China Crude Salt Imports Down 5.4% in March, Exports Plunge 42.6%

China's crude salt imports fell in March 2026, while exports saw a sharper contraction, according to the latest customs data, reflecting softer trade activity across both inbound and outbound flows.

In March, China imported 1.319 million tonnes of crude salt, down 5.4% year-on-year. India remained the leading supplier, shipping 1.012 million tonnes, accounting for 76.7% of total imports. Australia followed with 303,000 tonnes, representing 22.9%.

On the export side, China shipped 17,000 tonnes of crude salt in March, a steep 42.6% decline from a year earlier. South Korea was the top destination, receiving 6,000 tonnes, or 33.6% of total exports. Honduras and the Republic of the Congo each imported around 2,000 tonnes, accounting for 11.4% and 11.3%, respectively.

For the first quarter of 2026, China's crude salt imports totaled 3.767 million tonnes, marking a 5.6% decrease compared with the same period last year. India continued to dominate supply, exporting 2.924 million tonnes to China, or 77.6% of the total. Australia contributed 833,000 tonnes (22.1%), while Pakistan supplied a marginal 10,000 tonnes (0.3%).

Meanwhile, China's crude salt exports reached 203,000 tonnes in the January–March period, down 14.4% year-on-year. Japan was the largest export market, taking in 130,000 tonnes, equivalent to 63.9% of total shipments. South Korea imported 22,000 tonnes (11.1%), followed by Vietnam with 7,000 tonnes (3.4%).

The data highlights China's continued reliance on India as its primary crude salt supplier, while export volumes remain under pressure in key regional markets.