If every day, every person in every part of the world uses salt, it follows that the production and distribution of salt entails a vast commercial network. The salt “industry” is generally considered to include salt producers, but, in other countries, like China, it includes the entire distribution chain to the individual household consumer. Most commonly, the salt industry is confined to salt producing units. In some systems, these can be small, family side-businesses; in others, huge international businesses operating on several continents. Through history, many governments have been owners of salt production facilities reflecting the strategic importance of salt.
The structure of the industry differs geographically to reflect varying economic, political and cultural conditions.