Sulphur Price Trend and Forecast

Regional Price Overview

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

Sulphur Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Asia

The price trend of sulphur inclined in China, although at a slower pace during the first quarter of 2024. The spot prices grew from an average of 133 USD/MT in January to 144 USD/MT in March. This uptrend of the market was facilitated by the robust growth of the downstream industries such as fertilizers and agrochemicals. In the Chinese market, sulphur prices also remained stable due to steady operations by sulphur manufacturers and strong trading activities, supporting the inventories.

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Despite subdued demand from downstream industries like rubber in the initial half of the quarter, government policies aimed at revitalizing the automobile sector stimulated the demand and the uptrend in the sulphur pricing trajectory. Additionally, the decline in coal prices also contributed to stabilizing production costs. However, in India, the sulphur price trend attained stagnancy as the government announced subsidies on urea and sulphur urea-based fertilizers. Further, after the conclusion of the winter agriculture season in the region, the demand for agrochemicals and, in turn, sulphur declined in the region, limiting the growth of the sulphur price trend.

Europe

In February, the European market witnessed a notable decline in sulphur prices amidst challenges influenced by widespread farmer protests due to the government’s energy, fertilizer, and transport policies. These protests, particularly in Germany, started at the end phase of the last quarter and spread throughout Europe, disrupting agricultural and transport sectors. This disruption impacted the overall supply chain and regional economy in the European countries, increasing the skepticism of the consumer sector.

The supply chains were further strained by the decision of India to export record-low numbers of sulphur-diesel and its derivatives to the region due to rising risks over the Red Sea crisis exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas crisis. On the demand sector, the region noted a fair stabilization in the procurement rates of the downstream agrochemical industries, but the lack of restocking of inventories forced the consumer sector to look for other alternatives, hampering the overall dynamics of the sulphur price trend in the first quarter of 2024.

North America

In the US market, the first quarter initially reported slight stabilization in the prices of sulphur, but the end phase witnessed a decline in sulphur prices. The lower commodity prices were influenced by the downturn in demand from the agrochemical sector and increased inventory levels. In view of these passive sentiments of the market, several producers halted their production in North America and Europe in anticipation of improving the market's overall outlook.

Similar to what was observed in the European countries, the trading activities in North America, too, remained under the bar of expectations, primarily due to the loss of export volumes with the drying up of the Panama Canal and the reduction in the profit margins of manufacturers and traders. However, among the downstream industries, the automotive industry supported the sulphur price trend with the rise in its sales figures. On the other hand, the rising cost of crude oil and natural gas also drove up the production costs, hinting towards an incline in the prices of sulphur in near quarters.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Sulphur is expected to be driven by the onset of the new agriculture season in major parts of the globe and the inclining cost of transportation amid the ongoing issues in the trading sector.

Sulphur Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

Sulphur prices were observed to vary regionally in the Asian sulphur markets during the fourth quarter of the year 2023. Even though the price trend varied, the market sentiments were largely observed to be positive during this time. The Chinese sulphur market saw firm escalation throughout the given time duration as the monthly average sulphur prices went from about 130 USD/MT in October’23 to around 151 USD/MT in December’23.

This led to an approximate growth of around 16% in the Chinese sulphur market within the said quarter. However, the Indian sulphur market was more stable during this time. A balanced supply and demand dynamics in India kept the prices afloat. Moreover, a borderline stagnancy was seen in the said market.

Europe

The European sulphur market was impacted by the trade disturbances because of the supply chain hurdles in the wake of the Israeli and Russian wars. International trade was barely taking place during the discussed period, and the domestic offtakes kept the sulfur market afloat during the said period. Overall, short-term variations were observed in the price trend.

North America

The North American sulphur market mostly wavered at the lower end of the curve during the concerned duration. The downstream demands were observed to be feeble; however, the transportation hurdles because of the Panama Canal issue also kept the regional supplies constricted. Overall, mixed market sentiments were witnessed in the American sulphur market during the final quarter of 2023.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, Sulphur Price Trend are likely to waver within narrow ranges in the coming months. Inventories are well capable of catering to the projected demands, so not much change in the market outlook is predicted.

Sulphur Price Trend for the July-September of 2023

Asia

The Asia-Pacific countries witnessed a gradual incline in Sulphur Price Trend. The market momentum rose with the confidence provided by the growing demand from the agricultural sector and the rising cost of crude oil. Further, in terms of raw materials, under OPEC regulations, Saudi Arabia and Russia cut down their exports of natural gas and crude oil, raising the cost of production of sulphur in Asian countries. In addition, the trading sentiments, especially in China, improved, and as a result, the prices of sulphur grew from around 109 USD/MT (Spot, FD) in July to 133 USD/MT (Spot, FD) in September ’23.

