I want to understand the demand drivers for salt imports into China. 
What are the projected import requirements for salt into china through
2010, and how do i think about this question?  Finally, what is the
available amount of salt for use domestically and salt for import. 
Thanks,

---

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 28 Dec 2005 10:18 PST

Hello, pb_east-ga, 

Perhaps you can clarify your question a bit if necessary.

Currently, China is one of the world's top salt producers. As such,
salt is not a major import.

You have also stated..."how do i think about this question?" 

As you look over the following references, please let me know if there
is some clear direction you would like a researcher to follow.....

=

"China's leading export minerals are tungsten, antimony, tin,
magnesium, molybdenum, mercury, manganese, barite, and  **  salt. ** 
China is among the world's four top producers of antimony, magnesium,
tin, tungsten, and zinc, and ranks second (after the United States) in
the production of salt...
http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/china/

=

From "China ranks second worldwide in salt production:

"Mao Qingguo, general manager of China National Salt Industry
Corporation, said on October 19 China has become the world's second
largest salt producer with its salt production accounting for 18
percent of world total. In particular, China's marine salt production
tops the world. Mao made the above remarks while attending the Asia
Salt Industry Forum held in Beijing. According to Mao Qingguo, in 2004
China's salt production capability reached 47 million tons or so.
China's salt production was 43-odd million tons, of which marine salt
made up 60 percent, well and rock salt 30 percent and lake salt 10
percent. Mao said China's demand for salt is on the rise with the fast
development of the economy, predicting that the salt industry will
continue to grow fast."
http://english.people.com.cn/200510/20/eng20051020_215576.html

=

See the following list of major commodity imports into China and note
the absence of salt:
http://www.china.org.cn/e-company/05-11-15/page050919.htm

=

Please let us know exactly what you need in light of the above references.

umiat

---

Clarification of Question by pb_east-ga on 28 Dec 2005 11:45 PST

Dear Umiat-ga,

Interesting data points. My understanding is this, provided by a
company in Australia investing heavily to increase salt production
(may be biased), that china imported zero in 2004, but is on target to
import 4mil tonnes in 2005, from a total sea-going tradeable market of
40mil.  As seen in this article
(http://thestandard.com.hk/news_print.asp?art_id=6596&sid=5618567), it
is still a government monopoly and as such i suspect demand/supply
drivers are imperfect.  I am trying to understand where demand is
projected to go and how much supply will be met internally (which i
suppose is a different question than 'can' be met internally), and how
much will need to come from the sea-going tradeable market (e.g.
imported).  As such, I don't put that much credence in Mao Qingguo's
comments, but am a novice in the industry.  Thanks much,

---

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 28 Dec 2005 13:03 PST

Thanks for clarifying. I did not understand that you were referring
exclusively to the table (edible) salt market, which I am assuming
based on the article you referenced.

You might need to access market research reports for the in-depth data
you are seeking as I doubt there is sufficient material online.

See "Salt in China - A Market Analysis."

"This report covers the market for edible salt in the People?s
Republic of China. Salt consumption in China has grown rapidly as both
direct consumer use and food processing industry use have developed."
http://www.marketresearch.com/map/prod/894182.html

or

"China Salt." 
http://www.manta.com/coms2/summary_0297-300_ITM

"Snapdata's China Salt 2004 report provides 2003 year-end market data,
with 2004 estimates and five-year forecasts. The report gives an
instant overview of the Chinese salt market, and covers edible salt,
salt for industrial use, and salt products. The data is supplied in
both graphical and tabular format for ease of interpretation and
analysis. China Salt 2004 forms part of Snapdata's Chemicals & Allied
Products industry coverage."

or

"The 2006-2011 World Outlook for Table Salt, Pepper, and Other Spices."  
Published by Icon Group International, Inc. - April 5, 2005  
http://www.foodnavigator.com/marketreport/results.asp?catName=514&productID=1106794&detail=abstract

=

I did find some sources of import/export data for salt (edible and
non-edible) in 2003 and 2004, as well as a few articles, but no
projections.

