Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 소금 시장은 2025년 270억 9,000만 달러를 차지하며 예측 기간 동안 CAGR 4.6%로 성장해 2032년에는 371억 1,000만 달러에 이를 것으로 예측됩니다.
화학적으로는 염화나트륨(NaCl)으로 알려진 소금은 인간과 동물의 건강에 필수적인 천연 미네랄입니다.식염은 조미료나 보존료로서 널리 사용되고 있습니다.
미국 지질조사소(USGS)의 Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024에 따르면 2023년 미국의 소금의 국내 생산량은 추정 4,200만 톤이었습니다.
식품산업에서의 수요 증가
소금 시장은 풍미의 향상, 보존, 식품 가공에 소금이 불가결한 식품 산업에서의 수요가 높아짐에 따라 크게 성장하고 있습니다. 편의점의 동향과 푸드서비스 산업의 확대가 이 수요를 더욱 증가시키고 있습니다.
나트륨 과다 복용으로 건강에 대한 우려
나트륨의 대량 섭취는 고혈압, 심혈관 질환, 뇌졸중의 위험 상승으로 이어지기 때문에 공중 위생 캠페인이나 가공 식품의 염분 삭감을 목적으로 한 규제 조치가 촉진되고 있습니다. 그 결과, 식품 제조업체는 나트륨 농도를 낮춥니다. 제품을 개선하고 있으며, 이는 염분 소비율에 직접적인 영향을 미치고 있습니다. 또한 염분의 대량 섭취로 인한 건강에 대한 악영향에 대한 소비자의 의식은 계속 증가하고 있으며 기존 소금 시장 부문의 확대를 억제하고 있습니다.
수처리 부문의 성장
식염은 연수화나 정수 프로세스에 있어서의 중요한 성분이며, 수질이나 물 부족에 대한 우려 고조로부터, 그 필요성은 점점 높아지고 있습니다. 도시화, 공업화, 환경 규제의 강화에 의해 세계적으로 수처리 인프라에 대한 투자가 활성화하고 있습니다.
기후 변화에 따른 천일염 생산에 미치는 영향
기후 변화는 천일제 소금에 큰 위협을 초래합니다. 수율을 줄이고 인프라를 손상시킬 수 있습니다. 이러한 과제는 공급 안정성을 위협 할뿐만 아니라 생산 비용을 증가시키고 다른 생산 방법과 비교할 때 천일 소금의 경쟁에 영향을 줄 수 있습니다.
COVID-19의 대유행은 조업정지나 이동제한에 의해 생산, 공급체인, 노동력 확보에 큰 지장을 주었으며, 세계 소금 시장을 혼란시켰습니다. 뿐만 아니라 검사와 모니터링이 감소함에 따라 소금의 품질과 요오드화에 영향을 미쳤습니다. 유행은 세계 위기에 대한 소금 산업의 취약성을 부각시켜 회복력 있는 공급망 전략의 필요성을 강조했습니다.
예측 기간 동안 암염 부문이 최대가 될 전망
암염 부문은 예측 기간 중 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예상되며, 그 원동력은 제빙, 식품 가공, 산업용도에서의 광범위한 사용입니다. 비용 효율성 및 다용도로 벌크 용도에 선호되고 있으며, 이 부문은 신흥 국가 수요 증가와 온라인 소매 채널 확대로 이익을 얻어 산업 시장과 소비자 시장 모두에 대한 접근성을 높입니다.
태양열 증발 부문은 예측 기간 동안 가장 높은 CAGR이 예상됩니다.
예측 기간 동안 태양열 증발 부문이 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. 신재생에너지 채용 증가와 식품, 화학, 수처리산업에 있어서의 고순도 소금 수요 증가가 이 부문의 급확대에 박차를 가하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양은 급속한 산업화, 인구 증가, 식품, 화학, 제약 산업의 왕성한 수요에 견인되어 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 풍부한 천연 자원과 확장하는 제조 능력의 혜택을 받고, 이 지역의 생산량을 독점하고 있습니다.
예측기간 동안 아시아태평양은 다이나믹 경제 성장, 인프라 개발, 수처리 및 재생가능 에너지부문에 대한 투자 증가로 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Salt Market is accounted for $27.09 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $37.11 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. Salt, chemically known as sodium chloride (NaCl), is a naturally occurring mineral essential for human and animal health. It is widely used as a seasoning and preservative in food. Salt is obtained from seawater, rock deposits, or brine through evaporation or mining. Beyond culinary uses, it plays a crucial role in industrial processes, water treatment, and chemical production, making it a vital resource across various sectors.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024, domestic production of salt in the United States was an estimated 42 million tons in 2023.