Europe

The rates of production of sulphur increased with the help of its strong demand from the end-user sector, which eventually led to a rise in the sulphur price graph. The key agriculture sector was the major driver of demand for sulphur, and in addition to this, the growing cost of raw materials such as crude oil also contributed significantly to the inclination in Sulphur Price Trend. On the other hand, the growth of the European economy was slow but in the right direction, which was another factor in the bullish nature of sulphur prices.

North America

The rise in demand for sulphur from the agriculture sector and increased production of fertilizers positively influenced the Sulphur Price Trend. The supply of sulphur was, on the other hand, poor due to the disruptions caused by the rise in water levels in the majority of rivers in North America. The progress in economic growth, reduction in the level of inventories, and fall in interest rates charged by banks also helped in the rise in the sulphur price graph.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Sulphur are estimated to reap the benefits of high demand from the fertilizers industries.

Sulphur Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

A gradual decline in the prices of Sulphur was observed in the first two quarters of 2023. The spot prices of sulfur went from about 181 USD/MT in January to around 112 USD/MT in June’23 in the Chinese market. The declining trajectory of the prices resulted from the weak demand from the refinery and fertilizers sector. Additionally, decreasing consumption rates, increasing crude oil prices, and feeble support from the downstream sector aided the fall in sulfur prices.

Europe

The price trend in Europe were not much different from the ones observed in the Asia-Pacific region. The falling prices of Sulphur were owing to the difficulties faced in exporting products to US markets amid declining demand and uncertain freight rates. Along with this, the supply chain of Europe was highly disrupted, especially in the German market, which negatively impacted the price trend of Sulphur in H1’23.

North America

The poor performance of the downstream market pushed the prices of Sulphur toward the negative side. The inquiries from the fertilizers sector were almost negligible, and falling global demand for Sulphur adversely impacted the market. Amid declining demand, the supply chains in the regions relaxed with no requirement for strong shipments, which further fueled the falling prices.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Sulphur is estimated to fall in the upcoming months. The demand from the end-user industries seems feeble, along with disruptions in the supply chains, which are expected to dictate a downward trend in the market.

Sulfur Price trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

The last two quarters of 2022 witnessed a fluctuating trend in the prices of Sulphur. In the third quarter, the price trend suffered due to an over-piling of inventories, given the weak demand from the fertilizers sector and related sulfur markets. The region also saw fluctuations in energy prices and disruptions in the supply chains due to declining consumer confidence. Further, the high volatility in the financial market negatively impacted on the price trend of Sulphur in the fourth quarter.

Europe

In the European region, the price trend of Sulphur dipped due to the weak demand from the fertilizer and Lithium Sulphur batteries market. The ripple effect of sanctions imposed on trade with Russia further worsened the situation. In addition to this, the feedstock prices also dipped, and the purchasing potential of buyers declined, which led to a rise in the level of inventories that had a negative impact on the prices of Sulphur.

North America

In the third and fourth quarters of 2022, the prices of Sulphur moved southwards. This gradual decline in the prices was caused by the stockpiling of the inventories due to weak trading activities in the North American market. The poor purchasing ability of end-user industries and feeble demand from the sulphuric acid industries further fueled this downward movement.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the prices of Sulphur are estimated to decline in the upcoming months as the end-user sulphuric acid market and ongoing Russia-Ukraine crises are expected to impact the global markets negatively.

For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

The Asia Pacific region's sulphur market had both positives and negatives in the second quarter. Due to COVID limitations, the Chinese market had a limited supply of sulphur at the beginning of the quarter. High manufacturer quotations drove up the price of sulphur and supported the downstream sulphuric acid.

Since some of the Chinese refinery's components were undergoing repair at the end of the quarter, the price of sulphur in the area was maintained. The offer for sulphur in the Indian market was also improved by the additional cost support provided by the higher shipping costs. As a result, throughout the quarter, sulphur prices were settled at 580 USD/MT on a CFR Shanghai basis and 40430 INR/MT on an ex-Mumbai basis.

North America

The market for sulphur in the North American region grew steadily throughout the second quarter. Due to the restrictions on Russian fertiliser imports and the rising food price index, domestic players were forced to turn more and more to Middle Eastern suppliers. Chemicals used in the region's pharma, chemical, and rubber sectors mostly drove the demand for sulphur. During Q2 of 2022, per ton price of sulphur was noted at 720 USD/MT on a CFR Texas.