The China Chemical Reports require a subscription for full access but
I did manage to access these references for free.

From "Import and Export Data for China in 2003." China Chemical Report.
http://www.ccr.com.cn/text/I&E2002a.html

25010011 edible salt 

Import:

KG        USD     kg/USD 
995069   454997   0.457 


Export:

KG          USD        kg/USD
123403452   6451871    0.052 

=

25010019 other salt 

Import:

KG           USD       kg/USD  
373601517   8550349    0.023  


Export:

KG            USD       kg/USD
1015061869   28543483   0.028 

=


From "Import and Export Data in China - May 2004." China Chemical Report.
http://ccr.com.cn/Images/0419.pdf

25010019 Salt (other salt)

Import Quantity (kg) - 54453201
May 2004 Value (USD) - 1449
Export Quantity (kg) - 25505718
May 2004 Value (USD - 1042
 
==

Read "China's Salt Sector Still Troubled by Oversupply." August 2003.
http://english.people.com.cn/200308/09/eng20030809_122009.shtml

Also read "Salt market to be standardized." May 11,2005  
http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/column/print.shtml?/counselorsreport/asiareport/200505/20050500088040

==

Let me know if there is any other direction I can go which might be
helpful. Again, "freely available" information for projections and
internal drivers in the market looks quite scarce. Market reports
might be the best way to go.

umiat

---

Clarification of Question by pb_east-ga on 28 Dec 2005 13:43 PST

Umiat-ga, Thanks for that information on table salt.  I will have a
look at it.  However, I am interested in salt generally, choride for
industrial use as well (primary input in glass and pvc pipe (the "c"
in pvc).  Any thing else you can find on the market for chloride and
salt generally into china, particularly demand forecasts, would be
extremely useful (but i don't want to exceed my limit on
clarifications...?)

Thanks very much in advance for your work,

---

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 28 Dec 2005 13:53 PST

Clarifications can go on endlessly. Don't worry. I am more concerned
that you get what you are seeking. I will have a further look around
and see if I can find anything further. I will then let you know what
else I have found in a final clarification and see if you feel you
have received enough information for the fee you have posted. (Right
now, I have to get my daughter to the airport!) I will get back on
this in a few hours.

---

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 28 Dec 2005 18:55 PST

Hello again, pb_east-ga!

 After several more hours of searching, I am still intrigued by the
Australian source you are privy to concerning potential projected salt
imports to China. I have found absolutely no information concerning
future projected "need" for salt imports. I am not sure if the absence
of such information, coupled with the additional references I have
provided below, help to answer your questions in a "roundabout way,"
but if so, please let me know and I will post what I have compiled
through clarifications in the answer box.

Otherwise, I have hit a dead end! 

=

This is one of the few references I have seen that even touches on the
issues you raise in your question:

From "Salt demand continues to rise, but there are black clouds." December 2001
http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/38/0c009b38.asp

"The salt market in the Asia-Pacific region is dominated by production
in China and Australia. It benefits from a growing chemical market in
Southeast Asia and a considerable demand for salt in food from a
rapidly growing regional population."

"The prospect of China?s entry into the World Trade Organisation is
also significant, as it should enable foreign companies to take
controlling stakes in Chinese companies and make it easier to set up
Chinese subsidiaries. Roskill says that the transition to a more
efficient and globally competitive industry may prove to be difficult
for China?s state-owned salt business unless sufficient investment is
made available from the outset."

==

Also see these excerpts from Straits Resources: (perhaps this is the
report you have referred to)

"At 45 million tonnes per annum the USA is the largest producer of
salt followed by China at 32 million tonnes per annum. Industrial
growth, particularly in China, will fuel demand for construction
materials such as PVC, which in turn will require the raw inputs from
the
synthetic soda ash and chlor-alkali chemical industries.  Population
expansion and increasing affluence will fuel growth in human
consumption of salt in China and SE Asia."

"Assuming relatively modest growth of 3% per annum, the total Asian
market requires new production capacity in excess of 1 million tonnes
per annum. China is the only significant Asian producer and uses
outdated manufacturing techniques to produce low quality salt. This
represents an opportunity for Australian exports to feed into the
region."

