This updated report on the development of the salt market in China deals with ongoing developments in the sector as it undergoes a period of fluctuation and change in the PRC. Includes manufacturing, sales, imports, exports and company profiles.
In recent times, salt consumption in China has grown rapidly as both direct consumer use and food processing industry use have developed. The rise in salt use is linked to strong growth in the Chinese economy, which has delivered consumers with raised average incomes that have allowed them to buy more packaged and processed food products – while maintaining high levels of salt use in home cooking. Salt use in the catering trade is another significant factor in the sector’s growth. Climbing average consumer incomes has boosted the catering trade, raising the volume of food prepared. In addition, the Chinese government has also identified certain mineral deficiencies in the Chinese diet – many of them linked to a lack of salt intake. Beijing has therefore launched a campaign to raise consumer awareness of the benefits of salt and increased salt intake, and is working closely with the food manufacturing and processing industry to promote better levels of mineral ingredients in processed foods. Notwithstanding these efforts, China’s salt industry is suffering from low prices, overproduction and reduced efficiency levels. A number of salt mines have closed in recent years. This report covers the market for edible salt in the People’s Republic of China. Sectors within this market include: Rock salt – unrefined and generally used in cooking. Table salt - ground and refined rock salt which can be fortified with iodine and treated with magnesium carbonate (lime) to prevent clumping. Sea salt - evaporated or distilled from sea water. Unrefined, it is called ‘sel gris’, or ‘grey’ salt. Curing salt - 94% salt and 6% sodium nitrate and invariably dyed pink to differentiate it from regular salt. Curing salt is used for charcuterie items, especially those being cold smoked. Sometimes potassium nitrate is used.