Salt Export from India: A Billion-Dollar Global Trade Opportunity

Highlights

• India exports of salt and pure sodium chloride, seawater, were $333,431.28K and quantity 13,726,100,000Kg.

• Based on salt export data from India, India exported about 13.73 billion kilograms of salt globally in 2023

• The salt export companies in India are TATA Salt, Ankur Common Salt, Nirma Common Salt, Aashirvaad Salt, Patanjali Salt and Catch Common Salt.

• The major Salt HSN Codes are 250100, 25010010, 25010020 and 25010090. 

• The top salt export countries are the Netherlands, Germany, India, the United States, Chile and Spain.

Did you know? India, one of the largest producers and exporters of salt in the world, plays a crucial role in the global salt trade. Due to its extensive coastal areas and high-yield salt fields, the nation has emerged as a major supplier of edible and industrial salt to many other countries. Over the years, India's salt export industry has grown significantly, offering both businesses and exporters a profitable trading opportunity. 

In terms of exports, India's main salt export destinations were China, South Korea, Qatar, Indonesia, and Vietnam. In this blog, we will explore the growing opportunity for salt export from India, along with salt exporters in India, salt export data, HS Codes and much more. 

Which is The Biggest Salt Market in India?

About 98.8% of the nation's salt is produced in the surplus-producing states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. 

With 87.4% of the total production, Gujarat is followed by Tamil Nadu (4.7%) and Rajasthan (6.7%).

In 1947, 1.9 million tons of salt were produced; in 2022–2023, that amount rose to a record 39.11 million tons.

Key Points about Salt Production in India:

• After China and the US, India is the world's third-largest producer of salt. 

• Gujarat is the state that produces the majority of India's salt.

• In 2021, salt production was worth 651.28 million US dollars.

Major Salt Producing Centers in India:

About 30 million metric tons of salt are produced in India each year, with a sizable amount going toward exports. More than 90% of the nation's salt production comes from the top three states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. However, Gujarat's vast salt plains and arid climate allow it to produce over 75% of India's salt.

Now, explore the export of salt from India in 2024-25.

Salt Export from India: 2024-25

Based on salt export data, India exported about 13.73 billion kilograms of salt globally in 2023. That year, the United States exported more than two billion kilograms of salt.

As per salt exporter data, India shipped 2,519 tons of industrial salt between March 2023 and February 2024 (TTM). Compared to the previous 12 months, there was a 36% increase in these exports from 298 Indian exporters to 597.

During this time, 176 industrial salt export from India were made in February 2024 alone. The majority of India's industrial salt exports are sent to China, Vietnam, and Nepal.

China, India, and Chile are the world's top three exporters of industrial salt. With 13,732 exports, China is the world's top exporter of industrial salt, followed by India with 11,964 and Chile in third place with 5,812 shipments.

Now, explore the list of top 10 salt exporting countries. 

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Top Salt Exporting Countries

Here is the list of top salt exporting countries or top salt exporters, globally:

The table displays the top destinations for salt exports, highlighting the significant role of European nations.  The Netherlands is the biggest salt exporter in the world, accounting for 11.9% of total salt exports, followed closely by Germany at 10.9%.  

India and the United States also represent substantial markets, while several other European countries like Spain, Belgium, and the United Kingdom contribute to the global salt trade.  Overall, the data showcases a diverse range of export destinations, with a notable concentration within Europe. Connect with the ExportImportData platform to analyze the salt export data from India, Himalayan salt export data, the salt exporters list and much more. 

Major Salt HSN Code

Below is the list of top salt HSN codes:

So, the top salt HSN codes are 250100, 25010010, 25010020 and 25010090. However, if you need to find out the updated salt HS Codes for imports or exports, visit the ExportImportData platform and explore the other product-wise HS Codes hassle-free. 

Where does India Export Salt to?

India exports salt to over 100 countries worldwide, with its largest buyers including:

In 2022, India's top salt export destinations were China, South Korea, Qatar, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Also, India's bamboo salt exports could go to the United States, South Korea, Japan, and European countries. However, if you need the updated insights on salt export data from India, salt exporters in India or salt HS codes, connect with ExportImportData today. 

Here is the list of top 10 salt exporters in India

Top 10 Salt Exporters in India:

Here is the list of major Indian salt exporters:

• Krishna Salt

• Navkar Impex’

• Mittal N K Business Private Limited

• Behal International

• Ahuja Traders

• Ahir Salt Industries

• Vishnu Oil Mill Pvt. Ltd

• MRV Food Products

• Shanviya Impex Private Limited

• Petalhead Exim Private Limited

So, these are the top salt exporters in India. However, if you need the statistics on salt export from India, salt exporters lists, or salt buyer data, visit the ExportImport platform today. 

Types of Salt Exported from India

India exports various types of salt, catering to different industries and applications:

1. Edible Salt

• Iodized salt

• Rock salt

• Himalayan pink salt (exported in large quantities)

2. Industrial Salt

• Used in chemical industries for producing chlorine, soda ash, and caustic soda.

• Vital for leather tanning, textile dyeing, and soap manufacturing.

3. De-icing Salt

• Widely exported to cold countries for melting snow on roads and highways.

4. Sea Salt and Specialty Salts

• Sea salt used for organic food production.

• Black salt (Kala Namak), widely used in culinary applications.

How to Start a Salt Export Business in India?

To start a salt export business from India, you need to obtain some necessary documents and accurate insights, such as salt export data, a salt exporters list, HS Codes and so on. However, before proceeding, you must obtain the necessary documents for the easy shipment of salt from India. 

Traders need to follow these essential steps:

1. Obtain Required Licenses and Registrations

• Register your business with DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).

• Get an IEC (Import Export Code) for exporting goods.

• Compliance with FSSAI (for edible salt) and other regulatory bodies is necessary.

2. Identify Reliable Salt Buyers

• Participate in trade fairs and global exhibitions.

• Use online platforms like ExportImportData, Eximpedia.app, and Seair Exim Solutions.

• Connect with export promotion councils like the Salt Commissioner’s Organization.

3. Ensure Proper Packaging and Labeling

• Follow international packaging norms.

• Use eco-friendly and moisture-proof packaging for longer shelf life.

4. Select the Right Mode of Shipment

• Choose between bulk shipping or containerized shipments based on the buyer’s requirement.

• Work with trusted freight forwarders and logistics providers.

5. Maintain Quality Standards

• Regularly test salt purity and iodine content for edible salt exports.

• Ensure compliance with buyer-specific requirements.

Final Words!

So, the export salt from India offers immense growth potential for businesses looking to expand globally. With high production capacity, cost-effective pricing, and strong international demand, India continues to dominate the global salt market. Entrepreneurs and exporters can capitalize on this opportunity by ensuring high-quality production, efficient logistics, and strategic market expansion. By overcoming challenges and capitalizing on trade opportunities, India's salt export industry can maintain its status as a billion-dollar global trade sector.

Are you planning to start a salt export business?

Connect with reliable trade partners, explore accurate insights such as salt export data, salt exporters list, salt export data from India, new markets, and grow your business in the booming global salt trade!

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