U.S. Salt Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Rock Salt, Salt in Brine, Solar Salt, and Vacuum Pan Salt), By Source (Brine and Salt Mines), By Application (Chemical Processing, De-icing, Water Treatment, Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Flavoring Agent, and Others), 2023-2030

The U.S. Salt market size was worth USD 4.73 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period.

Salt is utilized in various industrial processes, including chemical manufacturing, de-icing, and water treatment. In chemical manufacturing, it is a key component in the production of chlorine, soda ash, and other chemicals. Additionally, it is widely used for de-icing roads during winter months, especially in colder regions of the U.S., thus, driving the market in the country. Moreover, the demand for salt in the food industry remains steady and drives the overall U.S. salt market growth.

The U.S. salt industry witnessed a drop in imports and exports due to slowdown in industrial and economic activities during the pandemic. Closure of eateries and soda ash and caustic companies running at reduced capacities led to a decrease in product demand in the country.

LATEST TRENDS

Rising Demand for Organic and Natural Food Products 

The demand for organic and natural food products has influenced the market. Consumers are looking for minimally processed salts without additives or anti-caking agents. Organic and natural products are gaining popularity due to their perceived health benefits and environmentally friendly production methods. Moreover, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness among consumers about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. As a result, many individuals are seeking low-sodium or reduced-sodium alternatives. This trend has led to an increased demand for specialty salts, such as sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, and other mineral-rich varieties.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Demand from Agriculture Sector to Boost Market Growth

Salt plays a crucial role in agriculture as a nutrient for livestock and as a soil conditioner. Livestock requires it for proper growth and development, and it is often provided in the form of salt licks or mineral blocks. Furthermore, it is used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure and fertility in certain agricultural practices. The demand for the product in the agriculture sector in the U.S. is driven by the need to support livestock nutrition, improve soil conditions, manage weeds, maintain nutrient solutions in soilless agriculture systems, and preserve crops.   

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rising Health Concerns and Government Regulations to Hinder the Market Growth

Excessive salt consumption is associated with health issues such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. More than 4 in 10 adults in the United States have high blood pressure, the number rises to nearly 6 in 10 for non-Hispanic black adults, and about 1 in 10 children (aged 8 to 12) have high blood pressure. 1 in 8 teenagers (13 to 17 years old) have high blood pressure or hypertension.

The FDA has issued final guidelines setting voluntary targets for reducing sodium in processed, packaged, and ready-to-eat foods over the next two and a half years. The American Dietary Guidelines 2020-2025 recommend that people aged 14 and older limit their sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into salt in brine, rock salt, vacuum pan salt, and solar salt.

Rock salt held the largest share in 2022 owing to its rising demand in road applications and de-icing, especially in the colder regions in the U.S. Rock salt is also used in water softening systems to remove hardness from water.

Solar salt is used to regenerate iron exchange water softeners. It dissolves easily and is preferred for this purpose due to its high purity. Additionally, this type is used in chemical manufacturing, food processing, animal nutrition, and in certain specialty products.

By Source Analysis

Based on source, the market is segmented into salt mines and brine.

The salt mines segment accounted for a significant U.S. salt market share in 2022 and is likely to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the availability of underground deposits. Mine production involves many processes of extracting and refining product from underground reservoirs. Specific mining processes and methods may vary depending on deposit type and mining location.

Another manufacturing process is the product extraction from its solution, also called brine. Brine typically occurs in natural saline sources such as salt pans, salt lakes, and underground reservoirs.

By Application Analysis

By application, the market is segmented into chemical processing, water treatment, de-icing, oil & gas, flavoring agent, agriculture, and others.

The chemical processing segment held a larger share in 2022 owing to increasing pro demand for chemical products. Salt is a primary raw material in the production of chlorine and caustic soda through the chlor-alkali process. It is also used as a key raw material in the production of soda ash. Additionally, it finds application in several other chemical processes.

It is used in several important applications in the oil & gas sector. It is a critical component of drilling fluids, also known as drilling muds, used in oil and gas exploration and production. In some enhanced oil recovery techniques, saltwater, often referred to as produced water, is injected into oil reservoirs to displace oil and enhance its recovery.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market depicts the presence of established and emerging companies. Key players include AKZO NOBEL SALT, INC., Cargill Salt, Compass Minerals International, Inc., and INEOS Enterprises Salt (U.K.) among others. Industry players compete primarily based on the price and application characteristics of the product. Companies are emphasizing product innovation, social marketing, acquisition, and collaborations.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• AKZO NOBEL SALT, INC. (U.S.)


• Cargill Salt (U.S.)


• Compass Minerals International, Inc. (U.S.)


• INEOS Enterprises Salt (U.K.)


• Solvay (Belgium)


• K+S (Germany)


• US Salt LLC (U.S.)


• Jacobsen Salt Co. (U.S.)


• Ahir Salt Industries (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• May 2021- Tanteo Tequila launched Jalapeño, Chipotle, Habanero, and Citrus flavored margarita salts that will be included with 750ml of their Jalapeño, Chipotle, Habanero, and Blanco expressions. Tanteo Tequilas are made from fair trade, 100% Blue Weber agave, and these new salts will elevate and help elevate everyone’s margarita game and enhance the flavors of the iconic cocktails.


• April 2021: K+S AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT completed the sale of the Operating Unit Americas to Stone Canyon Industries Holdings LLC.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The study report thoroughly examines key factors such as leading companies, applications, and products. It also provides market trends and highlights significant industry advancements. The study includes different variables that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years and the factors listed above. It examines the industry's newest market dynamics and opportunities and historical data and revenue growth estimates at the country levels.

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