Sulfur Hexafluoride Price Trend and Forecast

Sulfur Hexafluoride Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Sulfur Hexafluoride in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Sulfur Hexafluoride Price Trend for Q1 of 2025

Asia

in Q1’25, the sulfur hexafluoride market in Asia experienced mixed trends, with some countries seeing a slight increase in prices due to a combination of rising demand and supply constraints. The key drivers of these changes were the recovering industrial activities and heightened demand from sectors like electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, which use sulfur hexafluoride for insulation.
 

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However, the market was also under pressure from supply disruptions in some regions. For instance, China saw a steady supply of the gas, although the demand from the semiconductor industry was high. In contrast, Southeast Asia witnessed more volatility, with countries like India facing minor disruptions in imports. This resulted in some price hikes, but overall, the region maintained a stable market balance.

Europe

The European sulfur hexafluoride market in Q1’25 showed a relatively stable price trend. Prices remained largely unchanged due to a balanced supply and demand situation. The key factors affecting the European market were the ongoing industrial demands and steady production rates. There was a slight uptick in demand from the electrical equipment sector, where sulfur hexafluoride is commonly used as an insulating gas.

However, these demand increases were offset by an adequate supply of the gas and limited import disruptions. The European Union’s regulatory measures on greenhouse gas emissions had some impact, with producers in certain countries looking for alternatives, which slightly reduced the consumption of sulfur hexafluoride. Overall, Europe saw modest price stability during the quarter.

North America

In North America, sulfur hexafluoride prices showed signs of stability, with minimal fluctuations through Q1’25. The market in the United States was largely balanced, driven by consistent demand from the electronics and electrical sectors. Prices remained stable as production levels were sufficient to meet the domestic demand, and there were no major disruptions in supply chains.

The slight changes observed in the market were primarily related to fluctuations in raw material costs, but they did not lead to significant shifts in pricing. Moreover, the US market was more focused on sustaining its current production capacity rather than ramping up to meet any sudden surge in demand.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Sulfur Hexafluoride market is expected to remain stable in the near term, with a balanced supply-demand dynamic. However, any significant shifts in industrial demand or supply chain disruptions could cause minor price fluctuations across regions.
 

Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) for the Second Half of 2024

Asia

Asian markets experienced the sharpest price increases during H2'24, driven by multiple factors. China, the largest producer and consumer, faced supply constraints as manufacturers reduced production due to stricter environmental controls. The market tightened further as several production facilities underwent unexpected maintenance shutdowns.

In India, prices rose steadily after the government began examining potential regulations on SF6 usage in power transmission equipment. The limited availability of alternatives and their prohibitive costs pushed traditional SF6 prices higher across the region. Southeast Asian countries also saw significant price increases due to their heavy reliance on imports and limited domestic production.

Europe

European SF6 prices witnessed a dramatic surge in H2'24 among all regions. The upcoming EU regulations announcing the phase-out of SF6-containing switchgears starting 2026 created strong market uncertainty. Power transmission companies began strategic stockpiling, while several manufacturers accelerated their transition to SF6 alternatives. This shift in market dynamics caused traditional SF6 supplies to tighten considerably. The market also saw increased trading activity as companies prepared for the regulatory changes, leading to heightened price volatility throughout the second half.

North America

The North American market showed moderate price increases compared to other regions. States like California and Massachusetts implementing stricter regulations on SF6 emissions created regional price disparities. Supply remained relatively stable, though transportation and logistics issues periodically affected regional availability. Power utility companies began exploring alternatives, but the high cost of substitutes kept demand for traditional SF6 strong. Canadian markets closely followed US price trends, with slightly higher prices due to transportation costs and limited domestic production.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, continued price volatility is expected in the SF6 market in 2025 as more regions implement SF6 restrictions. The speed of alternative technology adoption and its cost reduction will likely play crucial roles in determining future price trends.
 

Sulfur Hexafluoride Price Trend for the First Half of 2024

Asia

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is widely used in the electrical industry due to its excellent insulating properties and high dielectric strength. It is primarily produced through a chemical reaction between sulfur and fluorine, often in specialized industrial facilities. During the first half of the year 2024, the sulfur hexafluoride prices were observed to fluctuate within close limits for the majority period. In Asia, particularly India and China, driven by a stable and supportive supply and demand dynamic, the prices were mostly firm with moderate fluctuations.

In India, the growing economy and rapid infrastructure development led to an increased demand for sulfur hexafluoride which helped rationalize the upstream and downstream equation in the region. Similarly, the State stimulus for the Real Estate sector boosted the industry in China as well. In the first quarter, the limited working days because of the New Year holidays affected the inventory surplus volumes. However, the supply started dominating in the second quarter. The slight improvements in demands in the latter phases offset the supply pressure. Overall, with occasional fluctuations, mixed market sentiments were observed for sulfur hexafluoride during H1’24.

