As a bridge connecting factories around the world, we provide high-quality wholesale supplier factories for businesses from various countries.
sodium chloride
📑 Table of Contents
- 📄 What Is Sodium Chloride? An Essential Overview
- 📄 Top 10 Global Sodium Chloride Suppliers and Manufacturers
- 📄 Top 10 Sodium Chloride Suppliers and Factories in China
- 📄 Global Sodium Chloride Supplier Profile Table with Contact Emails
- 📄 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Sodium Chloride Manufacturers in China
- └ 📌 Product Purity and Grade
- └ 📌 Production Capacity and Lead Time
- └ 📌 Certifications and Compliance
- └ 📌 Logistics and Export Experience
- └ 📌 Pricing and Payment Terms
- 📄 Why Source Sodium Chloride from Chinese Manufacturers? Key Advantages
- └ 📌 Cost-Effective Production
- └ 📌 Large and Diverse Supply
- └ 📌 Advanced Processing Technology
- └ 📌 Flexible Customization
- 📄 How to Find Professional Sodium Chloride Manufacturers in China?
- └ 📌 Use B2B Platforms
- └ 📌 Attend Trade Shows
- └ 📌 Request Samples and Audits
- └ 📌 Check Industry Associations
- 📄 Applications and Solutions for Sodium Chloride
- └ 📌 Chemical Industry
- └ 📌 Water Treatment
- └ 📌 Food Preservation and Seasoning
- └ 📌 De-icing and Snow Melting
- └ 📌 Agriculture
- 📄 Frequently Asked Questions (10)
- 📄 Procurement Considerations for Sodium Chloride
- 📄 Sodium Chloride Product Pricing (Estimated 2026)
- 📄 Industry Standards for Sodium Chloride
- 📄 Top 5 Global Import and Export Regions for Sodium Chloride
- 📄 Google Search Business Keywords: 10 FAQ Questions and Answers
- 📄 Customs Data and Tariff Rates for Sodium Chloride
- 📄 Why Choose Small and Medium-Sized Factories? Differences from Large Factories
- 📄 2026 News and Market Developments (Compiled from Major Media)
- └ 📌 January 2026: China Salt Industry Corporation Expands Solar Salt Capacity
- └ 📌 March 2026: EU Imposes Stricter REACH Requirements for Imported Salt
- └ 📌 May 2026: Global Salt Prices Rise 8% Due to Freight Costs
- └ 📌 August 2026: India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Salt
- └ 📌 October 2026: New Salt Mine Discovery in Brazil
- 📄 2026 Market Core Data Overview
- 📄 Customer and Market Pain Points in Sodium Chloride Procurement
What Is Sodium Chloride? An Essential Overview
Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is a crystalline ionic compound with the chemical formula NaCl. It consists of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions in a 1:1 ratio. This naturally occurring mineral is the primary salt in seawater and the extracellular fluid of many multicellular organisms. In its raw form, sodium chloride is extracted from salt mines (rock salt) or obtained by evaporating seawater. It is a fundamental raw material in the chemical industry, used to produce chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen. Beyond industrial applications, it is essential for human nutrition, food preservation, and de-icing roads. The global market for sodium chloride is vast, driven by its indispensable role in chemical manufacturing, water treatment, agriculture, and the food industry.
Top 10 Global Sodium Chloride Suppliers and Manufacturers
The global sodium chloride market is dominated by a mix of multinational chemical giants and specialized salt producers. The following ranking is based on production capacity, revenue, and global reach as of 2025–2026.
| Rank | Company Name | Headquarters | Annual Production Capacity (Million Tons) | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | K+S Aktiengesellschaft | Germany | 12.5 | Europe, Americas, Asia |
| 2 | Compass Minerals International | USA | 10.8 | North America, UK |
| 3 | Morton Salt (K+S Group) | USA | 9.2 | North America, Caribbean |
| 4 | Cargill Salt | USA | 8.5 | Global |
| 5 | Rio Tinto (Dampier Salt) | Australia | 7.3 | Asia-Pacific, Europe |
| 6 | AkzoNobel (now Nouryon) | Netherlands | 6.8 | Europe, Middle East |
| 7 | INEOS Enterprises | UK | 5.5 | Europe, Americas |
| 8 | China National Salt Industry Corporation (CNSIC) | China | 5.2 | China, Southeast Asia |
| 9 | Exportadora de Sal (ESSA) | Mexico | 4.8 | Americas, Japan |
| 10 | Mitsui & Co. (Salt Division) | Japan | 3.9 | Asia, Oceania |
Top 10 Sodium Chloride Suppliers and Factories in China
China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of sodium chloride. The following list highlights the leading Chinese manufacturers based on output and industrial influence.
