Measures on salt monopoly have been introduced. Why should the country implement salt monopoly?

Salt is a necessity in people's daily life. Since the production of salt is greatly affected by natural conditions, it can only be carried out in a few areas such as coastal areas or areas with natural resources such as salt lakes and salt wells, so it is extremely easy to be controlled by monopolies. The monopoly system was implemented from Guan Zhong in the Spring and Autumn Period. At that time, salt and iron were mainly used. There has always been a famous "Salt and Iron Theory" as a classic textbook on the monopoly system. So, why does the country implement a salt monopoly? ?

The positive significance of the exclusive purchase system is:

1. Salt is a necessity of life, and the demand for this commodity is almost inelastic. The state's monopoly also guarantees supply. If an individual controls this resource, it is like controlling the lifeblood of society, which is something the state cannot tolerate.

2. Salt was a very profitable industry in ancient times. You can understand this by looking at the wealth of salt merchants in Zigong, Sichuan. The direct control of the state also ensures the stability of taxation.

3. Salt was a scarce resource in some inland areas due to inconvenient transportation in ancient times. If private parties control salt resources, it may cause difficulties in the supply of salt in these areas. State control also ensures the supply of salt. Abroad, salt is also a resource that has long been controlled by the government. In ancient Rome, salt was even used as a government salary for soldiers.

4. The salt and iron monopoly brought considerable profits to feudal countries. Salt, in particular, has always been the most important monopoly commodity firmly controlled by feudal governments of all dynasties, and its income has been an important financial source for governments of all dynasties. The first thing about the salt monopoly is that it is related to the country’s taxation, so it must be sold exclusively; the second thing is that it is related to people’s health, so it must be sold exclusively.

Everyone should know that table salt must be iodized. Long-term consumption of iodized salt will cause mental retardation and goiter, which will affect the population quality of the entire nation. So nothing can be done carelessly.