From "Straits Evaluates Major Salt Project." 19 August 2003
http://www.straits.com.au/files/News/2003/Straits_Evaluates_Major_Salf_Project_!20030819.pdf

==

Everything else I have found seems to highlight China as a leader in
salt production!

Some data:

"The gross output of sea salt in China still ranks first in the world;.."

From "Best time in history for marine industries," By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-02-01 http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-02/01/content_414010.htm

=

"China now has more than 50 salt fields along its coast, with a
combined acreage of 337,000 hectares. Sea salt constitutes over 70
percent of China's total production of crude salt, with its output
reaching 23.19 million tons in 2004,

** ranking first worldwide."

From China.org
http://www.china.org.cn/english/en-sz2005/zr/zrzy-hy.htm

=

"Marine Salt and Marine Chemical Industries: China's marine salt
output has been in the first place in the world for many years. In
2003, the marine salt output value was 11.971 billion yuan, accounting
for 1.2 percent of the total output value of China's marine industry.
The total output value of marine chemical industry was 12.333 billion
yuan, taking up 1.2 percent of the total of China's marine industry.
The added-value of the industries rose 17.3 percent. The output value
of Tianjin marine chemical industry accounted for 58.2 percent of the
total in the country."

From Statistical Communique of China's Marine Economy." 
http://english.gov.cn/2005-08/08/content_21177.htm

=

From a market report introduction which again highlights China as a
major producer of salt: http://www.biz-lib.com/ZGO70666.html

"The world salt market is forecast to be worth $US6.9 billion by 2005.
The largest producers of salt are the USA, China and Germany, while
Japan is the leading importer. The largest salt consuming region is
Asia, accounting for 30% of world consumption."

=

"The national salt industry is facing the situation that production
exceeds marketing. The State practises the principle of limiting the
production of the salt industry and controls the production of crude
salt by administrative means. In 1998, the output of sea salt is 15.58
million tons, 24.85% down from that in the previous year and the gross
output value of salt industry is 7.50 billion yuan, dropping 14.7% as
against that in the previous year."

See links for:

Fig.9 Output of Sea Salt and Gross Output Value of Sea Salt Industry

Fig.10 Output of Crude Salt by Coastal Regions, 1998

From "Condition of China?s Marine Economic Development in 1998."
http://wdc-d.coi.gov.cn/english/exxcp/ejjfx/1998/e1998.htm

=

A very basic overview of salt production in countries of the world
(including China) for 2001/2002 may be found in the following chart
from the U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January
2002:

See Chart -  "World Production, Reserves, and Reserve Base."
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/salt/580302.pdf

=

World Salt Production by country for the years 1990 - 2002 can be
found on the Salt Institute site:
http://www.saltinstitute.org/36.html

* 2002 production in China equaled 35 million metric tonnes

==

Consumption data:

Through 1995:

See Table 4.  "Salt consumption per capita (tons per person) in 17 of
the 20 most populous countries in the world."

From "Some Implications of Changing Patterns of Mineral Consumption,"
By W. David Menzie, John H. DeYoung, Jr., and Walter G. Steblez. U.S.
Geological Survey. http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-382/of03-382.html

==

Import/Export data: 

China Chemical Info Net provides a few membership options which will
allow you to view import/export statistics for various chemicals
(including salts) by month.

The homepage:
http://www.sinocheminfo.com/

See list of salt product codes:
http://www.sinocheminfo.com/asp/inoutstat/searchresult.asp?product=name&condition=include&searchyear=2003

See payment options:
http://www.sinocheminfo.com/log/eregister.htm

==

Additional market reports of interest:

"The Five Year Outlook for Asian Salt 2002-2007." Brochure
http://www.britishsulphur.com/FertilizerPages/fertilizer_brochures/AsianSalt2002-2007.pdf

Excerpt (see link for Table of Contents)

"There has been a considerable level of capacity & project
development, particularly in India, the Middle East and China. What
are the cost structures of these new producers and what would be their
competitive cost position on a delivered cost basis? What is the
prognosis for future supply/demand balance, and how will this
situation affect Australian and Mexican salt producers? Several
governments in Asia Pacific Rim are implementing moves
that will gradually dismantle the protection that has been provided to
local food-grade salt producers. Will this lead to an opening up of
this market to imports of food-grade salt? Salt producers, consumers,
traders and others working with the industry now need to re-evaluate
the directions of the business over the next five years.