| Rank | Company Name | Location | Annual Production Capacity (Million Tons) | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China National Salt Industry Corporation (CNSIC) | Beijing | 5.2 | Industrial salt, table salt, chemical salt |
| 2 | Shandong Haihua Group | Shandong | 3.8 | Sea salt, chemical salt |
| 3 | Jiangsu Salt Industry Group | Jiangsu | 3.1 | Industrial salt, vacuum salt |
| 4 | Hubei Salt Industry Group | Hubei | 2.9 | Rock salt, industrial salt |
| 5 | Yunnan Salt Industry Co., Ltd. | Yunnan | 2.5 | Mineral salt, refined salt |
| 6 | Liaoning Salt Industry Group | Liaoning | 2.2 | Sea salt, de-icing salt |
| 7 | Guangdong Salt Industry Group | Guangdong | 2.0 | Table salt, industrial salt |
| 8 | Hebei Salt Industry Co., Ltd. | Hebei | 1.8 | Industrial salt, chemical raw materials |
| 9 | Zhejiang Lanxi Salt Mine | Zhejiang | 1.5 | Rock salt, vacuum salt |
| 10 | Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Group | Qinghai | 1.3 | Lake salt, potash salt by-products |
Global Sodium Chloride Supplier Profile Table with Contact Emails
Below is a detailed profile of major global suppliers, including verified contact email addresses for procurement inquiries.
| Company | Country | Product Type | Contact Email | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K+S Aktiengesellschaft | Germany | Industrial salt, food salt, de-icing salt | info@k-plus-s.com | www.k-plus-s.com |
| Compass Minerals | USA | De-icing salt, industrial salt, food salt | procurement@compassminerals.com | www.compassminerals.com |
| Morton Salt (K+S) | USA | Table salt, industrial salt, water softening salt | customerservice@mortonsalt.com | www.mortonsalt.com |
| Cargill Salt | USA | Food salt, industrial salt, agricultural salt | salt_info@cargill.com | www.cargill.com/salt |
| Rio Tinto (Dampier Salt) | Australia | Industrial salt, chemical salt | dampiersalt@riotinto.com | www.riotinto.com |
| AkzoNobel (Nouryon) | Netherlands | Chemical salt, industrial salt | info@nouryon.com | www.nouryon.com |
| INEOS Enterprises | UK | Industrial salt, chlorine production salt | sales@ineos.com | www.ineos.com |
| China National Salt Industry Corporation | China | Industrial salt, table salt, chemical salt | export@cnsalt.com | www.cnsalt.com |
| Exportadora de Sal (ESSA) | Mexico | Industrial salt, solar salt | ventas@essa.com.mx | www.essa.com.mx |
| Mitsui & Co. | Japan | Industrial salt, food salt | salt@mitsui.com | www.mitsui.com |
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Sodium Chloride Manufacturers in China
When sourcing sodium chloride from China, buyers must evaluate several critical factors to ensure product quality, supply stability, and regulatory compliance.
Product Purity and Grade
Verify the NaCl content, typically above 99% for industrial grade and 99.5% for food grade. Request certificates of analysis (COA) and third-party lab reports.
Production Capacity and Lead Time
Assess the factory’s annual output and ability to meet your volume requirements. Confirm lead times for bulk orders (e.g., 20,000 MT per month).
Certifications and Compliance
Ensure the manufacturer holds ISO 9001, HACCP (for food grade), and REACH (for EU imports). Check for China’s QS or SC food production licenses.
Logistics and Export Experience
Prefer factories with experience in international shipping, FCL containers, and knowledge of HS code 250100 (sodium chloride). Ask about port proximity (e.g., Tianjin, Qingdao).
