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This table presents detailed data on the quantity and customs value of salt imported into the United States, broken down by customs district for the years 2022 and 2023. Tracking imports at this granular level is crucial for understanding regional trade flows and supply chain dynamics within the salt industry. Salt is a vital commodity used across various sectors including chemical manufacturing, food processing, water treatment, and road deicing. Monitoring import volumes and values by district helps policymakers and industry stakeholders assess market trends, identify shifts in demand, and make informed decisions regarding trade policies and infrastructure investments.
Analysis of the data reveals a notable decline in total salt imports from 22.5 million metric tons valued at $666 million in 2022 to 15.7 million metric tons valued at $544 million in 2023. Several major customs districts experienced significant decreases; for example, Chicago’s imports dropped sharply from 4.21 million metric tons to 1.04 million metric tons, with a corresponding value decrease from $66.7 million to $29.5 million. Similarly, Boston’s imports fell by more than half, from 1.15 million metric tons to 545,000 metric tons. Conversely, some districts such as Laredo, TX, saw an increase in quantity from 1.54 million to 2.03 million metric tons, although the value rose only modestly. Other districts like San Diego, CA, also experienced growth in imports, nearly doubling from 192,000 to 450,000 metric tons. These shifts suggest changing trade routes and sourcing strategies, possibly influenced by economic factors, transportation costs, or supply chain disruptions. Overall, the data underscores a contraction in U.S. salt imports with regional variations that merit further investigation.
| TABLE 12 | ||||||||||
| U.S. IMPORTS OF SALT, BY CUSTOMS DISTRICT1 | ||||||||||
| (Thousand metric tons and thousand dollars) | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||
| District | Quantity | Value2 | Quantity | Value2 | ||||||
| Baltimore, MD | 978 | 39600 | 692 | 19200 | ||||||
| Boston, MA | 1150 | 40300 | 545 | 27000 | ||||||
| Buffalo, NY | 152 | 9290 | 165 | 8510 | ||||||
| Charleston, SC | 149 | 7040 | 122 | 5130 | ||||||
| Chicago, IL | 4210 | r | 66700 | 1040 | 29500 | |||||
| Cleveland, OH | 253 | 8940 | 263 | 9800 | ||||||
| Columbia-Snake, OR | 136 | 5720 | 139 | 5900 | ||||||
| Detroit, MI | 916 | 46000 | 754 | 29600 | ||||||
| Duluth, MN | 70 | 7510 | 81 | 8750 | ||||||
| El Paso, TX | 25 | 83 | (3) | 53 | ||||||
| Houston-Galveston, TX | 5 | 5970 | 5 | 6580 | ||||||
| Laredo, TX | 1540 | 4910 | 2030 | 5280 | ||||||
| Los Angeles, CA | 174 | 17300 | 166 | 16400 | ||||||
| Miami, FL | 9 | 3370 | 165 | 3260 | ||||||
| Milwaukee, WI | 736 | 23900 | 881 | 28400 | ||||||
| Minneapolis, MN | 313 | 10700 | 387 | 12400 | ||||||
| Mobile, AL | 9 | 5680 | 10 | 6980 | ||||||
| New Orleans, LA | 1240 | 34700 | 898 | 19900 | ||||||
| New York, NY | 3750 | 93000 | 2920 | 79600 | ||||||
| Nogales, AZ | 2410 | r | 3810 | 170 | 4880 | |||||
| Norfolk, VA | 233 | 68000 | 88 | 73200 | ||||||
| Ogdensburg, NY | 106 | 5410 | 139 | 4930 | ||||||
| Pembina, ND | 128 | 13600 | 143 | 15500 | ||||||
| Philadelphia, PA | 1200 | 34600 | 1020 | 26400 | ||||||
| Portland, ME | 820 | 29200 | 787 | 23200 | ||||||
| Providence, RI | 464 | 12200 | 420 | 8010 | ||||||
| San Diego, CA | 192 | 6420 | 450 | 9290 | ||||||
| San Francisco, CA | 179 | 8270 | 191 | 4640 | ||||||
| Savannah, GA | 127 | 4710 | 49 | 3750 | ||||||
| Seattle, WA | 193 | 9810 | 148 | 9830 | ||||||
| St. Albans, VT | 14 | 1880 | 11 | 1400 | ||||||
| Tampa, FL | 492 | 22300 | 578 | 23100 | ||||||
| Wilmington, NC | 146 | 10800 | 95 | 8430 | ||||||
| Other4 | 33 | 4520 | 153 | 5480 | ||||||
| Total | 22500 | r | 666000 | 15700 | 544000 | |||||
rRevised. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through January 30, 2025. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States code for salt is 2501.00.0000.
2Customs value.
3Less than ½ unit.
4Includes imports through 7 other customs districts.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Salt statistics | Mineral commodity prices