The Five Year Outlook for Asian Salt 2002-2007 provides in a single
document a comprehensive analysis of these issues, together with a
statistical database. The 100+ page report can be used directly in
business planning, budgeting and investment evaluation."

==

Another market report which includes information on China might be of interest:

"The 2003 World Forecasts of Salts and Pure Sodium Chloride Export
Supplies." Icon Group International, Inc. August 20, 2002

 Abstract: http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=885689&xs=r&SID=18072461-339751271-357823210&curr=USD&kw=China&view=abs

 Table of Contents: http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=885689&xs=r&SID=18072461-339751271-357823210&curr=USD&kw=&view=toc

==

Also see "Salt Mining in China Statistical Analyses Report."
http://www.friedlnet.com/product_info.php?products_id=2158&show=toc&osCsid=9c7fc256996dbede2ee97298e62f36a4

==

 In no way do I mean to imply that the investment prospects pertaining
to potential future need for salt in China are bogus. It is simply
that I cannot substantiate them from what I have found in my research.
For this reason, I have also recommended the market research reports
that focus on consumption and demand for salt in China.

==

 Please let me know if the information I have found is of any use to you at all!

Sincerely,

umiat

---

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 29 Dec 2005 07:46 PST

I've searched further for information on China's PVC industry, and
while demand is growing, I have found no reference to a current or
future need to import sodium chloride.


See  "China Projected to Become Largest Consumer of PVC by 2005."
(Source: China Construction News, 04/11/2003 - Translated by Pingping Xie)
http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/ccb030523.html

See "China: A strong market for plastic resins and finished products -
- Increasing output of polyester fibres, polyethylen and polypropylen,
polyamide,   polycarbonate, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane and other
high-tech materials..."
http://www.dechema.de/6___Petrochemical-lang-en.html


From "Petrochemical and Plastics Industry Outlook for China."
http://www.kpmg.com.au/Portals/0/Petrochemical%20outlook%20for%20China_Sep%202005%20(2).pdf

Polyvinyl chloride - "Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has boomed since the
mid-1990s, thanks in large part to China?s ongoing construction boom.
Production climbed from 1.37 million tons in 1995 to 3.39 million tons
in 2002, while demand climbed 22.2 percent - the fastest rate
worldwide - from 1.87 million tons to 5.60 million tons. China is now
expected to become the world?s largest PVC market, overtaking the US
some time in 2005-06. Demand is forecast to rise 8.2 percent to 7.7
million metric tons in 2005 46, rising to 10 million metric tons by
2010 47."

Hello, pb_east-ga! 

In the absence of further response from you, and after considering
your last clarification concerning  sodium chloride as it relates to
PVC, I have pursued the angle that China might have a future need for
salt in connection with the PVC industry.

Aside from a quick summary of all the references I have provided in
previous clarifications, I have also included a few sources which
touch on the current and future need to import salt to China for PVC
manufacturing.

If you feel comfortable at some point, I would be curious to see a
link to the Australian company report you mentioned that mentions the
future export of 4 million tonnes of salt to China. It might help me
to define exactly what you are seeking. I searched this angle but came
up with nothing.

As far as further detailed analysis of the salt industry in China, I
am afraid you will have to purchase some market research reports if
you want serious numbers. I did find one current database of Chinese
imports and exports, but it was in Chinese!


China's PVC Industry and the Need for Salt
===========================================

The following powerpoint presentation highlights the present and
potential future shortage of salt which is required for China's PVC
manufacturing industry. One slide contains a chart depicting the
change in import and export levels of salt in 2004.

