United States
IndiaAccording to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2025, Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade – Vacuum and Open Pan, FOB Houston) prices in the USA decreased marginally by -0.85% to USD 232 per metric ton. The market saw a slight decline as stable de-icing demand was counterbalanced by improved salt inventories and consistent domestic production.
Supply conditions remained balanced, with no major disruptions reported in local mining and refining operations. While winter demand provided some support, sufficient stock levels and steady output prevented any significant upward price movement.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade – Vacuum and Open Pan, FOB Houston) prices in the USA increased to USD 239.53 per metric ton from a modest +3.17% quarter-on-quarter. The market continued to be supported by firm demand by key industries like water softening systems and the chemical manufacturing of Chlorine-related chemicals. Regular offtake in these downstream applications helped to support pricing pressure, while supply conditions otherwise remained little changed.
Geopolitical tensions and continued conflict in major salt-producing areas had a dramatic impact on market dynamics during the period. The ongoing Eastern European war continued to undermine conventional supply chains and manufacturing bases, restricting export from the affected areas. Numerous organizations amplified their purchases from local providers to avoid supply risks due to international conflicts.
The supply chain disintegration triggered by war also instigated more downstream industries, especially the strategic chemicals industries, to hoard more, further augmenting domestic consumption. Local production operated easily and quietly with no major disruptions, delivering a steady stream of material to the market.
International supply chains were also more liquid, with some increase in imports contributing to total inventory levels. But import volumes were still limited due to war-related shipping interruptions and sanctions on many traditional supplier nations. But this did not exert strong downward pressure, as domestic consumption matched supply, preventing stock piling.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2024, the USA’s Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade – Vacuum and Open Pan, FOB Houston) market saw a marginal price increase of +0.45%, settling at USD 222 per metric ton. The rise was primarily due to steady demand from the food and pharmaceutical sectors, weather-related disruptions in mining activities, and increasing labor costs at production facilities. While supply remained largely stable, these factors exerted mild upward pressure on prices.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2024, Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade – Vacuum and Open Pan, FOB Houston) prices in the USA increased by +1.80%, reaching USD 226 per metric ton. This upward movement was supported by growing demand from the chemical and food processing industries, seasonal depletion of salt inventories, and rising energy prices, which elevated production costs. Despite stable supply conditions, these combined factors contributed to a firmer pricing environment.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q3 2024, Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade – Vacuum and Open Pan, FOB Houston) prices in the USA rose by +1.33% to USD 229 per metric ton. The increase was attributed to sustained demand from industrial applications and water treatment sectors, alongside production challenges caused by unfavourable weather conditions. Higher freight costs within domestic supply chains further exacerbated pricing pressures, as logistical bottlenecks limited the smooth movement of bulk salt shipments.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q4 2024, Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade – Vacuum and Open Pan, FOB Houston) prices in the USA increased by +2.18%, reaching USD 234 per metric ton. This rise was driven by moderate winter de-icing demand, steady consumption from the food and chemical industries, and logistical constraints due to seasonal weather disruptions, which tightened local supply. Despite stable production levels, reduced transportation efficiency during winter months contributed to slight market tightness, supporting the upward price trend.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2025, Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade, Ex-Vadodara) prices in India declined by -1.83%, settling at USD 53.7 per metric ton. The downward trend was primarily driven by easing demand following the post-holiday season, as industrial procurement slowed after year-end stockpiling. Additionally, an abundant supply of raw salt from domestic producers helped alleviate cost pressures, preventing any significant price hikes.
Lower purchasing activity from key downstream sectors, including chemical manufacturing and food processing, further contributed to the subdued market. Despite stable export volumes, the absence of major supply disruptions or logistical bottlenecks ensured that prices remained under moderate downward pressure.Â
According to the PriceWatch, During Q2 2025, Industrial, Powder, Ex-Vadodara prices of Sodium Chloride declined in India to USD 46.28 per metric ton, which is a steep -13.92% quarter-on-quarter drop. Seasonal pressures specifically targeted the market with vicious production and logistics conditions becoming feasible with the onset of monsoons.
Conventional salt making areas suffered operational challenges with heavy rain activities interrupting solar evaporation operations and open-yard drying operations. The effect of monsoon season on salt production was severely felt during the quarter.
Heavy rainfall in major manufacturing centres in Gujarat and other coastal areas compelled most producers to reduce operations or suspend manufacturing activity for a brief period. The climatic conditions of the season made it virtually impossible to hold consistent levels of quality standard for industrial-grade powder as moisture content was becoming unmanageable in outdoor units.
