Salt Sold Or Used In The United States, By Product Form And Type

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of salt sold or used in the United States, categorized by product form—such as bulk, compressed pellets, packaged units, and pressed blocks—and by salt type, including vacuum and open pans, solar, rock, and brine. This information is crucial for understanding the salt market's structure, as salt serves a wide range of industrial, agricultural, and consumer applications. Tracking these figures helps stakeholders monitor supply trends, assess economic impacts, and make informed decisions related to production, distribution, and policy in sectors reliant on salt.

Analyzing the data from 2022 to 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends. The total quantity of salt sold or used remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 40,600 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 39,300 thousand metric tons in 2023. However, the total value decreased marginally from $2.42 billion to $2.40 billion. Bulk salt quantities dropped from 35,700 to 34,300 thousand metric tons, though its value increased from $1.31 billion to $1.18 billion, indicating possible price fluctuations or changes in product mix. Compressed pellets saw an increase in quantity from 1,510 to 1,710 thousand metric tons and a significant value rise from $335 million to $406 million, suggesting growing demand or higher prices for this form. Packaged salt quantities remained steady at about 3,120 thousand metric tons, with a modest value increase. Pressed blocks for livestock decreased slightly in quantity but maintained a substantial share in the total pressed blocks category. Overall, rock salt remains the dominant type by quantity and value, reflecting its extensive use in industrial and deicing applications.

TABLE 4
SALT SOLD OR USED IN THE UNITED STATES, BY PRODUCT FORM AND TYPE1, 2

(Thousand metric tons and thousand dollars)

	Vacuum and
	open pans			Solar			Rock			Brine		Total
Product form and year	Quantity		Value	Quantity		Value	Quantity		Value	Quantity	Value	Quantity		Value
2022:
Bulk	1050		114000	1920		156000	16100		885000	16700	152000	35700		1310000
Compressed pellets	1090		245000	423		89500	XX		XX	XX	XX	1510		335000
Packaged:
Less-than-5-pound units	248	e	NA	112	e	NA	18	e	NA	XX	XX	378	e	XX
5-pound or larger units	1540	e	NA	882	e	NA	318	e	NA	XX	XX	2740	e	XX
Total	1790		494000	994		185000	336		47000	XX	XX	3120		725000
Pressed blocks:
For livestock	13	e	NA	169	e	NA	36	e	NA	XX	XX	170	r, e	XX
For water treatment	16	e	NA	14	e	NA	XX		NA	XX	XX	78	r, e	XX
Total	29		6650	183		39900	36		5820	XX	XX	248		52400
Grand total	3950		859000	3520		470000	16400		938000	16700	152000	40600		2420000
2023:
Bulk	971		152000	1920		167000	14000		705000	17400	161000	34300		1180000
Compressed pellets	1250		289000	455		117000	XX		XX	XX	XX	1710		406000
Packaged:
Less-than-5-pound units	247	e	NA	136	e	NA	19	e	NA	XX	XX	379	e	XX
5-pound or larger units	1540	e	NA	906	e	NA	275	e	NA	XX	XX	2740	e	XX
Total	1780		51500	1040		204000	294		38500	XX	XX	3120		757000
Pressed blocks:
For livestock	20	e	NA	119	e	NA	36	e	NA	XX	XX	167	e	XX
For water treatment	48	e	NA	14	e	NA	XX		NA	XX	XX	75	e	XX
Total	68		13900	133		29100	36		10700	XX	XX	242		53700
Grand total	3910		506000	3550		518000	14300		754000	17400	161000	39300		2400000

eEstmiated. ^rRevised. NA Not available. XX Not applicable.

¹Table includes data available through February 11, 2025. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown (or same totals on other tables).

²As reported at salt production locations, the term “sold or used” indicates that some salt, usually salt brine, is not sold but is used for captive purposes by the plant or company. Because data do not include salt imported, purchased, and (or) sold from inventory from regional distribution centers, salt sold or used by type may differ from totals shown in tables 5 and 6, which are derived from company totals.