From "Outlook for the International PVC Market," by Stephen Harriman -
Harriman Chemsult. June 2005
http://www.institutodopvc.org/congresso/downloads/PAINEL%20I%20-%20STEPHEN%20HARRIMAN.ppt

* See slide - "Chinese Limiting Factors:"  

"The development of the vinyl industry in China is not without its
growing pains. These can be summarised:

* Raw materials shortage - 

power,

 **** salt **** 

and ethylene."


* See Slide - "Chinese Salt Trade Balance." (Shows trends in Export,
Import and Net Trade from 2001-2004 - with 2004 showing a marked
difference between other years.)

 The year 2004 reveals a marked difference from the previous years
concerning China's import and export of salt.


About PVC
----------

Although you probably know all of this, I have provided a few links
which demonstrate the use of salt as a raw material component of the
PVC industry.

"The basic raw materials for PVC are derived from salt and oil.
Chlorine is manufactured by the electrolysis of sodium chloride, salt.
This is why the first PVC manufacturing plants were located close to
natural sources of salt. The electrolysis of salt water produces
chlorine. The chlorine is then combined with ethylene that has been
obtained from oil. The resulting element is ethylene dichloride, which
is converted at very high temperatures to vinyl chloride monomer."

From "What is polyvinyl chloride?"
http://www.lenntech.com/Polyvinyl-Chloride-PVC.htm

=

"PVC differs from other plastics due to its low petroleum content.
Petroleum represents only 43% of its content, and rock salt represents
the other 53% of its makeup The starting raw materials for PVC
production are crude oil or natural gas and sodium chloride. The
hydrocarbon raw materials are converted to ethene (ethylene) and
sodium chloride is electrolyzed to produce chlorine."

From "PVC TAKES ITS PLACE IN MODERN SOCIETY," by JASON WHITMER.
http://members.aol.com/profchm/whitmer.html
 

==

** The following article notes that China has seen a jump in the
import of raw materials to manufacture PVC products (which confirms
the evidence in the powerpoint chart noted as my first link in the
answer)


"Upstream supply must be taken into consideration when aspiring to
churn out large amounts of PVC, as it is a petrochemical product and
is thus subject to the volatile price fluctuations on the crude oil
market.

"The first step in PVC production is reacting chlorine (extracted from
sea salt via electrolysis) with ethylene, a basic hydrocarbon
feedstock (see article The Petrochemical Industry), to produce the
first intermediate product - ethylene dichloride (EDC). EDC is then
decomposed at high temperatures to produce vinyl chloride monomer
(VCM), the second basic raw material in the production process. Via
the high-temperature decomposition process hydrogen chloride is
produced as a by-product, which is then reacted with more ethylene in
the presence of oxygen (known as oxychlorination) to produce more EDC.
The last step is the polymerization of VCM, which then yields the end
product PVC."

"Most companies in the PVC resin business import all the EDC and/or
VCM needed instead of producing the intermediaries from ethylene and
chlorine themselves.

***

"Import statistics as reported by the CCR reveal that raw materials
have been experiencing an annual jump in import growth greater than
that for the end-product PVC itself over the last few years."

***

See  "Analysis: Plastic Series 02 - The PVC Market in China
http://www.friedlnet.com/news/03033005.html


==


Sodium Chloride:

The following report has a freely viewable chart of "Supply/Demand for
Sodium Chloride by Major Region - 2004" (which includes China - in
"red") -  as well as an option to purchase the entire report, which
includes a section on China - Salient Statistics, Consumption and
Trade.

To view the Chart, click on the Summary link on the left side- "CEH
Report: Sodium Chloride," By Stefan Schlag with Kazuteru Yokose.
Published November 2005
http://www.sriconsulting.com/CEH/Public/Reports/770.8000/

==

Also read "China?s Increasing Demand on EDC for PVC Production." China
Commercial Brief - September 2, 2005
http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/ccb050902.html




SALT AND CHINA
===============

As noted in my initial clarification, China is one of the world's
major producers and exporters of salt. Outside of the need for raw
material for the PVC industry, I have found no mention of a salt
demand or need to import salt into China.

