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Global demand for salt is forecast to grow 2.5 percent per year to 305 million metric tons in 2013. Expansion of salt demand in developing countries will more than offset the expected contraction of salt markets in advanced economies, according to a report titled World Salt made available by Reportlinker.com

The large chemical manufacturing market will generate the majority of additional demand between 2008 and 2013 due to strong expansion of chemical manufacturing activity in China. This country was the largest consumer of salt in 2008, mostly due to its sizable chemical manufacturing industry, but also because of the dietary needs of China's 1.3 billion residents. China accounted for nearly one-quarter of global salt demand in 2008, and is projected to be the fastest growing major national market between 2008 and 2013 as its economy continues to expand robustly.

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Because China's domestic salt production is not expected to keep up with demand, China is forecast to be the fastest growing salt importer. Salt demand in emerging economies (e.g., India, Ukraine) is forecast to grow particularly fast through 2013, as their continuing industrialization increases their use of salt as an input for chemical manufacturing and other industries. These countries will also be among the fastest growing salt producers, as their domestic salt industries expand to meet local demand, Reportlinker.com report said.

Chemical production market to grow faster than average
Chemical manufacturing is the principal use for salt, and accounted for the majority of demand in 2008. Most demand in this market is generated by chloralkali and synthetic soda ash producers, which use salt as the primary raw material. Approximately one-half of salt consumed by the chemical manufacturing market is concentrated in the Asia/ Pacific region, which accounts for the largest share of global chemical manufacturing activity. Although an expected deceleration in chemical manufacturing activity will slow growth of related salt demand, this market is forecast to grow faster than average between 2008 and 2013.

Solar evaporation method to gain market share
In 2008, solar evaporation was the most popular method of producing salt, owing to its widespread use in the Africa/ Mideast, Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions. In areas with a favorable climate, this is the most economical method of producing salt. Solar evaporation is projected to account for an increasing share of global salt production through 2013. In 2008, rock salt and brine accounted for the largest share of salt production in North America and Western Europe.

The study, World Salt, presents historical demand data (1998, 2003 and 2008) plus forecasts for 2013 and 2018 by salt production method, market, world region and for 20 countries. The study also considers key market environment factors, evaluates company market share and profiles global industry competitors. (Courtesy: PRNewswire)

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