Inventory and storage management grew more challenging as the monsoon intensified. Stockpiles were under threat of quality reduction due to high humidity, forcing producers to adopt expensive protective measures or accept substandard material. Most manufacturers were racing against time to dump stock before the peak monsoon period, so a most aggressive price cutting and ruthless discounting swept the market.
Domestic utilization capacity crashed as conventional salt works had their infrastructure waterlogged and drying equipment damaged. Downstream industries of water treatment and chemical production adjusted purchasing plans, looking for the seasonal price fall to inventory ahead of the post-monsoon pick-up.
The change in the purchasing pattern further depressed the price as buyers postponed transactions, hoping for more weakness in the monsoon season. The war disruptions further affected India’s import-export balance for salt commodities. World freight rates went up due to route diversions caused by the war and war-insurance premiums, and Indian salt became less competitive in foreign markets.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2024, the Indian Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade, Ex-Vadodara) market experienced a -0.42% decline, with prices settling at USD 47.6 per metric ton. This minor contraction reflected a stabilization phase following previous quarters of volatility. Key factors influencing the trend included adequate domestic production, which ensured sufficient supply, and softened export demand as global buyers turned to alternative suppliers. Additionally, subdued procurement from downstream industries—partly due to inventory adjustments—kept prices in check. While logistical and labor costs remained a concern, the absence of major supply disruptions helped maintain a balanced market, preventing any significant price swings.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2024, Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade, Ex-Vadodara) prices in India witnessed a sharp +9.66% increase, climbing to USD 52.2 per metric ton from the previous quarter. This significant jump was attributed to a rebound in industrial demand, particularly from the food processing and chemical manufacturing sectors, as economic activity picked up post-Q1 lull. Seasonal factors, including higher consumption in water treatment applications, further bolstered market dynamics. On the trade front, a resurgence in international demand led to increased export volumes, tightening domestic supply. Although local salt production remained stable, the combination of heightened domestic and overseas demand created upward pricing pressure. Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q3 2024, the Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade, Ex-Vadodara) market in India recorded a +3.64% price surge, with values reaching USD 54.1 per metric ton. The upward movement was fueled by strong industrial demand, particularly from the food processing, chemical, and water treatment sectors, which maintained steady offtake. Additionally, rising transportation costs—due to fuel price hikes and monsoon-related disruptions—added to supply chain expenses, further inflating final product prices. Weather fluctuations in key salt-producing regions also led to temporary production slowdowns, tightening domestic availability. Despite these pressures, export demand remained resilient, contributing to the overall bullish market sentiment. Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q4 2024, Sodium Chloride (Industrial Grade, Ex-Vadodara) prices in India saw a +1.11% increase, reaching USD 54.7 per metric ton. This marginal rise was supported by year-end stockpiling activities across industries, as businesses secured inventories ahead of the new fiscal cycle. Sustained demand from the chemical and food sectors, coupled with stable export orders, provided additional support to pricing. On the supply side, favorable weather conditions facilitated uninterrupted salt production, ensuring adequate availability in the market. While logistical challenges persisted in some regions due to monsoon-related delays earlier in the year, improved supply chain efficiency helped balance the market, preventing sharper price fluctuations. Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Sodium Chloride, commonly known as salt, is a white crystalline solid primarily used in industrial and food sector. It is naturally sourced from seawater and rock salt deposits and is also produced synthetically in some cases. Sodium Chloride is a key raw material in various industries due to its versatile chemical properties.