Rising demand from food industry
The salt market is significantly propelled by the escalating demand from the food industry, where salt is indispensable for flavor enhancement, preservation, and food processing. As global populations rise and urbanization accelerates, processed and packaged food consumption has surged, driving up salt requirements. Moreover, the trend toward convenience foods and the expansion of the food service sector further amplify this demand. Additionally, specialty salts such as Himalayan pink salt and sea salt are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers, contributing to the market's robust growth trajectory.
Health concerns related to excess sodium intake
High sodium consumption is linked to increased risks of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke, prompting public health campaigns and regulatory actions aimed at reducing salt content in processed foods. Consequently, food manufacturers are reformulating products to lower sodium levels, which directly impacts salt consumption rates. Furthermore, consumer awareness about the adverse health effects of high salt intake continues to grow, restraining the expansion of traditional salt market segments.
Growth in water treatment sector
Salt is a key component in water softening and purification processes, which are increasingly essential due to rising concerns over water quality and scarcity. Urbanization, industrialization, and stricter environmental regulations are driving investments in water treatment infrastructure globally. Additionally, the adoption of advanced water treatment technologies in both municipal and industrial settings is expected to boost demand for high-purity salt, opening new avenues for market growth.
Climate change impact on solar salt production
Climate change poses a significant threat to solar salt production, as this method relies heavily on consistent weather patterns, particularly prolonged periods of sunshine and low rainfall. Unpredictable weather events, rising sea levels, and increased frequency of storms can disrupt the evaporation process, reduce yields, and damage infrastructure. These challenges not only threaten supply stability but also increase production costs, potentially impacting the competitiveness of solar salt compared to other production methods.
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the global salt market by causing significant interruptions in production, supply chains, and labor availability due to lockdowns and movement restrictions. Manufacturers struggled to meet production targets, particularly in regions where salt harvesting is seasonally dependent, leading to concerns about potential shortages. Additionally, reduced inspections and monitoring affected the quality and iodization of salt. While essential supply chains eventually stabilized, the pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of the salt industry to global crises and underscored the need for resilient supply chain strategies.
The rock salt segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The rock salt segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, driven by its extensive use in de-icing, food processing, and industrial applications. Rock salt is valued for its natural mineral content and is widely used for road safety during winter, as well as in agriculture and livestock nutrition. Its abundance, cost-effectiveness, and versatility make it the preferred choice for bulk applications. Furthermore, the segment benefits from increasing demand in emerging economies and the expansion of online retail channels, which enhance accessibility for both industrial and consumer markets.
The solar evaporation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the solar evaporation segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. This method, which utilizes natural solar energy to extract salt from seawater or brine, is gaining traction due to its sustainability and lower environmental impact compared to mining or vacuum methods. The rising adoption of renewable energy, coupled with increasing demand for high-purity salt in food, chemical, and water treatment industries, is fueling this segment's rapid expansion. Additionally, advancements in evaporation technology and infrastructure are further enhancing production efficiency and market growth.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, driven by rapid industrialization, population growth, and robust demand from the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Major salt-producing countries such as China and India dominate regional output, benefiting from abundant natural resources and expanding manufacturing capacities. Furthermore, the region's growing urban population and increasing consumption of processed foods further stimulate salt demand.
Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, propelled by dynamic economic growth, infrastructure development, and rising investments in water treatment and renewable energy sectors. The shift towards specialty and fortified salts, coupled with heightened health awareness, is driving product innovation and market expansion. Additionally, government initiatives supporting industrialization and sustainable practices are fostering a favorable environment for rapid market growth.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Salt Market include Cargill, Inc., Compass Minerals International, Inc., K+S AG, China National Salt Industry Corporation (CNSIC), Tata Chemicals Ltd., Morton Salt, Inc., Rio Tinto Group, Nobian (formerly part of Akzo Nobel), INEOS Group Holdings S.A., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Salins Group, Dominion Salt Limited, Exportadora de Sal, S.A. (ESSA), CIECH Group, Nouryon, Salinen Austria AG, Cheetham Salt Limited, and Uralkali.
In September 2024, Compass Minerals finalized a voluntary agreement with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The company committed to donating approximately 201,000 acre-feet of water rights annually and nearly 65,000 acres of leasehold for conservation purposes, aiming to support the long-term health of the Great Salt Lake.
In February 2024, CNSIC signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Tianjin Lishen Battery Co., Ltd. The partnership aims to jointly develop energy storage power stations, including an 800 megawatt-hour independent energy storage facility and a 70 megawatt-hour energy storage station on the power supply side.
In November 2023, Nobian announced collaboration with start-up Adionics to evaluate innovative technologies for salt extraction from brine streams. The aim is to extract more salt and valuable minerals while reducing water and energy consumption, with plans for a pilot plant at Nobian's Delfzijl facility in the Netherland.