Europe

During the said period, the European sulfur hexafluoride market was even more consolidated than the Asian markets. It was a time of multifaceted struggle for the European stakeholders. Temporary supply constraints and uneven stock accumulation within the region were primarily attributed to the supply chain issues lingering because of the Red Sea crisis. Freight costs and delivery times increased which gave serious headaches to the suppliers. On the other hand, the lack of interest in procurement from the downstream sectors was attributed to the struggling manufacturing sector. The consumer demands were sluggish amidst sluggish international trade and export opportunities. With this complex interplay of supply and demand, the sulfur hexafluoride prices remained range-bound for the majority of H1’24.

North America

The price trajectory of the American sulfur hexafluoride markets was not very different from the Asian and European markets, as the prices were found to be oscillating here as well. The rising geopolitical tensions affected the American markets, too. Receding international trade rendered the suppliers more and more reliant on domestic consumption alone to sustain the trade margins.

With evolving trade and freight dynamics, the suppliers here acquired a cautious approach early on and, therefore, were able to avoid excess upstream cost pressure. The downstream demands from the domestic and neighboring markets were steady and led to the equilibrium between the upstream and downstream outlooks. Overall, careful inventory management and demand stability resulted in the buoyancy of sulfur hexafluoride prices in the North American markets as well.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Sulfur Hexafluoride prices are expected to behave in a similar manner in the coming months. Not much deviation is expected in the current market dynamics.
 

Sulfur Hexafluoride Price Trend for the Second Half of 2023

Asia

In the Asia-Pacific region, sulfur hexafluoride prices exhibited an upward trend throughout H2’23. The increase in market momentum was primarily driven by growing demand from the agricultural sector and the rising cost of crude oil. Under OPEC regulations, reductions in natural gas and crude oil exports by Saudi Arabia and Russia further elevated production costs for sulfur hexafluoride. Improved trading sentiments, particularly in China, also contributed to the rise in sulfur hexafluoride prices, with significant growth observed from July to September 2023. In the fourth quarter, the Chinese SF6 market continued its firm escalation, while the Indian market remained stable due to balanced supply and demand dynamics.

Europe

In Europe, sulfur hexafluoride prices increased due to strong demand from end-user sectors, particularly agriculture. The rising cost of crude oil also played a significant role in the upward price trend. Although the European economy experienced slow growth, it was moving in a positive direction, further supporting the bullish nature of sulfur hexafluoride prices. However, the European market faced challenges in the fourth quarter due to trade disturbances caused by geopolitical conflicts. Despite these hurdles, domestic demand helped maintain market stability, although short-term price variations were observed.

North America

North American sulfur hexafluoride prices saw positive influences from rising demand in the agricultural sector and increased fertilizer production. However, supply disruptions due to higher water levels in rivers affected the market. Economic growth, reduced inventory levels, and lower interest rates also contributed to the upward price trend. In the fourth quarter, the market experienced mixed sentiments, with transportation issues, particularly related to the Panama Canal, constraining regional supplies. The downstream demand remained weak, leading to a wavering market performance.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Sulfur Hexafluoride is estimated to be driven by the escalating cost of feedstock materials and rising trading disruptions in European countries.
 

Sulfur Hexafluoride Price Trend for First Half of 2023

Asia

In the production of sulfur hexafluoride, sulfur acts as the main feedstock material, and thus, the price trend of sulfur hexafluoride is mostly dependent on it. The market activities of feedstock remained bearish in the first and second quarters of 2023 due to low rates of procurement from the end-user sector. Along with this, the trading sentiments and overall consumption of buyers were also hurt by fluctuating market sentiments, resulting in a decline in the price trend of sulfur hexafluoride.

Europe

In the first two quarters of 2023, the price trend of sulfur hexafluoride suffered from the low interest of buyers in the feedstock market. The oil and petroleum industries also witnessed a downward trajectory that eventually hampered the growth of sulfur hexafluoride prices. In addition to this, oscillations in the freight charges, high level of inventories, and downfall in trading activities also played their role in keeping the sulfur hexafluoride prices in the negative zone.

North America

The North American market of sulfur hexafluoride was highly affected by the low consumption rates of downstream industries and unclear economic conditions of the region. In addition to this, the feedstock prices also suffered from the adverse crisis being faced by the fertilizer and agricultural industries. Amid plunging economic conditions, investors were also reluctant to invest in this sector long-term, and thus, due to sliding market sentiments in North America, the price trend of sulfur hexafluoride declined.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Sulfur Hexafluoride is estimated to follow a declining trend as the cost support from the feedstock market seems feeble, and rising economic uncertainties will also hamper the growth of sulfur hexafluoride prices.

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