Insoluble Sulphur Prices

Insoluble Sulphur Prices June 2024

The insoluble sulphur prices in the United States for Q2 2024 reached 1630 USD/MT in June. The market saw significant price declines as the automotive sector became more selective in purchasing because of rising costs and higher financing rates. Seasonal changes led to a decrease in natural gas prices, which in turn lowered manufacturing costs and reduced demand.

The price trend for insoluble sulphur in China for Q2 2024 settled at 925 USD/MT in June. The market witnessed sharp price reductions, largely influenced by high inventory levels and declining demand. Despite strong trading activity and ongoing purchases from downstream sectors, market sentiment stayed negatively charged.

Insoluble Sulphur Prices December 2023

The insoluble sulphur prices in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 1722 USD/MT in December. In the USA, the market faced a difficult quarter due to high inventories and reduced demand from the tire industry. Heavy destocking and rising cost of production from elevated coal prices pressured prices downward. Despite these difficulties, steady demand from the rubber sector suggests continued market activity, maintaining a level of stability despite the negative sentiment.

The price trend for insoluble sulphur in China for Q4 2023, reached 972 USD/MT in December. In China, the market saw a fall in prices during Q4 2023 due to lower demand from end use industries and increased level of inventory. Prices in China fell as a result of higher market inventory levels and a drop in demand from the downstream sector. Furthermore, higher import prices of insoluble sulfur were caused by rising feedstock sulfur prices in China.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the insoluble sulphur market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the insoluble sulphur price trend.

Global Insoluble Sulphur Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global insoluble sulphur pricing trends in the form of insoluble sulphur price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights the current price but also provides insights into insoluble sulphur historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into insoluble sulphur price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed insoluble sulphur demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Insoluble Sulphur Price

Q2 2024: 

During the second quarter of 2024, Germany’s insoluble sulphur market saw initial price increases driven by limited inventories, but weak demand for insoluble sulphur from the automotive sector offset this trend. Supply restrictions, coupled with increasing crude oil costs led to a rise in inventory expenses, contributing to bearish market sentiments. By early July, the market began to stabilize as commodity prices steadied despite increased production costs. Support from the agrochemical industry, influenced by seasonal agricultural cycles, helped maintain balance. High inflation reduced customer confidence, along with further pressure on the market, but the European Central Bank's interest rate cuts aided in stabilizing prices by mid-quarter. Overall, moderate demand and monetary policy interventions were crucial in achieving equilibrium amid economic uncertainties.

Q4 2023:

The European market for insoluble sulphur had a fluctuating yet mainly stable fourth quarter in 2023, with prices remaining flat or lower than the previous quarter. Key end user sectors, such as rubber and tire manufacture, experienced lower demand, putting prices under pressure. Despite changing seaborne oil prices, abundant supply and stable production capacities kept prices stable. The market was unclear due to global economic conditions and recession concerns, which exacerbated price volatility. Eastern Europe had stable to lower prices due to closeness to manufacturing sites and less concentrated demand, which benefited some downstream businesses.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed insoluble sulphur price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Insoluble Sulphur Price

Q2 2024: 

During the second quarter of 2024, the North American insoluble sulphur market grappled with declining prices due to several factors. Production remained consistent while demand for insoluble sulphur from major sectors, especially automotive, was subdued, exerting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, reductions in crude oil prices led to lower feedstock sulphur costs, further intensifying the price decline. A sluggish global economic recovery dampened overall demand, resulting in elevated inventory levels. Seasonal shifts, such as the end of Europe's heating season, contributed to lower natural gas prices, which in turn reduced insoluble sulphur production costs. Despite stable production without major disruptions, the prevailing sentiment remained negative, reflecting a decline in prices due to surplus inventories and restrained demand. 

Q4 2023:

Insoluble sulphur market conditions in North America were difficult during the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily due to high inventory levels that stunted the growth. Demand from the tire sector was weak, creating adverse market atmosphere. New orders from these industries were primarily on an as-needed basis, which limited international demand. In the USA, the market faced heavy destocking and lower year-end demand, leading to decreased prices. Rising production costs, especially due to higher coal prices, further added to the subdued pressure on prices.

Specific insoluble sulphur historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Insoluble Sulphur Price

The report explores the insoluble sulphur pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.

In addition to region-wise data, information on insoluble sulphur prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Insoluble Sulphur Price

Q2 2024: 

In Q2 2024, the Asia Pacific insoluble sulphur market saw declining prices despite earlier strengths. This decline was due to low feedstock sulphur costs, and high inventory levels, coupled with weak demand for insoluble sulphur from key sectors like the automotive industry. Reduced coal prices further lowered production costs, intensifying the price drop. Plant closures in the Shandong region led to oversupply, which in turn increased the overall price pressure. In China's key market, prices fell significantly because of the same oversupply and weak demand. Efforts to stimulate the market through active procurement and trading were insufficient to reverse these negative trends, resulting in broadly declining pricing conditions across the region.

