Sulphuric Acid Prices

Sulphuric Acid Prices December 2023

The sulphuric acid prices in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 59 USD/MT in December. The market was bearish due to weak demand from the agrochemical sector and high inventory levels. Despite stable production costs, prices declined sharply, impacted by a downturn in the upstream Sulphur market. With no plant shutdowns reported, the market struggled with low demand and oversupply, leading to reduced prices.

The price trend for sulphuric acid in Japan for Q4 2023, reached 29 USD/MT in December. The market saw a significant decline due to weak demand from agrochemical enterprises and an oversupply of inventories. Sluggish consumption led to excess stock, resulting in reduced production rates and falling prices. The market faced a challenging environment with limited restocking needs and a bearish trend throughout the quarter.

The price trend for sulphuric acid in Belgium for Q4 2023, reached 54 USD/MT in December. The market witnessed a significant decline due to sluggish demand from the agrochemical sectors and sufficient inventory levels. Operating expenses were driven up by rising fuel costs and increased trading activity, while prices continued to fall. Throughout the quarter, the market remained challenging, characterized by low consumption rates and high operating costs.

The price trend for sulphuric acid in Saudi Arabia for Q4 2023, reached 55 USD/MT in December. The market experienced a bearish trend with declining prices due to weak demand and high supply. Stable Sulphur production costs maintained operating expenses, but low consumption of existing inventories led to reduced trading activities. The market outlook remains cautious, with potential price increases if downstream demand rises.

Sulphuric Acid Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Sulphuric Acid Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of sulphuric acid 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 sulphuric acid at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of sulphuric acid price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing sulphuric acid 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.

Sulphuric Acid Market Analysis

The global sulphuric acid market size reached US$ 15.5Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 17.9 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 1.50% during 2023-2032.

• Sulphuric acid is widely utilized in the agricultural sector in the production of phosphate fertilizers, to which the latter is mainly applied. The growing world's population and the consequent pressure for increased agricultural yields contribute to the demand for fertilizers. Hence, the market demand for sulphuric acid has increased.
• Emission of sulphur oxides (SOx) is regularly greatly restricted within environmental policies and legislative acts. As a result of these new regulations, the sulphuric acid regeneration has seen an increased demand for practices and technologies which present cleaner alternatives for sulphur disposal.
• Sulfuric acid is employed by refineries that use petroleum to process oil and gas, this application is considered to be very important due to the fact that the global energy and fuel demand is still on the rise. Sulfuric acid is an indispensable ingredient for making clean and fuel-efficient with its fundamental nature. According to the National Mineral Inventory (NMI) data, which utilizes the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) system, the total pyrite reserves and resources in the country were estimated at 1,674 million tonnes as of April 1, 2015.
• Sulphuric acid in manufacturing covers a broad spectrum of products starting from chemicals over pharmaceuticals to metals. Its use as a direct material in the manufacturing of other chemicals such as synthetic hydrochloric acid, dyes, and synthetic detergents underscores its importance in the chemical industry. 
• The extraction and processing of metals, along the lines of copper, zinc, and nickel, demand an extensive use of sulphuric acid. The continuous needs of the construction, automotive and electronic sectors for these metals extend to the use of sulphuric acid as a metal processing medium.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage solutions have catalyzed an increase in the demand for lead-acid batteries and several other batteries that use sulphuric acid as electrolyte. This rapidly increasing area of the sulphuric acid market is a primary source of growth.
• Economic expansion particularly in developing countries increases the need for sulphuric acid and that can be seen in the application in the field of construction, automotive and manufacturing. With the growth of these countries’ economies their consumption of sulphuric acid for infrastructure and industrialization purposes also increases.
• Technological developments promoting more efficient and sustainable methods of sulfuric acid production is another market driver. If technological breakthroughs resulting in lower environmental damage or increased efficiency drive the overall depreciation, the demand for sulfuric acid could grow in many sectors due to reduced overall costs.