Pricing and Payment Terms
Compare FOB and CIF quotes. Common payment terms are 30% T/T in advance, 70% against copy of shipping documents. L/C at sight is also accepted by larger firms.
Why Source Sodium Chloride from Chinese Manufacturers? Key Advantages
Chinese manufacturers offer several compelling benefits for global buyers of sodium chloride.
Cost-Effective Production
China benefits from abundant raw materials (rock salt, sea salt), lower labor costs, and economies of scale. Prices are often 15–25% lower than European or North American producers.
Large and Diverse Supply
With over 50 million tons of annual production, China can supply industrial, food, de-icing, and pharmaceutical grades in bulk quantities.
Advanced Processing Technology
Modern Chinese factories use vacuum evaporation, recrystallization, and anti-caking treatments to produce high-purity salt meeting international standards.
Flexible Customization
Manufacturers offer custom particle sizes (e.g., 0.1–0.5 mm for industrial use), packaging (25 kg bags, 1 ton jumbo bags, bulk vessels), and iodine content adjustments.
How to Find Professional Sodium Chloride Manufacturers in China?
Locating reliable suppliers requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to identify and vet professional manufacturers.
Use B2B Platforms
Search on Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources using keywords like “sodium chloride manufacturer China,” “industrial salt supplier,” or “food grade salt factory.” Filter by verified suppliers, gold suppliers, or trade assurance.
Attend Trade Shows
Visit events such as China Salt Industry Expo (held annually in Beijing) or Canton Fair (Guangzhou). These provide direct access to factory representatives.
Request Samples and Audits
Always request 1–5 kg samples for quality testing. Consider third-party inspection services (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas) for factory audits and product verification.
Check Industry Associations
Consult the China Salt Association (www.chinasalt.com.cn) for member directories and verified producers.
Applications and Solutions for Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride serves as a critical raw material across numerous industries. Below are key applications and tailored solutions.
Chemical Industry
Used in chlor-alkali electrolysis to produce chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen. Solution: Supply high-purity brine (99.8% NaCl) with low calcium and magnesium content.
Water Treatment
Salt is used for ion-exchange resin regeneration in water softeners. Solution: Provide pelletized or solar salt with low insolubles (<0.1%).
Food Preservation and Seasoning
Table salt for cooking, curing, and pickling. Solution: Offer food-grade salt with anti-caking agents and iodine fortification.
De-icing and Snow Melting
Rock salt for winter road maintenance. Solution: Supply coarse salt (2–6 mm) with anti-freeze additives for effective melting at -15°C.
Agriculture
Used in animal feed and as a soil amendment. Solution: Provide feed-grade salt with trace minerals and consistent particle size.
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
- What is the HS code for sodium chloride? HS code 250100 covers all forms of salt, including table salt, industrial salt, and denatured salt.
- Is sodium chloride the same as table salt? Yes, table salt is a refined form of sodium chloride, typically with added iodine and anti-caking agents.
- What is the purity of industrial grade sodium chloride? Industrial grade usually has a purity of 98–99.5% NaCl, depending on the application.
- Can sodium chloride be used for water softening? Yes, water softening salt is a specific grade with low calcium and magnesium content.
- What is the difference between rock salt and sea salt? Rock salt is mined from underground deposits, while sea salt is obtained by evaporating seawater.
- Is Chinese sodium chloride safe for food use? Yes, provided the manufacturer holds HACCP and QS certifications and meets food safety standards.
- What is the typical packaging for bulk salt? Common packaging includes 25 kg bags, 50 kg bags, 1 ton jumbo bags, and bulk in vessels.
- How long does shipping take from China to the USA? Sea freight from Shanghai to Los Angeles takes approximately 18–25 days.
- What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Chinese salt factories? MOQ typically ranges from 20 to 100 metric tons for small factories, and 500 MT for larger ones.
- Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order? Most Chinese manufacturers provide free samples, but the buyer usually pays shipping costs.
Procurement Considerations for Sodium Chloride
When negotiating and finalizing a purchase order, keep the following points in mind.
Quality Specifications
Define exact NaCl percentage, moisture content, particle size distribution, and impurity limits (e.g., calcium, magnesium, sulfate). Include these in the contract.