Europe

Throughout the European market, sulphur market sentiments were on the rise. The fluctuation of crude oil prices and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine had a significant impact on petrochemical commodities. Sanctions placed by the Western and European nations on Russian energy companies as well as other organisations had a greater regional impact. The region's sulphur market was driven by the high cost pressure brought on by the rising price of crude oil. During Q2 of 2022, sulphur prices were observed at 545 EUR/MT on a FOB Hamburg basis.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, sulphur prices are projected to be bleak in the second half of the year. Lower end-user demand and the lower downstream sulphuric acid market could be significant elements weighing down prices. Moreover, the lower prices of feedstock, ripening inventories, and torpid market of lithium-sulphur batteries would hang on the lower end of the sulphur prices.

For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

The market dynamics for sulphur in the Asia Pacific region experienced a substantial gyration in the first quarter of 2022, as Russia began its special military operations in Ukraine. The price of crude oil increased as western nations became more hesitant to purchase Russian supplies, and queries focused on the middle-eastern market. As a result, the crude offers have had an impact on the APAC sulphur market.

Europe

Because of the geopolitical upheaval in eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine, the European region is the most affected market. As a result of the sanctions, Russia became isolated on the global financial arena and lost its ability to arbitrate with the European Union. In contrast, European countries were hesitant to purchase Russian energy materials in protest of Ukraine's invasion.

The current energy crisis has had a significant impact on market dynamics, and the Suez Canal Authority increased costs by 5%, further inflating sulphur prices in the European market. In mid-March, the CFR Hamburg pries exceeded the 450 USD/MT level as a result of the ripple effect.

North America

The market in the North American region remained consolidated in the first quarter of 2022, owing to strong crude offers throughout the quarter. Even after the revival of Omicron, the OPEC+ alliance continued to its resolve to progressively increase crude oil supply, which helped to keep market sentiments in the US domestic market buoyant.

Agricultural and chemical intermediate demand, on the other hand, remained consistently strong as China and Russia imposed limits on raw material exports and the growing food price index changed the dynamics and maintained bullish views in the regional market. During the quarter, the CFR Texas negotiations for sulphur granular were settled at 460 USD/MT.

For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

Ministerial-level talks completed after the OPEC+ Alliance to gradually raise Crude Oil production output. The APAC sulphur market witnessed a considerable upswing in producer quotations, which was driven by continually increasing downstream demand. In contrast, high freight costs combined with rising prices encouraged ASEAN customers to postpone imports, reinforcing the wait-and-see attitude in their domestic market.

The offers, however, took a little dive in the second half of the quarter, owing to the return of COVID 19's omicron version. The CFR Shanghai quarterly average discussion for sulphur granular grade was assessed at 312 USD/MT as a result of the ripple effect.

North America

The North American market witnessed a mixed trend in the fourth quarter of 2021, the producer's offer for the chemical remained consolidated after observing significant growth in the previous quarter.

The domestic market sentiments were uplifted after Biden’s Administration announced to release the strategic Petroleum reserves as part of ongoing efforts to lower the prices of Crude Oil in the fourth quarter. As a ripple effect of the persistent demand from the downstream players, the CIF Texas quarterly average was assessed at 371 USD/MT.

Latin America

In the South American region, especially in Brazil, the price was 313 USD/MT, 338 USD/MT, and 318 USD/MT in October, November and December, respectively. It was due to the increased prices of crude oil and supply and demand imbalances.

For First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

Despite limited demand from end-user sectors, sulphur prices continued to rise across Asia. Lower output from the US due to the extreme cold resulted in a global shortage of most primary chemicals, including sulphur, while demand for crude-based sulphur in the global market was high, supporting its prices in Asia.

As oil prices continued to rise in March, the CFR price in Indian markets hovered around 199.93 USD/MT, up from 167 USD/MT in January. After the Lunar New Year holidays, a similar scenario occurred in China, when sulphur prices rose due to a domestic scarcity.

The demand from downstream businesses remained strong during this quarter, causing sulphur prices to rise continuously. In the Chinese market, an unusual increase in offtakes from downstream fertiliser factories, combined with a severe shortage, caused sulphur prices to skyrocket.

Meanwhile, in India, a similar situation was witnessed, with downstream fertiliser plants maintaining large offtakes to meet total demand. As a result, the Indian and Chinese markets saw increases of more than 10% and 8%, respectively, in May, with prices settling at 246.8 USD/MT and 224 USD/MT in India and China, respectively.

In the third quarter of 2021, prices increased significantly in the Asia Pacific region. Due to increased demand from downstream fertiliser manufacturers, prices in the Chinese domestic market skyrocketed in the third quarter. As a result of the energy problems in Europe and China, global fertiliser costs surged to new highs in Q3, prompting more scrutiny.

