US tops Pakistan’s salt export markets by value

Main points

• The US was Pakistan's biggest salt export market by value.
• The UAE bought the largest quantity of Pakistani salt.
• Afghanistan, Britain and China completed the top five.

Pakistan exported more salt to the United States by value than to any other country in 2024, while the United Arab Emirates purchased the largest quantity, according to trade figures attributed to the World Bank's World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) database and UN Comtrade.

The United States ranked first, importing $15.40 million worth of Pakistani salt, equivalent to 50.73 million kilograms.

The United Arab Emirates followed with $13.01 million in imports but purchased a much larger quantity of 85.92 million kilograms.

This difference shows that the value of salt exports does not always correspond to the quantity shipped. Prices can vary depending on the type, quality, processing and packaging of the product.

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Afghanistan was Pakistan's third-largest market, importing $5.27 million worth of salt, followed by the United Kingdom at $4.92 million and China at $4.85 million.

Germany ranked sixth, purchasing $3.77 million worth of Pakistani salt, followed by Australia at $2.58 million.

Brazil, Malaysia and Canada completed the top 10, importing $2.11 million, $2.02 million and $1.61 million, respectively.

Together, these 10 markets accounted for approximately $55.5 million in reported export value and 293 million kilograms of salt.

Pakistan is known for its deposits of Himalayan pink salt, particularly those mined in Punjab's Salt Range, including the Khewra Salt Mine.

However, the trade figures cover salt products more broadly and should not be interpreted as exports of Himalayan pink salt alone.

Why Pakistan's salt trade matters

Salt is used in food production, chemical manufacturing and several industrial processes, making it an important commodity beyond household consumption.

Pakistan's export figures show how its salt industry serves both neighbouring countries and distant markets.

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The 2024 figures provide a historical snapshot rather than a measure of current export performance. Changes in global demand, prices and shipping costs may have affected trade patterns since then.