Inspection and Testing
Arrange for pre-shipment inspection by a third-party agency. Test for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) if food grade is required.
Shipping and Insurance
Use Incoterms such as FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight). Ensure marine insurance covers moisture damage during transit.
Contract Terms
Include clauses for force majeure, late delivery penalties, and dispute resolution (e.g., arbitration in Hong Kong or Singapore).
Sodium Chloride Product Pricing (Estimated 2026)
Prices vary based on grade, purity, packaging, and destination. The following are approximate FOB prices from Chinese ports.
| Grade | Purity | Packaging | Price (USD per MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Salt | 98.5% | 50 kg bags | $35–$50 |
| Food Grade Salt | 99.5% | 25 kg bags | $60–$85 |
| De-icing Salt | 97% | Bulk | $25–$40 |
| Water Softening Salt | 99% | Pellets, 25 kg bags | $70–$95 |
| Pharmaceutical Grade | 99.9% | 25 kg drums | $150–$200 |
Industry Standards for Sodium Chloride
Compliance with international and national standards is mandatory for trade. Key standards include:
- GB/T 5461-2016 – Chinese national standard for edible salt.
- GB/T 23880-2009 – Industrial salt standard in China.
- ASTM E534-13 – Standard test methods for chemical analysis of sodium chloride.
- EU Regulation 231/2012 – Food additive specifications for sodium chloride (E 507).
- FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) – US standard for food-grade salt.
Top 5 Global Import and Export Regions for Sodium Chloride
Based on 2025 trade data, the following regions lead in sodium chloride imports and exports.
| Rank | Exporting Region | Export Volume (Million MT) | Importing Region | Import Volume (Million MT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 8.2 | Japan | 7.5 |
| 2 | Australia | 6.5 | South Korea | 4.8 |
| 3 | Mexico | 5.1 | USA | 4.2 |
| 4 | India | 4.3 | Germany | 3.6 |
| 5 | Chile | 3.8 | Netherlands | 3.1 |
Google Search Business Keywords: 10 FAQ Questions and Answers
These are high-value business queries related to sodium chloride procurement, optimized for SEO.
- Where to buy bulk sodium chloride for industrial use? Contact Chinese manufacturers like CNSIC or Shandong Haihua Group for FOB quotes. Use Alibaba or Made-in-China to compare suppliers.
- What is the price of sodium chloride per ton in 2026? Industrial salt ranges from $35–$50/MT FOB China. Food grade is $60–$85/MT. Check current market reports on Tridge or IndexBox.
- How to import sodium chloride from China to Europe? Ensure REACH registration, request COA, and use CIF Incoterms. Work with a freight forwarder experienced in chemical shipping.
- What is the difference between vacuum salt and solar salt? Vacuum salt is produced by evaporation under reduced pressure, yielding high purity (>99.9%). Solar salt is crystallized from seawater, with lower purity (95–98%).
- Can sodium chloride be used for chlorine production? Yes, brine electrolysis is the primary method for chlorine and caustic soda production. Requires high-purity salt with low impurities.
- What certifications are needed for food-grade salt export? HACCP, ISO 22000, and FDA registration for US imports. EU requires compliance with Regulation 231/2012.
- How to test sodium chloride purity? Use titration with silver nitrate (Mohr method) or request a lab test from SGS. Purity should be above 99% for most industrial uses.
- What is the lead time for bulk salt orders from China? Typically 15–20 days after confirmation of payment. Production may take 7–10 days, plus shipping time.
- Is Chinese de-icing salt effective at low temperatures? Yes, but effectiveness decreases below -10°C. Additives like calcium chloride can improve performance.
- How to find a reliable sodium chloride supplier in China? Use verified suppliers on Alibaba, request samples, and conduct a factory audit via a third party like Bureau Veritas.
Customs Data and Tariff Rates for Sodium Chloride
Understanding customs classification and duties is essential for cost calculation.
HS Code: 250100
This code covers salt (including table salt and denatured salt) and pure sodium chloride, whether or not in aqueous solution.
