Sulphuric Acid Prices

Sulphuric Acid Prices September 2024

The sulphuric acid prices in the United States for Q3 2024 reached 140 USD/MT in September. During this period, the region displayed a strong connection between rising costs and numerous influencing factors. Some factors responsible for the increasing prices are distribution channel disruptions, changes in product demand based on seasons, and international pressures.

The price trend for sulphuric acid in China for Q3 2024 settled at 55 USD/MT in September. The region witnessed some of the major cost variations. Changing agriculture requirements based on seasons are significantly affecting the product pricing across the region. The positive market outlook is influenced by a substantial rise in costs in comparison to the prior period.

In Germany, the sulphuric acid prices for Q3 2024 reached 93 USD/MT in September. The nation experienced some major upsurges in cost. This can be attributed to a significant rise in feedstock sulphur costs, further increasing manufacturing costs for sulphuric acid. Increasing product adoption from end-use industries, specifically agrochemicals can be held responsible for this trend.

The sulphuric acid prices in Saudi Arabia for Q3 2024 reached 78 USD/MT in September. The region experienced major cost fluctuations, while displaying repeated trends of growing costs, along with an expansive regional sense. The plantation season led to a significant increase in product adoption and affected product costs.

Sulphuric Acid Prices June 2024

The sulphuric acid prices in the United States for Q2 2024 reached 129 USD/MT in June. The country sustained substantial changes in cost, which can be attributed to weather conditions and economy trends. When comparing year over year, costs increased by a substantial amount while the quarter over quarter rise displayed a positive trend.

The price trend for sulphuric acid in Japan for Q2 2024 settled at 28 USD/MT in June. The region experiencing the sharpest price fluctuations, market activity stood out significantly. The prevailing dynamics reflected optimistic momentum, primarily fueled by periodic product adoption within the agrochemical industry. This temporary surge, coupled with restricted stock availability and rising transportation expenses, intensified pricing reactions.

In Germany, the sulphuric acid prices for Q2 2024 reached 79 USD/MT in June. The country experienced the sharpest shifts in pricing, the period revealed a notable surge in overall rates. This growth was primarily driven by rising product adoption within the agrochemical industry during the agriculture season, alongside limited stock availability. The interplay of these elements clearly contributed to the rising pricing momentum, with German prices climbing by an impressive percentage compared to 2024.

The sulphuric acid prices in the UAE for Q2 2024 reached 68 USD/MT in June. In the UAE, costs experienced a noticeable drop. Weather related trends, including the conclusion of the agriculture period, curtailed the need for agrochemicals, resulting in ample stock and minimizing any disruptions in supply. This balance was also supported by deliberate modifications in import patterns by key producers to avoid excess availability.

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.

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

Q3 2024:

The market saw a stern price upturn, as year-over-year, the current period had risen significantly. Challenges with distribution channels, upstream industries witnessing high demand, and higher manufacturing costs were some of the primary drivers for this price upturn. The market went through a significant quarterly rise in 2024, in turn driving the rally. The United States, specifically, experienced the most significant alterations in prices, indicative of the broader geographic patterns.

Q2 2024:

The market incidents underwent a sharp surge in costs in Q2 2024 on account of numerous important trends. Production costs gained considerably because initial Sulphur and Crude Oil prices continued to remain at historically high levels. Also, the growth in the production sector, with rising orders and jobs additions, further fueled price escalation. Disruptions in distribution channels like traffic congestion and high freight rates added to the cost. Over the peak summer travel period, refinery recovered product adoption other than usual except for the agrochemicals to offset the usual reverse swing in those markets. Economic and logistical shocks that a rail shutdown posed improved an already positive view of the market and made the sellers less willing to yield on pricing.

Q4 2023:

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

Q3 2024:

Sulfuric acid prices in the Asia Pacific area have been rising since Q3 2024, primarily as a result of higher manufacturing costs brought on by rising feedstock sulfur costs. The ongoing supply shortages have been made worse by a notable increase in adoption from the agrochemical sector. The market has been affected by supply problems that have been made worse by unfavorable international conflicts. The most noticeable price swings have occurred in China, which is the focal point of these price dynamics. Seasonal agricultural needs, which have increased throughout the harvest period, have impacted the nation's price environment and resulted in a rise in the usage of sulfuric acid.

Q2 2024:

The APAC region's sulfuric acid market saw considerable price fluctuation in Q2 2024, mostly due to a combination of trends that increased market vulnerability. Challenges in distribution channels, rising product adoption from downstream industries, and shifting feedstock sulfur costs have all led to the quarter's general upward price trend. The price of sulfuric acid was further impacted by the increased manufacturing costs brought on by the energy expenditures, which were fueled by rising crude oil prices. Furthermore, logistical limitations and geopolitical concerns created a limited supply scenario that raised prices. The market dynamics were especially noteworthy in Japan, where the most significant price shifts had place.

Q4 2023:

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

Q3 2024:

The market manifested a sharp increase, with the highest price rises recorded in Germany. The increases in feedstock Sulphur prices dominated this, pushing up sulphuric acid production costs and increasing product cost. The negative trend was highly affected by the production demands from agrochemicals, in which intensified farming activities for the period compelled an increase in the demand for sulphuric acid, primarily utilized in manufacturing of fertilizers. The periodic surge in adoption of agrochemicals in return heightened the prices throughout the area, thereby intensifying the supply demand gap and strengthening the overall positive pricing trend.

Q2 2024:

The market prices spiked due to several factors at play with this market. The major factor was the preventative care plan at most European smelters, as this curtailed the supply of sulphuric acid and created a distribution shortage. Stocks of the feedstock, molten sulphur were also curtailed due to contracted supplies thereby curtailing manufacturing from the burners. Furthermore, product adoption agrochemical sector stayed high and experienced some increase on account of a agricultural harvesting activities that kept the supply-demand imbalance levels high.

Q4 2023:

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.

Sulphuric Acid Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Sulphuric Acid Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2024 Edition,” 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.

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.