Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water

HS code 250100 covers a wide range of salt products, including table salt, denatured salt, and pure sodium chloride. Salt is a fundamental commodity that plays a crucial role in various industries, from food processing to chemical manufacturing. As a basic mineral resource, the global salt industry is closely tied to the broader economy, with demand fluctuating based on industrial and consumer needs.

The production of salt primarily involves the extraction and processing of salt from natural sources, such as salt mines, salt lakes, and seawater. The most common methods include solar evaporation, rock salt mining, and solution mining. In solar evaporation, seawater or brine is allowed to evaporate in large, shallow ponds, leaving behind salt crystals. Rock salt mining involves the mechanical extraction of salt deposits from underground mines, while solution mining utilizes hot water to dissolve and extract salt from underground deposits.

The main inputs required for the salt industry include the natural salt resources, such as rock salt deposits or seawater, as well as the equipment and machinery necessary for extraction, processing, and refining. This includes pumps, evaporation ponds, drying equipment, and packaging materials. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce to operate the production facilities and maintain the necessary infrastructure.

The primary outputs of the salt industry are various forms of salt, including table salt, industrial salt, and specialty salts. These products are then consumed by a wide range of industries, such as 270111 Food and Beverage, 281512 Chemical, and 252010 Construction. The salt industry also produces by-products, such as magnesium chloride and potassium chloride, which can be used in other industries.