Which country produces the most salt?

In every country, salt is used in food preparation. In some poor, non-industrialized countries, this is the principal use. However, in a heavily industrialized country such as the United States, the consumption pattern is quite different.

In the United States, over 40% of salt is used in the chemical industry (mainly for the production of chlorine and caustic soda), and another 40% as a de-icer on roads in winter. The remaining is consumed in several sectors, including manufacture of rubber and other goods, agriculture, and food processing including as table salt. Table salt accounts for only about 1% of U.S. salt.