China's Raw Salt Imports Fall Sharply in November as Exports Continue to Rise

According to the latest customs data, China imported 828 thousand tonnes of raw salt in November 2025, marking a year-on-year decline of 53.4%. India remained the largest supplier, with shipments totaling 421 thousand tonnes and accounting for 51.2% of total imports, followed closely by Australia at 401 thousand tonnes, representing 48.4%. Imports from Pakistan were limited to 3 thousand tonnes, accounting for 0.4%. Over the same period, China exported 133 thousand tonnes of raw salt, up 14.1% year on year. Japan was the leading export destination with 64 thousand tonnes, taking a 47.7% share, followed by South Korea at 50 thousand tonnes, or 37.2%, and Taiwan, China at 5 thousand tonnes, accounting for 4.1%.

From January to November, China's cumulative raw salt imports totaled 11.639 million tonnes, down 3.8% year on year. India continued to dominate as the primary source, supplying 8.942 million tonnes and accounting for 76.8% of total imports, while Australia provided 2.407 million tonnes, or 20.7%. Mexico ranked third with 245 thousand tonnes, representing a 2.1% share. During the same period, China exported 798 thousand tonnes of raw salt, registering a significant year-on-year increase of 47.3%. Japan remained the top destination with imports of 423 thousand tonnes, accounting for 53.0%, followed by South Korea at 234 thousand tonnes, or 29.3%, and the Republic of the Congo at 21 thousand tonnes, representing 2.6%.