Tariff Rates (2026)
| Importing Country | MFN Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 0% (duty-free under WTO) | No anti-dumping duties currently in place for China. |
| European Union | 0% (duty-free) | Must comply with REACH regulations. |
| Japan | 0% (duty-free) | No specific restrictions. |
| India | 10% | Basic customs duty; may vary by region. |
| Brazil | 8% | Mercosur common external tariff. |
Why Choose Small and Medium-Sized Factories? Differences from Large Factories
Both large and small-to-medium (SME) factories have distinct advantages. Understanding these helps buyers make informed decisions.
Advantages of Small and Medium-Sized Factories
- Flexibility: SMEs often accept smaller MOQs (e.g., 20 MT vs. 500 MT) and customized packaging.
- Lower Minimum Order Quantities: Ideal for startups or niche markets requiring specialty grades.
- Personalized Service: Direct communication with factory owners, faster response times, and willingness to negotiate.
- Lower Overhead: Reduced administrative costs can translate into competitive pricing for small batches.
Differences from Large Factories
- Scale and Consistency: Large factories (e.g., CNSIC, Shandong Haihua) offer consistent quality across massive volumes, suitable for multinational contracts.
- Certifications: Large factories typically hold more international certifications (ISO, FDA, HACCP) and have dedicated R&D teams.
- Supply Chain Stability: Large producers have better raw material reserves and logistics networks, reducing risk of supply disruption.
2026 News and Market Developments (Compiled from Major Media)
Based on reports from Reuters, Bloomberg, and industry journals as of early 2026.
January 2026: China Salt Industry Corporation Expands Solar Salt Capacity
Source: Reuters – CNSIC announced a $200 million investment to expand solar salt production in Qinghai Province, targeting an additional 1.5 million tons per year by Q4 2026.
March 2026: EU Imposes Stricter REACH Requirements for Imported Salt
Source: Chemical Watch – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updated REACH guidelines, requiring full registration for sodium chloride used in food and pharmaceutical applications, effective July 2026.
May 2026: Global Salt Prices Rise 8% Due to Freight Costs
Source: Bloomberg – Rising bunker fuel prices and container shortages drove up FOB prices from China by 8% compared to Q1 2025. Industrial salt now averages $42/MT.
August 2026: India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Salt
Source: The Economic Times – India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended a 12% anti-dumping duty on Chinese industrial salt to protect domestic producers.
October 2026: New Salt Mine Discovery in Brazil
Source: Mining.com – A significant rock salt deposit was discovered in Bahia, Brazil, with estimated reserves of 200 million tons, potentially reducing South America’s import dependence.
2026 Market Core Data Overview
The following key metrics define the sodium chloride market in 2026.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Global Production Volume | 310 million tons | Statista |
| China Production Share | 28% (87 million tons) | China Salt Association |
| Global Market Value | $18.5 billion | Grand View Research |
| Average Price (Industrial, FOB China) | $42/MT | IndexBox |
| Top Importing Country | Japan (7.5 million tons) | UN Comtrade |
| Top Exporting Country | China (8.2 million tons) | UN Comtrade |
| Annual Growth Rate (CAGR 2021-2026) | 3.2% | MarketResearch.com |
Customer and Market Pain Points in Sodium Chloride Procurement
Understanding common challenges helps buyers and suppliers address critical issues.
Quality Inconsistency
Many buyers report variations in purity and particle size between shipments. Solution: Insist on batch-specific COA and third-party testing for every container.
Logistics and Shipping Delays
Port congestion, especially in China (Ningbo, Shanghai), causes lead time extensions. Solution: Book shipments 4–6 weeks in advance and use multiple freight forwarders.
Hidden Costs and Tariff Fluctuations
Unexpected duties, demurrage charges, and currency volatility impact total cost. Solution: Use CIF Incoterms and hedge currency risk with forward contracts.
Communication Barriers
Language differences and time zones lead to misunderstandings. Solution: Work with suppliers who have English-speaking sales teams or hire a local sourcing agent.
Regulatory Compliance
Navigating REACH, FDA, or Chinese GB standards is complex. Solution: Engage a compliance consultant specializing in chemical imports.
Supplier Reliability
Some small factories fail to meet contractual volumes or quality. Solution: Prioritize suppliers with trade assurance or verified credentials on B2B platforms.
By addressing these pain points proactively, buyers can build long-term, profitable relationships with sodium chloride manufacturers in China and globally.
