China's Raw Salt Imports Fall Sharply in October, While Exports Rise

China experienced a significant decline in raw salt imports during October 2025, according to the latest data released by the country's General Administration of Customs.

Figures show that China imported 797 thousand metric tons of raw salt in October, representing a substantial year-on-year decrease of 28.7%.

The primary supplier was India, which provided 481 thousand metric tons, accounting for 60.4% of the total import volume. Australia was the second-largest source, supplying 292 thousand metric tons, or 36.6% of the total. Mexico contributed 19 thousand metric tons, making up 2.4% of October's imports.

In contrast, China's exports of raw salt saw robust growth in the same period. Outbound shipments reached 143 thousand metric tons in October, a year-on-year increase of 15.1%.

Japan was the leading destination, receiving 93 thousand metric tons, which constituted 65.2% of the total export volume. South Korea followed, importing 32 thousand metric tons, or 22.6% of the total. Ghana received 4 thousand metric tons, accounting for a 2.8% share.

Cumulative Data Shows Overall Import Growth

For the period from January to October 2025, cumulative import figures told a different story. China's total raw salt imports reached 10.811 million metric tons, marking a 4.7% increase compared to the same period a year earlier.

India remained the dominant supplier for the first ten months, providing 8.518 million metric tons and accounting for 78.8% of the total import volume. Australia supplied 2.006 million metric tons, representing an 18.6% share, while Mexico provided 245 thousand metric tons, constituting 2.3% of the cumulative imports.

Cumulative exports from January to October surged to 664 thousand metric tons, a significant year-on-year increase of 56.5%.

Japan was the top destination for this period, receiving 359 thousand metric tons, or 54.1% of the total exported volume. South Korea imported 184 thousand metric tons, accounting for a 27.7% share. The Republic of the Congo received 20 thousand metric tons, representing a 3.0% share of the total exports.