Packaging Type
Sodium Chloride Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Sr. No. | Parameters | Unit | Standard | Actual Found |
| 1 | Appearance |  | White Crystalline free flow & free from clay girt, etc -impurities | White Crystalline free flow & free from clay girt, etc -impurities |
| 2 | Particle size |  |  |  |
|   | Passing through 850 Mic | % | 99±1 | 99 |
|   | Passing through 150 | % | Max.10 | 6.5 |
| 3 | Moisture | % | Max 0.5 | 0.3 |
| 4 | Water Insoluble | % | Max 0.10 | 0.05 |
| 5 | Sodium Chloride as a NaCl | % | Min 99 | 99.15 |
| 6Â | Calcium As a Ca++Â | %Â | Max 0.10Â | 0.09Â |
| 7Â | Magnesium As a Mg++Â | %Â | Max 0.06Â | 0.058Â |
| 8Â | Total Sulphate (As a So4–)Â | %Â | Max 0.40Â | 0.29Â |
| 9Â | Alkalinity (As a Na2C03)Â | %Â | Max 0.10Â | 0.1Â |
| 11 | Lead (As a Pb) | PPM | Max 2 | less than 2 ppm |
| 12 | Arsenic (As a As) | PPM | Max 1 | less than 1 ppm |
| 13 | Iron (As a Fe) | PPM | Max 50 | less than 50 ppm |
| 14 | pH (5% Aqua Sol’n) |  | 7±0.5 | 7 |
| 15 | Black Particle | Nos | 20/ Per Kg | 14 |
Sodium Chloride Applications
Sodium Chloride is widely used in a variety of industries. In the chemical industry, it serves as a key raw material in the production of Chlorine, Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide), and other Sodium-based compounds. It is essential in water treatment plants for softening water, and in the food processing industry as a preservative and flavour enhancer. The pharmaceutical industry uses Sodium Chloride in the formulation of saline solutions and medical treatments. Additionally, it is used extensively in de-icing roads and highways during winter, and in oil drilling operations as a component of drilling fluids. It also plays a role in the leather tanning industry and in the manufacture of detergents and soaps.Â
These events highlight the Sodium Chloride market’s sensitivity to weather conditions, geopolitical issues, and global trade dynamics, reinforcing the need for vigilant market monitoring.Â
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global sodium chloride price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the sodium chloride market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence sodium chloride prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely sodium chloride market data.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Sodium Chloride, commonly known as salt, is a white crystalline solid primarily used in industrial and food sector. It is naturally sourced from seawater and rock salt deposits and is also produced synthetically in some cases. Sodium Chloride is a key raw material in various industries due to its versatile chemical properties.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Sr. No. | Parameters | Unit | Standard | Actual Found |
| 1 | Appearance |  | White Crystalline free flow & free from clay girt, etc -impurities | White Crystalline free flow & free from clay girt, etc -impurities |
| 2 | Particle size |  |  |  |
|   | Passing through 850 Mic | % | 99±1 | 99 |
|   | Passing through 150 | % | Max.10 | 6.5 |
| 3 | Moisture | % | Max 0.5 | 0.3 |
| 4 | Water Insoluble | % | Max 0.10 | 0.05 |
| 5 | Sodium Chloride as a NaCl | % | Min 99 | 99.15 |
| 6Â | Calcium As a Ca++Â | %Â | Max 0.10Â | 0.09Â |
| 7Â | Magnesium As a Mg++Â | %Â | Max 0.06Â | 0.058Â |
| 8Â | Total Sulphate (As a So4–)Â | %Â | Max 0.40Â | 0.29Â |
| 9Â | Alkalinity (As a Na2C03)Â | %Â | Max 0.10Â | 0.1Â |
| 11 | Lead (As a Pb) | PPM | Max 2 | less than 2 ppm |
| 12 | Arsenic (As a As) | PPM | Max 1 | less than 1 ppm |
| 13 | Iron (As a Fe) | PPM | Max 50 | less than 50 ppm |
| 14 | pH (5% Aqua Sol’n) |  | 7±0.5 | 7 |
| 15 | Black Particle | Nos | 20/ Per Kg | 14 |
Applications
Sodium Chloride is widely used in a variety of industries. In the chemical industry, it serves as a key raw material in the production of Chlorine, Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide), and other Sodium-based compounds. It is essential in water treatment plants for softening water, and in the food processing industry as a preservative and flavour enhancer. The pharmaceutical industry uses Sodium Chloride in the formulation of saline solutions and medical treatments. Additionally, it is used extensively in de-icing roads and highways during winter, and in oil drilling operations as a component of drilling fluids. It also plays a role in the leather tanning industry and in the manufacture of detergents and soaps.Â
Sodium Chloride prices are influenced by several factors, including raw material availability, production costs, transportation expenses, and demand from key industries such as food processing, chemical manufacturing, and de-icing. Seasonal demand fluctuations, particularly in winter for road de-icing, and geopolitical events can also impact pricing. Additionally, regulatory changes regarding food safety and environmental standards may affect production practices and costs.
The balance between supply and demand plays a crucial role in determining Sodium Chloride prices. When demand from major markets, like the USA and India, rises-especially for industrial and food-grade applications-prices tend to increase. Conversely, abundant supply from producers can lead to a decrease in prices. Procurement heads should closely monitor global production levels and consumption trends to anticipate price movements and manage their purchasing strategies effectively.
Sodium Chloride prices can vary significantly across regions due to differences in production capacities, local demand, and transportation costs. For example, prices in the USA may differ from those in India, reflecting varying market dynamics and production methods. Procurement teams should analyse these regional price differences to optimize sourcing strategies, potentially exploring cost-effective suppliers in regions with lower prices or higher production efficiencies.