USGS 2026: U.S. Salt Demand Rebounds as Import Reliance Edges Higher

The USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 estimates U.S. salt production in 2025 at 40 million tonnes, valued at $2.6 billion. The report links stronger consumption to increased road salt and chlor-alkali demand, noting that frequent smaller winter events often drive higher usage than single large storms.

The report flags a regional rock-salt shortage in New York in early 2025 and puts net import reliance at 31%. The primary suppliers for the U.S. market remain Mexico, Chile, and Canada, highlighting the ongoing strategic importance of international salt trade flows for North American infrastructure.