The market sentiments in India were diverse in different parts of the country. Traders in Mumbai and Vadodara reported strong demand and continuous offtakes of sulphur, but no notable price changes were noted in September due to greater stockpiles. Sulphur prices in the country have been steadily declining due to rising inventory levels at BPCL.

Europe

Sulphur was in short supply on the European market, despite strong demand from downstream industries. During this time, supply was still limited due to scheduled and unplanned shutdowns at key refineries in France and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, a container shortage and high shipping freight increased its prices, prompting overseas dealers to avoid the European supplies.

In Q3 2021, the region market outlook for sulphur showed mixed sentiments. Downstream markets saw a price increase on Monday, September 20th, with fresh record spot gas highs and no meaningful price relief for fertiliser manufacturers. Throughout the quarter, downstream fertilisers and the sulphuric acid industry saw an increase in demand.

A number of European fertiliser facilities were forced to shut down due to record-high Dutch TTF and British NBP gas costs, but the British government stepped in with short-term financial assistance, allowing one of CF Industries' two UK fertiliser plants to reopen.

North America

As a result of the cold snap that affected the US Gulf Coast (USGC) area in mid-February, North America's crude-based sulphur output was heard to be reduced. Due to unfavourable working circumstances caused by the frigid weather, most refineries remained closed in February, resulting in a major reduction in its output, which supported prices.

Although downstream demand for the chemical remained low, due to a lack of supply and rising crude derivative prices. The price jumped by 5 USD/MT in February and stayed stable until the end of March at 135 USD/MT.

Sulphur prices in North America fluctuated on a monthly basis during the second quarter, as the demand and supply gap changed month to month. Several refineries reopened in April after being down for a long time owing to the harsh winter of February, effectively improving the country's supply.

Prices fell sharply in May, as crude-based sulphur supplies from domestic refineries were quickly restored. Despite the improvement in supply chain activity, prices rose marginally in the second half of Q2 due to increased demand from the downstream fertilisers market. As a result, prices in the United States increased a little from 161 USD/MT to 162 USD/MT in mid-June.

The third quarter of 2021 saw an increased trend in North American pricing, which was followed by continuous demand from downstream industries. In terms of supply, the third quarter saw an improvement as refinery utilisation rates remained stable at pre-pandemic levels. In Q3, demand increased, owing primarily to downstream sulphuric acid producers, fertiliser, and industrial sectors. Following the recovery from the catastrophic weather in the United States, the supply and demand balance improved dramatically, resulting in a large increase in sulphur prices in Q3 2021.

Latin America

Sulphur prices in the Brazilian market had increased during the first three quarters (from January to September) from 232 to 306 USD/MT. It was due to overall global market's increase in prices due to high demand and also the recovery of the economy after COVID.

For the Year 2020

Asia

In India, the crude oil sector is the primary source of sulphur. The market had conflicting views towards the end of September, with ample supply and a resurgence in downstream demand. China's regular stock increased from 1 million tonnes to 3 million tonnes. Due to pent-up downstream demand for detergents and fungicides, its consumption in India and China has surged. Despite the fact that demand was still bearish in Q3 of 2020, it was still much above the previous quarter's record lows. Prices maintained in the 90-92 USD/MT CFR China area.

Europe

As a result of Covid-19, plant turnaround times were extended, limiting the supplies across the European market. The supply was also delayed by the stress of switching to a low-sulphur gasoline as part of a slew of government programmes aimed at alleviating rising environmental concerns.

Despite the fact that demand was constant in Q3, low offtakes from the downstream capro sector slowed the overall demand fundamentals. With the economy on the mend, demand for the chemical from various downstream industries is expected to pick up significantly in the coming quarters. Overall, there was a reduction in its supply due to new IMO 2020 restrictions. The price was 170.90 USD/MT.

North America

The majority of market operations in the United States were paused at the end of August due to Hurricane Laura's threat to the US Gulf Coast. The disruption of logistics has a direct impact on its supply across the United States. In mid-September, Suncor Sulphur announced a planned maintenance turnaround, exacerbating the supply situation in the final weeks of September.

Despite the fact that burners were running at peak efficiency in concert with high demand, a big fertiliser manufacturer was heard reporting a massive increase in the chemical’s inputs. However, the US sulphur market's export revenues were constrained due to limited output. Prices had dropped from 51 USD/MT to 40 USD/MT from the previous year. It was due to the COVID-19 shutdowns that sulphur prices fell.

Latin America

Sulphur prices began to fall at the end of each quarter in 2019, and they gradually increased in 2020, beginning in January at 75 USD/MT and ending in December at 152 USD/MT. It was due to an overall stable market in the world but the prices increased from last year.

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