Evonik is expanding downstream processing at its Fermas site in Slovakia for biosurfactants and pharmaceutical ingredients, adding commercial output. The capacity increase raises available supply of these specialty chemicals, likely putting downward pressure on prices.
Copper smelters are relying on by-product sulfuric acid revenues to offset losses from negative concentrate treatment charges. Strong acid prices are supporting smelter profitability, with prices remaining elevated. The trend underscores the key role of sulfuric acid in smelter economics and suggests continued price strength.
The Chinese sulfates market during the fourth quarter experienced firm upward momentum, driven primarily by cost pressure from key feedstocks such as sulfuric acid. The quarter opened with relatively stable pricing before upward movement emerged toward the latter part of the early phase, as raw material costs increased steadily. Manufacturers faced rising input cost challenges, which translated into gradual price increases across multiple sulfate grades over the course of the quarter. Production economics shifted as feedstock availability tightened and costs strengthened. During the latter part of the quarter, price movements became more volatile, with values reaching mid-quarter highs before moderating slightly toward year-end. Despite this late-quarter easing, prices remained well above early-quarter levels, reflecting persistent cost-side pressures throughout most of the period.
Demand from major downstream applications displayed mixed trends during the quarter. The fertilizer sector maintained steady consumption of ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate to support agricultural requirements, while industrial chemical segments showed measured procurement activity. Mining operations continued using sulfates for mineral processing and flotation, and battery-related applications recorded growing interest in specialized sulfate compounds for energy storage. Meanwhile, water treatment and pharmaceutical industries sustained stable consumption, although purchasing activity remained selective amid elevated price levels.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, looking ahead, sulfate prices are expected to remain sensitive to feedstock cost movements and demand patterns from fertilizer and industrial applications.
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During the second quarter of 2025, sulfate prices followed an irregular trajectory, influenced by shifts in both production costs and demand patterns. The quarter opened with a downward movement, as weaker demand from downstream sectors and supply-side adjustments exerted pressure on prices. At the same time, the sulfuric acid market also experienced softening, reinforcing the overall bearish sentiment. This declining trend continued until prices reached a support level, after which the market entered a phase of relative stability.
As the quarter progressed, demand from key end-use sectors such as fertilizers and chemicals improved gradually. This led to a measured recovery in prices, with producers adjusting their offers in line with improving market conditions. The recovery was further supported by the stabilization of raw material costs, which had previously contributed to price weakness. By the latter half of the quarter, pricing trends reflected this improvement, as procurement activity from major consuming sectors, particularly chemicals and agriculture, showed a noticeable pickup. Overall, mixed market trends were witnessed for the majority of the quarter.
Sulfates are polyatomic anions. They are found in nature as well as synthesised for industry. They can be found in the products of everyday use. Also, sulfates are the salts and esters of sulphuric acid, from which they can be produced. They can also be obtained from coconut or palm oil.
These compounds play a significant role in many industries because they are good emulsifiers, detergents, and foaming agents. Further, they are surfactants and their addition to products make them more effective cleaners. Sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfate are the most common sulfate-based ingredients in personal care products.
SO42− or O4S2−
Detergents, Emulsifiers, Cosmetics and Personal Care Products, Metal Salts, Algaecide
14808-79-8, Sulfate ion, Sulfate (2-), Sulfates
BASF SE, Domo Chemicals, SABIC, Honeywell International Inc, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), SynQuest Laboratories (Central Glass Co., Ltd.)
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
In order to produce sulfates from sulphuric acid, different metals, metal hydroxides or even metal oxides are treated with sulphuric acid to obtain the desired product.
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