Sulphuric Acid News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global sulphuric acid 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 sulphuric acid production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the sulphuric acid price trend.

Latest developments in the sulphuric acid industry:

• In 2022, PVS Chemicals Inc has partnered with energy systems group, LLC (ESG) to improve sustainability at its sulfuric acid plant in Chicago, Illinois5 by capturing waste steam to generate 2.6 MW of renewable electricity through a steam turbine generator in the new onsite Waste Heat to Power (WHP) Plant.
• In 2021, BASF, Zhejiang Jiahua Energy Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. and Zhejiang Jiafu New Material Technology Co. Ltd. to further expand production capacity of electronic-grade sulfuric acid plant in China.

Product Description

Sulfuric acid is a corrosive liquid with concentrated power, with the formula H2SO4, which is widely used in industrial sectors. It is one of the most mass-produced materials in the world. It is also known as a ubiquitous material that is needed in the industries from multiple sectors.

It partially provides noise-free treatment of water and the process water generated by the industries, besides employing generation of energy which in turn serves as one of the raw materials for the manufacture of fertilizers critical for global agriculture, and essential in the manufacture of chemicals, dyes, explosives, and petroleum refining process.

Moreover, sulfuric acid is used in metal production, which is mainly in the ores leaching process and provides the only way in which we extract valuable metals, such as copper and zinc. As a strong acid which can donate protons, it has multiple tools in the lab and may be employed in other settings as well.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the sulphuric acid 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 sulphuric acid price trend.

Global Sulphuric Acid Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global sulphuric acid pricing trends in the form of sulphuric acid 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 sulphuric acid historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into sulphuric acid 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 sulphuric acid 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.

North America Sulphuric Acid Price

The North American sulphuric acid market fell in Q4 2023 due to weak agrochemical demand and high inventory levels. A declining price trend in the upstream sulphur market further pressured prices downward. Despite stable operating costs and no plant shutdowns, the market saw significant price declines, driven by limited demand and market fundamentals. The lack of major plant shutdowns and a stable sulphur market only slightly mitigated costs, failing to prevent a notable price drop in sulphuric acid due to oversupply and subdued demand from the agrochemical sector. Any potential increase in demand could lead to an upward shift in prices.

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

Asia Pacific Sulphuric Acid Price

In the Asia-Pacific region, Q4 2023 saw the sulphuric acid market trend downward, primarily due to low demand from agrochemical enterprises and an oversupply of inventories. In Japan, the market was particularly bearish as sluggish consumption rates led to an accumulation of stock, which decreased production rates. The limited need for restocking and decreased trade activity contributed to falling prices across the region. India, however, maintained a stable market due to balanced domestic demand and supply, contrasting with Japan’s oversupply situation and reduced production to align with lower market needs.

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

Europe Sulphuric Acid Price

During Q4 2023, the European sulphuric acid market experienced a bearish phase influenced by various factors, including increased bulk trading and rising fuel costs, which elevated overall operating expenses. Despite these pressures, the market saw a decline in prices, driven by sluggish demand from agrochemical sectors and adequate inventory levels. The cost of transportation further impacted prices, making the market challenging throughout the quarter. Even with stable operating costs and consistent production levels, the market continued to face downward price pressures due to limited demand and oversupply. The region faced a challenging period marked by a mix of high operating costs and low consumption rates.

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

Middle East and Africa Sulphuric Acid Price

In Q4 2023, the sulphuric acid market in the MEA region was bearish due to high supply and weak demand from the agrochemical sector. In Saudi Arabia, prices saw a notable decline, reflecting stable production costs but insufficient demand to absorb existing supplies. Market stability was maintained due to consistent sulphur production, though any increase in demand from agrochemical enterprises could potentially lead to higher prices. Overall, the region experienced low demand with high inventory levels, resulting in minimal market activity and downward price trends.

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

Latin America Sulphuric Acid Price

The analysis of sulphuric acid 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 sulphuric acid 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 sulphuric acid 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 sulphuric acid price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.