process of evaporation of seawater, where the residue is extracted to obtain the desired product.
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This report provides the cost structure of epsom salt production from magnesium carbonate.
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