I have summarized a few of the references provided in my
clarifications, plus some additional market reports which will provide
detailed analysis of the salt industry in China, should you decide to
purchase them.

Unfortunately, the few "free" sources of import/export data I found are in Chinese!

==

"China ranks second worldwide in salt production."
http://english.people.com.cn/200510/20/eng20051020_215576.html

==

"The gross output of sea salt in China still ranks first in the world;.."

From "Best time in history for marine industries," By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-02-01 http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-02/01/content_414010.htm

=

"China now has more than 50 salt fields along its coast, with a
combined acreage of 337,000 hectares. Sea salt constitutes over 70
percent of China's total production of crude salt, with its output
reaching 23.19 million tons in 2004,

** ranking first worldwide."

From China.org
http://www.china.org.cn/english/en-sz2005/zr/zrzy-hy.htm

=

"Marine Salt and Marine Chemical Industries: China's marine salt
output has been in the first place in the world for many years. In
2003, the marine salt output value was 11.971 billion yuan, accounting
for 1.2 percent of the total output value of China's marine industry.
The total output value of marine chemical industry was 12.333 billion
yuan, taking up 1.2 percent of the total of China's marine industry.
The added-value of the industries rose 17.3 percent. The output value
of Tianjin marine chemical industry accounted for 58.2 percent of the
total in the country."

From Statistical Communique of China's Marine Economy." 
http://english.gov.cn/2005-08/08/content_21177.htm

==


From "Import and Export Data for China in 2003." China Chemical Report.
http://www.ccr.com.cn/text/I&E2002a.html


25010019 other salt 

Import:

KG           USD       kg/USD  
373601517   8550349    0.023  


Export:

KG            USD       kg/USD
1015061869   28543483   0.028 

==

From "Import and Export Data in China - May 2004." China Chemical Report.
http://ccr.com.cn/Images/0419.pdf

25010019 Salt (other salt)

Import Quantity (kg) - 54453201
May 2004 Value (USD) - 1449
Export Quantity (kg) - 25505718
May 2004 Value (USD - 1042

==

To track China's domestic salt production, you might want to subscribe
to a free trial of Chlor-Alkali online newsletter.  For example,
"Monthly Newsletter issue[9] December 7. MARKET HIGHLIGHTS - Salt
production output hit 6,117,000 tons in October.
http://www.ccaon.com/english/index.asp

==

Read "Salt demand continues to rise, but there are black clouds." December 2001
http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/38/0c009b38.asp

==

"Assuming relatively modest growth of 3% per annum, the total Asian
market requires new production capacity in excess of 1 million tonnes
per annum. China is the only significant Asian producer and uses
outdated manufacturing techniques to produce low quality salt. This
represents an opportunity for Australian exports to feed into the
region."

From "Straits Evaluates Major Salt Project." 19 August 2003
http://www.straits.com.au/files/News/2003/Straits_Evaluates_Major_Salf_Project_!20030819.pdf

=

A very basic overview of salt production in countries of the world
(including China) for 2001/2002 may be found in the following chart
from the U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January
2002:

See Chart -  "World Production, Reserves, and Reserve Base."
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/salt/580302.pdf

=

World Salt Production by country for the years 1990 - 2002 can be
found on the Salt Institute site:
http://www.saltinstitute.org/36.html

* 2002 production in China equaled 35 million metric tonnes

==

Consumption data:

Through 1995:

See Table 4. "Salt consumption per capita (tons per person) in 17 of
the 20 most populous countries in the world."

From "Some Implications of Changing Patterns of Mineral Consumption,"
By W. David Menzie, John H. DeYoung, Jr., and Walter G. Steblez. U.S.
Geological Survey. http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-382/of03-382.html

==

Import/Export data: 

China Chemical Info Net provides a few membership options which will
allow you to view import/export statistics for various chemicals
(including salts) by month.

