+79 % change
Extra-EU imports of CN 25010099 were up 79% in 2025 compared with 2020 (€72.6 million), calculated from Eurostat values.
Eurostat212.9 EUR million
EU exports of CN 25010099 to countries outside the EU were worth €212.9 million in 2025.
Eurostat470.6 EUR million
Trade between EU member states in CN 25010099 (intra-EU arrivals) came to €470.6 million in 2025.
EurostatSource: Eurostat
Why this market is moving now
- Extra-EU import value moved +79% from 2020 to 2025, a direct read on EU demand for sourced supply.
- Supply is concentrated: one country provided a large share of extra-EU imports in 2025.
- US employment in the core industry shifted +19% since 2020.
What this market covers
Grey sea salt harvested by hand from tidal ponds, known for its moisture and mineral content. Sold as a premium table and cooking salt.
Typical segments
- Coarse grey salt
- Fine ground salt
- Flakes
- Flavoured blends
Who buys
- Grocery retailers
- Health food shops
- Restaurants
Largest non-EU suppliers to the EU
| Country | Import value |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 28.7 EUR million |
| United Kingdom | 26.6 EUR million |
| United States from 1995 -> 2000) | 21.0 EUR million |
| Tunisia | 15.5 EUR million |
| China | 6.9 EUR million |
| Türkiye | 6.6 EUR million |
Key figures
Each figure links to the page it came from.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The EU imported €129.8 million of products under CN code 25010099 (Salt and pure sodium chloride, whether or not in aqueous solution or containing added) from outside the EU in 2025. | 129.8 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Extra-EU imports of CN 25010099 were up 79% in 2025 compared with 2020 (€72.6 million), calculated from Eurostat values. | +79 % change | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 25010099 to countries outside the EU were worth €212.9 million in 2025. | 212.9 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Trade between EU member states in CN 25010099 (intra-EU arrivals) came to €470.6 million in 2025. | 470.6 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Egypt was the largest non-EU supplier of CN 25010099 to the EU in 2025, with €28.7 million, or 22% of extra-EU imports. | 28.7 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 25010099 to the United States were €51.5 million in 2025. | 51.5 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The average value of extra-EU imports of CN 25010099 was €0.07 per kilogram in 2025, calculated from Eurostat value and weight. | 0.07 EUR per kg | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Spain was the largest EU exporter of CN 25010099 to non-EU countries in 2025, at €74.9 million. | 74.9 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The EU had 14,500 enterprises in NACE class C1089 (Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.) in 2023. | 14,500 enterprises | 2023 | Eurostat |
| NACE class C1089 employed 167,970 people across the EU in 2023. | 167,970 persons employed | 2023 | Eurostat |
| The US had 750 private establishments in NAICS 311942 (Spice and extract manufacturing) in 2025. | 750 establishments | 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| NAICS 311942 employed an average of 29,504 people in US private industry in 2025. | 29,504 jobs | 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| US employment in NAICS 311942 changed by +19% between 2020 (24,729 jobs) and 2025, calculated from BLS figures. | +19 % change | 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Average annual pay in US NAICS 311942 was $84,904 in 2025. | 84,904 USD per year | 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
What the full report covers
- 1
Executive summary
The answer on two pages: size, growth and what drives it.
- 2
Market size and outlook
History, the current year and a five-year view with base, low and high cases.
- 3
Segments and regions
Splits by product, buyer and geography across the US, Europe and MEA.
- 4
Company profiles
The main players, how they compete and where they are investing.
- 5
Data and method
Every figure in Excel, with the sources and assumptions behind it.
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the European Union market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the EU celtic salt market?
There is no single official market total. Eurostat trade data shows the EU imported €129.8 million of goods under CN 25010099 from outside the EU in 2025 and exported €212.9 million.
Where does the EU import celtic salt from?
Egypt was the largest non-EU supplier in 2025. The next largest were United Kingdom, United States from 1995 -> 2000), Tunisia.
What is the average import price of celtic salt in the EU?
Dividing Eurostat import value by weight gives about €0.07 per kilogram for CN 25010099 in 2025.
Which EU countries export the most celtic salt?
Spain led EU exports to non-EU countries in 2025, followed by Germany, Belgium.
How many US companies are in the celtic salt industry?
BLS counts 750 private establishments in NAICS 311942 (Spice and extract manufacturing), the closest official industry.
How many EU companies are in the celtic salt industry?
Eurostat counts 14,500 enterprises in NACE class C1089 (Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.).
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 25010099, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 129759051
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 25010099, flow import, 2020 VALUE_IN_EUROS 72624979; 2025 VALUE_IN_EUROS 129759051
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 25010099, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 212903680
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 25010099, partner INT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 470629134
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 25010099, partner EG, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 28677368
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 25010099, partner US, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 51549783
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 25010099, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 129759051, QUANTITY_IN_100KG 17437225
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
DS-045409, reporter ES, product 25010099, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 74941686
- Eurostat: Enterprises by detailed NACE Rev. 2 activity and special aggregates (sbs_ovw_act) (2026-11-04)
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C1089, indic_sbs ENT_NR, 2023, 14500
- Eurostat: Enterprises by detailed NACE Rev. 2 activity and special aggregates (sbs_ovw_act) (2026-11-04)
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C1089, indic_sbs EMP_NR, 2023, 167970
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: QCEW annual averages, NAICS 311942, 2025 (2026-11-04)
QCEW 2025 annual, US000, private, NAICS 311942, annual_avg_estabs 750
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: QCEW annual averages, NAICS 311942, 2025 (2026-11-04)
QCEW 2025 annual, US000, private, NAICS 311942, annual_avg_emplvl 29504
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: QCEW annual averages, NAICS 311942, 2025 (2026-11-04)
QCEW 2020 annual_avg_emplvl 24729; 2025 annual_avg_emplvl 29504
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: QCEW annual averages, NAICS 311942, 2025 (2026-11-04)
QCEW 2025 annual, US000, private, NAICS 311942, avg_annual_pay 84904
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