Q4 2023:

In Q4 2023, the Asia-Pacific market observed stability with sufficient levels of inventory across the region. The market saw significant destocking activities, leading to reduced prices. A contraction in the manufacturing industry, as indicated by the Purchasing Managers' Index in countries like India and Malaysia, led to subdue demand levels. In China, prices fell due to weak interest from end use industries and high inventory levels, while rising feedstock sulphur prices increased import costs. Despite these challenges, China's automotive sector showed positive growth, attracting more international investment and stabilizing procurement and shipping activities.

This insoluble sulphur price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Insoluble Sulphur Price

The analysis of insoluble sulphur prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Insoluble Sulphur Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Insoluble Sulphur Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2024 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of insoluble sulphur pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of insoluble sulphur at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of insoluble sulphur price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing insoluble sulphur price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Insoluble Sulphur Market Analysis

The global insoluble sulphur market size reached US$ 1.5 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 2 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 3.00% during 2023-2032.

• The global insoluble sulphur market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expanding automotive sector fueling the demand for tires, which are a primary application of insoluble sulphur in the rubber industry. As vehicle ownership and usage continue to rise globally, the need for durable and high-performance tires drives the demand for insoluble sulphur.
• Besides this, stringent regulations regarding vehicle emissions and safety standards are pushing tire manufacturers to produce more advanced and eco-friendly tires, which often require higher levels of insoluble sulphur for enhanced performance and longevity.
• The growing focus on sustainable practices and environmental consciousness is prompting manufacturers to adopt insoluble sulphur as a curing agent due to its lower environmental impact compared to other sulphur variants.
• Another factor influencing market growth is the increasing urbanization and infrastructure development projects worldwide that necessitate the use of rubber-based products such as conveyor belts, seals, and hoses, all of which require insoluble sulphur for vulcanization.
• In addition to this, the expansion of the construction industry, particularly in developing economies, further boosts the demand for insoluble sulphur-based rubber products for various applications.
• Furthermore, the rising demand for consumer goods, including footwear and sporting equipment, drives the need for high-quality rubber materials, thus propelling the demand for insoluble sulphur in the manufacturing process.
• Ongoing technological advancements in the tire manufacturing industry, such as the development of innovative tire designs and materials, require specialized curing agents like insoluble sulphur to meet performance requirements and ensure product differentiation.
• In confluence with this, the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the ongoing shift towards sustainable mobility solutions are driving tire manufacturers to develop EV-specific tires with superior performance characteristics, thereby driving the demand for insoluble sulphur.
• Furthermore, the growing emphasis on research and development activities aimed at improving the properties of insoluble sulphur, such as dispersibility and compatibility with rubber compounds, is driving innovation and expanding the application scope of the market.

Insoluble Sulphur News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global insoluble sulphur market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in insoluble sulphur production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the insoluble sulphur price trend.

Latest developments in the insoluble sulphur industry:

• In October 2022, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings invested 100 million Yuan to quadruple its insoluble sulphur output to 60 kilotonnes per year by 2023. It also spent 200 million Yuan on a new MBT manufacturing plant to fulfill the expanding rubber industry demand.
• In July 2022, Shikoku Chemicals revealed its intent to establish additional facilities for insoluble sulphur at its Marugame Plant in Kagawa. Construction was projected to last from April 2023 until October 2024, with the new facilities going into production in December 2024. The new facilities, which cost 4.5 billion yen ($32.8 million), are expected to improve Shikoku's manufacturing capacity.

Product Description

Insoluble sulphur, often referred to as polymeric sulphur, is a chemical substance that is mostly utilized as a curing agent during the vulcanization process in the rubber industry. It does not dissolve in typical organic solvents, in contrast to regular sulphur, which is soluble in carbon disulfide.

Rubber's three-dimensional (3D) network is created during vulcanization when insoluble sulphur creates cross-links between polymer chains. This network improves the rubber's mechanical qualities, including elasticity, tensile strength, and resistance to heat and abrasion. Rubber goods become more resilient and effective through this procedure, which makes them appropriate for use in tires, conveyor belts, hoses, seals, and shoes, among other uses. Insoluble sulphur offers several benefits, including better dispersion in rubber compounds, less blooming, and increased resistance to aging.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of insoluble sulphur pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting insoluble sulphur price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The insoluble sulphur price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.