China's Crude Salt Imports Fall 34.2% in December 2025

According to the latest customs data, China imported 1.285 million tonnes of crude salt in December 2025, representing a year-on-year decline of 34.2%.

India remained the dominant supplier, exporting 935,000 tonnes to China and accounting for 72.8% of total imports. Australia followed with 328,000 tonnes, representing 25.5%, while Mexico supplied 18,000 tonnes, making up 1.4% of the total.

In contrast, China's crude salt exports reached 152,000 tonnes in December, up 26.9% year-on-year.

Japan was the largest export destination, receiving 86,000 tonnes and accounting for 56.4% of total shipments. South Korea imported 42,000 tonnes, representing 27.9%, while Taiwan, China received 6,000 tonnes, accounting for 3.7%.

For the full year 2025, China's crude salt imports totaled 12.924 million tonnes, down 8.1% compared with the previous year.

India continued to lead as the primary source, supplying 9.876 million tonnes, or 76.4% of total imports. Australia contributed 2.735 million tonnes, accounting for 21.2%, while Mexico exported 263,000 tonnes to China, representing 2.0%.

Over the January–December period, China exported 949,000 tonnes of crude salt, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 43.6%.

Japan remained the top destination with 509,000 tonnes, accounting for 53.6% of total exports. South Korea followed with 276,000 tonnes, representing 29.1%, while the Republic of the Congo imported 27,000 tonnes, making up 2.8%.

The data underscores a contraction in China's crude salt imports in 2025, alongside robust growth in export volumes, highlighting a notable shift in trade flows within the global crude salt market.