The homepage:
http://www.sinocheminfo.com/

See list of salt product codes:
http://www.sinocheminfo.com/asp/inoutstat/searchresult.asp?product=name&condition=include&searchyear=2003

See payment options:
http://www.sinocheminfo.com/log/eregister.htm



MARKET REPORTS
===============

"Salt in China - A Market Analysis."
http://www.marketresearch.com/map/prod/894182.html


"China Salt." 
http://www.manta.com/coms2/summary_0297-300_ITM


"The 2006-2011 World Outlook for Table Salt, Pepper, and Other Spices."  
Published by Icon Group International, Inc. - April 5, 2005  
http://www.foodnavigator.com/marketreport/results.asp?catName=514&productID=1106794&detail=abstract


"Condition of China?s Marine Economic Development in 1998."
http://wdc-d.coi.gov.cn/english/exxcp/ejjfx/1998/e1998.htm


"The World Market for Common Salt, Rock Salt, Sea Salt, Sea Water, and
Pure Sodium Chloride: A 2005 Global Trade Perspective ($795.00 -- PDF)
http://icon.ecnext.com/comsite5/bin/comsite5.pl?page=readmore_toc&item_id=0240-39366&study_id=00045085TC&src_id=0240&target=icon_ecnext_summary


"The Five Year Outlook for Asian Salt 2002-2007." Brochure
http://www.britishsulphur.com/FertilizerPages/fertilizer_brochures/AsianSalt2002-2007.pdf


"The 2003 World Forecasts of Salts and Pure Sodium Chloride Export
Supplies." Icon Group International, Inc. August 20, 2002

  Abstract: http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=885689&xs=r&SID=18072461-339751271-357823210&curr=USD&kw=China&view=abs

  Table of Contents:
http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=885689&xs=r&SID=18072461-339751271-357823210&curr=USD&kw=&view=toc


"Salt Mining in China Statistical Analyses Report."
http://www.friedlnet.com/product_info.php?products_id=2158&show=toc&osCsid=9c7fc256996dbede2ee97298e62f36a4


"World supply and demand of salt to continue steady rise." The
Economics of Salt. The InfoShop. Press Release. 2004/07/20
http://www.the-infoshop.com/press/ros20891_en.shtml

"The fact that salt is a bulky, low value commodity, which tends to be
consumed near to where it is produced means that only 18% of world
production was traded internationally in 2003. Most of this was
through cross-border trading, such as between USA and Canada,
consequently the global trade pattern is largely intra-regional in
nature. There are two major exceptions to this, Mexico and Australia,
which accounted for 41% of all salt traded internationally in 2003.
Australia exports most of its output to countries in East and
Southeast Asia, while Mexican salt is exported to Japan. Despite high
levels of demand in Southeast Asia, Australian margins are being
eroded in 2004 by the rise of the Australian dollar, increasing
freight charges and the cost of demurrage in congested Chinese ports."

==

Concerning the PVC industry:

"Analysis and Forecast Report on PVC Industry in China."
http://www.chinaccm.com/80/8004/800401/news/20050201/113548.asp

"Chinese Market for Polyvinyl Chloride."
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c24582/


==


Again - if you feel comfortable disclosing the source of the reference
that mentioned the potential importation of "4mil tonnes (of salt into
China) in 2005," I might be able to pursue this futher. Otherwise, I
hope the information I have uncovered sheds some light on this topic
and provides some useful insight for your purposes.

Sincerely,

umiat


Search Strategy
China AND salt
China demand for salt
China AND salt import
importing salt to China
China import database
future demand for salt in China
sodium chloride import China
major salt importing and exporting countries
China salt production
China AND industrial salt AND import
China 4 mil tonnes salt  
China import 4 mil tonnes salt in 2005
Investing in China's PVC Industry
investing in China maritime salt industry
China AND salt requirements
China AND salt or sodium needed for manufacturing
projected sodium OR salt needs China
projected import needs China
China National Salt Industry
salt consumption in China
sodium chloride exports to China
salt exports to China
China PVC import salt
EDC import to China
salt AND PVC AND China

---

Clarification of Answer by umiat-ga on 31 Dec 2005 09:39 PST

I ran across these references this morning while playing around with
searches after I posted your answer.


