Sulphur Prices

Sulphur Prices December 2023

The price of sulphur in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 108 USD/MT in December. Prices for sulfur fell by 11% from the previous quarter, following a seasonal and linked pattern. It is interesting to note that prices varied by 2% in the beginning and second half of the quarter.

The price trend for sulphur in China reached 147 USD/MT in December 2023. Prices for sulphur increased by 7.38% in China over the previous quarter, following a trend of rising correlation and seasonality. In China, there was an 8% increase in prices when comparing the first and second parts of the quarter.

In Germany, sulphur prices declined by 4.65%, reaching 81 USD/MT, influenced by the country protest against the government policies, the decline in the price of sulphur was partly caused by the downturn in the upstream crude oil market.

Saudi Arabia’s sulphur market price trend reached 90 USD per metric ton 2023. It witnessed an unstable price trend in the first quarter of 2024. In the first half of Q1, the prices of sulphur declined due to sluggish demand from the downstream of agrochemical enterprises and existing accumulated, that resulted in bearishness in the market. 

Sulphur Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC's latest publication, “Sulphur Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” presents a detailed examination of the sulphur market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices. This report delves into the spot price of sulphur at major ports and analyzes the composition of prices, including FOB and CIF terms. It also presents a detailed sulphur price trend analysis by region, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The factors affecting sulphur pricing, such as the dynamics of supply and demand, geopolitical influences, and sector-specific developments, are thoroughly explored. This comprehensive report helps stakeholders stay informed with the latest market news, regulatory updates, and technological progress, facilitating informed strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Sulphur Market Analysis

The global sulphur market size reached 69.2 Million Tonnes in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 92.2 Million Tonnes, at a projected CAGR of 3.20% during 2023-2032.

• The chemical and agricultural industries drove a strong increase in demand for sulphur on the global market. Sulphur plays a major role in the creation of fertilizers, especially sulfuric acid, which is necessary for crops to absorb nutrients. Sulphur-based fertilizers have become much more necessary as agricultural practices have changed to suit the needs of an expanding population and raise crop yields. As per the Sulphur Institute, ammonium sulphate (21-0-0-24S) is one of the oldest N and S-containing fertilizers and is still popular around the world. An estimated 70% of global output originates from the production of caprolactam, an intermediate for the manufacture of synthetic fibers. Sulphur compounds are also extensively used by the chemical industry for several purposes, such as the production of sulfuric acid, detergents, and rubber vulcanization. Throughout the time, substantial market expansion was driven by this persistent demand from important industries.
• Additionally, issues regarding sustainability are pushing the sulphur sector to adopt more ecologically friendly manufacturing techniques and recycling programs. 77% of individuals want to learn more about sustainable lifestyles. Most citizens have already taken steps to become more green - 83.4% of them recycle as stated by the Forbes Magazine. The need to lessen the environmental impact of sulphur extraction and processing activities is expanding due to regulatory demands and business sustainability objectives. To reduce waste and pollution, businesses are investing in sulphur recovery systems to collect and use sulphur by-products from industrial processes. The use of alternate sulphur sources, such as sour gas processing and elemental sulphur recovery from industrial effluents, is also becoming more and more popular. In addition to being compliant with environmental rules, these sustainable approaches optimize resource consumption and lower production costs, which have positive economic effects. As sustainability becomes a key driver of business decisions, the adoption of eco-friendly sulphur production practices is expected to gain momentum, shaping the future trajectory of the sulphur market.
• Due to the development of sulphur-based technologies and the discovery of new industrial applications, the sulphur industry is expanding beyond its traditional usage. There is a growing trend in industries including electronics, building, and pharmaceuticals to use sulphur compounds in their manufacturing processes. Currently, more than 150 FDA approved Sulphur (SVI)-based drugs are available in the market, and they are widely used to treat various types of diseases with therapeutic power, according to the National Institute of Health. For example, sulphur compounds are used as building blocks to synthesize different medications and are used in pharmaceutical formulations because of their antibacterial properties. Sulphur-based compounds are attracting interest in the construction industry due to their potential for stabilizing concrete and modifying asphalt, providing strength and resistance to adverse environmental conditions. To diversify the market and increase revenue, the electronics sector is also investigating sulphur-based compounds for use in energy storage devices and semiconductor production.

Sulphur News

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

Latest developments in the sulphur industry:

• January 2023: Technip Energies, as part of its long-term agreement with Aramco, has been awarded a contract to upgrade sulfur recovery facilities at Aramco’s Riyadh Refinery. This contract covers the implementation of three new tail gas treatment (TGT) units, improving the performance of the existing three sulfur recovery units (SRU) to comply with more stringent regulations for sulfur dioxide emissions, with recovery efficiency at more than 99.9%.
• April 2024: ADNOC Gas, a unit of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., is working on a desulphurization project to reduce the total sulphur content in its LNG production to below 1 mg/cu m by 2025-26.

Product Description

Sulphur, also known as sulfur, with the atomic number 16 and symbol S, is a non-metal that can be found in a variety of forms, such as elemental sulphur, sulfide minerals, and sulfate minerals. Sulphur is a brilliant yellow, brittle solid that smells strongly of rotten eggs when it is in its pure elemental state.

A chemical substance with several uses in commercial, industrial, and agricultural settings is elemental sulphur. The methods used to refine oil and natural gas are the main sources of it. After being extracted, the sulphur is refined and transformed into a variety of forms for use in various contexts. This adaptable substance is essential to agriculture since it is used to make sulphur-based fertilizers, which are vital for improving crop output and soil fertility. 

In agriculture, sulphur-based compounds are useful fungicides and insecticides that support sustainable agricultural techniques by controlling pests and diseases in crops. All things considered, sulphur's diverse qualities and uses make it a necessary component in many different industries across the globe.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the 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 FOB and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the sulphur price trend.

Global Sulphur Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global sulphur pricing trends in the form of 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 current price levels but also provides insights into historical price of sulphur, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes. The report also delves into 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 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 Sulphur Price

Several variables affected the price of sulphur on the European market. Lower consumption rates of existing inventories were caused by a reduction in demand from the downstream agrochemical sector, which had an effect on the market. The combination of large inventory levels and weak demand created a gloomy market environment. The decline in the price of sulphur was partly caused by the downturn in the upstream crude oil market.

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

North America Sulphur Price

North America's sulphur industry encountered a mixed bag of circumstances. Although there was an abundance of sulphur, downstream industries had slow demand. This was mostly caused by a drop in pricing brought on by the agrochemical and rubber vulcanization industries' poor demand. The overall operational costs of the product were further increased by the rise in fuel prices for transportation.

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

Middle East and Africa Sulphur Price

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region's sulphur market saw an erratic price pattern. The weak demand from downstream agrochemical companies and the build-up of stockpiles in H1 of Q1 contributed to the fall in sulfur prices and the overall pessimism of the sulphur market.

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

Asia Pacific Sulphur Price

The sulphur pricing in the Asia Pacific region is steadily decreased due to an ample supply of sulphur. However, enthusiasm in buying sulphur was tempered by a fall in the downstream plant capacity utilization rate. The market continued to trade slowly, and shipments of sulphur were unimpressive. At the same time, port prices kept declining, which hurt the spot market.

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

Latin America Sulphur Price

The analysis of 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.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of sulphur pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of FOB and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting sulphur price trend, including input costs, supply-demand shifts, and geopolitical impacts, 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 sulphur price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.