From "U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2005."
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/salt/salt_mcs05.pdf

"Although China has abundant resources of salt, there was a shortage
of salt supplies in the country that caused imports of salt to
increase. A surge in industrial projects in China caused the demand
for salt to grow greater than the domestic supply could accommodate.
This increase in demand prompted plans to construct a new solar salt
operation in Western Australia, which if constructed, could satisfy
some of the salt shortages in China."

==

From "SALT," By Dennis S. Kostick
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/salt/salt_myb04.pdf

"China is the world?s leading producer of synthetic soda ash which
uses large quantities of salt as feedstock. Although China?s
chloralkali industry is concentrated in the eastern Provinces where
most of the population and salt resources are located, many of the
salt operations have not been able to keep up with the strong demand
created by the rise in soda ash production. The salt deposits in the
central and western Provinces cannot be utilized because of overland
transportation difficulties, so China has had to rely on salt imports
from Australia and India to satisfy its supply requirements (Asian
Chemical News, 2004). These two nations may not be able to supply
China for long if Chinese salt demand continues to grow. It is
expected that there will be a salt shortage in China for the near
future (Asian Chemical News, 2005).

==

According to the Straits Solar Project
http://www.straits.com.au/files/expl/salt/documents/Solar_Salt_Backgrounder_!20051223.pdf

"Given the population growth and increase in living standards
throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for salt is very high
and is forecast to remain strong in the medium to long-term.
Industrial growth, particularly in China and India, has fuelled demand
for inputs that require salt, especially within the construction
industries. Given current global supply and the limited scope for
increased production, there will be a significant shortfall in meeting
the growing demand of the region. Market intelligence indicates that
China alone is currently in deficit by around 3Mtpa and demand there
will continue to grow."

"Straits' solar salt project is perhaps the only major project
anywhere in the world that will be capable of fulfilling the
opportunity presented by the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific salt market.
However, as with any potentially profitable market sector, new
suppliers will enter the market if the demand remains unsatisfied for
an extended period."

==

I have tried every way to gain access to the following article, but
have not been able to without subscribing. If you would like to
subscribe, the following search result came up for the Icis website.
The headline is right on target for your question parameters:

"Asian Chlor-alkali: China to import 5m tonne of salt in '05-24/06
...SINGAPORE (CNI)--China?s salt imports are estimated to hit an
all-time high of 5m tonne in 2005, according to Iain Scott, general
manager of Straits....
http://www.icis.com/Articles/Article.aspx?liArticleID=687532

==

The following market report also seems to have some numbers you might
need, if you desire to purchase it:

From "Soda Ash Industry - 10 Year Forecast and Market Analysis Report
from British Sulphur Consultants."
http://www.chemicals.crugroup.com/Soda_Ash_10_Year_Forecast.htm

"What is the projected Chinese salt supply/demand position to 2015? To
what extent will the expansion of Chinese soda ash industry be
restrained by its salt supply?"

==

And finally....from the 2004 minutes of a Cornwall, Connecticut town
meeting, no less!  http://www.cornwallct.org/agendas/bos_feb19_2004.htm

"The Board reviewed a letter from the International Salt Company who
supplies the town's salt. The letter explained the present salt
shortage is due to the expanding economy of China. The Board discussed
salt and the percentage to sand that the town and state uses."

---

Clarification of Answer by umiat-ga on 03 Jan 2006 13:01 PST

Note my comment below! Thank you for your consideration!

Umiat-ga is so damn good i'd like to have him on my research staff.

Your answerer did a very good job of pursuing what you were asking to see.

I'm going to add this an overall global look at 2001 - 2004

http://www.intracen.org/tradstat/sitc3-3d/ip522.htm

Have a great New Year!


Cindy

Thank you for that link, Cindy. I wish it had come up in my search!

Umiat-ga, i'd like to have you answer all my questions.  any way to
request that? thx

Thank you, pb_east-ga, for you kind words and generous tip. Of course
- I would love to work further with you. All you need to do is post
"For Umiat" in the heading of the question and I will be sure to see
it. Thank you for your consideration and I will keep my eyes open.

Great -- will do.  Thanks Umiat-ga.