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.
Negative copper concentrate treatment charges have increased smelters' reliance on by-product revenues, particularly sulfuric acid. This has driven sulfuric acid prices up, helping to offset smelting losses. The tight concentrate market suggests continued support for acid prices.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric Acid | China | FOB | USD 274.85/MT | May 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | USA | CIF | USD 394.04/MT | May 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 487.49/MT | May 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | India | CIF | USD 342.19/MT | May 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | Japan | FOB | USD 312.60/MT | May 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | China | FOB | USD 280.80/MT | April 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | USA | CIF | USD 367.80/MT | April 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 236.02/MT | April 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | India | CIF | USD 330.68/MT | April 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | Japan | FOB | USD 322.80/MT | April 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Sulfuric Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In Asia, sulfuric acid prices increased sharply during Q1’26 due to strong cost pressure and supply-side disruptions. In China, the prices were around ~0.93 RMB/kg (Spot FD) in January and ~1.28 RMB/kg in March, reflecting an increase of ~38.80%. The prices increased by ~29.13% from the previous quarter. Prices rose steadily in the early days of the quarter as sulfur prices remained high, supported by tight availability and elevated transportation costs, while low plant inventories and maintenance shutdowns limited supply. Demand for phosphate fertilizers during the spring planting season remained firm, which kept offtake active. In March, geopolitical tensions and shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz affected sulfur imports, with China relying heavily on imported sulfur and more than half of that supply linked to the Middle East. The disruption tightened logistics, reduced supply security, and increased raw material costs, which directly lifted sulfuric acid prices. In India, sulfuric acid prices were around 21.34 INR/kg (CIF, 98%) in January and around 31.66 INR/kg in March, showing an increase of around 45.53%. The prices increased by ~19.15% the previous quarter. The prices increased by ~35.06% from the previous quarter. The industry suffered from a lack of supply, owing to the interruptions in the refining process of crude oil and also sulfur. With increasing dependency on the use of petroleum-based sulfur, there was a shortage of supply.
Europe
The price of sulfuric acid in Europe showed relative stability but was not immune to cost pressures. In the UK, the price stood at approximately 0.24 GBP per kilogram (50%, CIF Felixstowe) in January and approximately 0.25 GBP per kilogram in March, an increase of ~0.88%. The prices increased by ~0.70% from the previous quarter. Although there was an increase in price, the market in Europe was relatively stable compared to the Asian market, where there were more drastic changes in supply. Nonetheless, the increase in the cost of sulfur and energy sources continued to affect production efficiency. Prices for imports were also vulnerable to freight rates and supply risks worldwide.
North America
The sulfuric acid price curve in the North American markets followed the trend witnessed in the Asian region, supported by higher costs of sulfur as well as logistical challenges globally. Being heavily reliant on the petroleum refining sector and its supply chains made the product harder to acquire. Demand driven by fertilizers and other industries still remained stable; however, the buyers adopted a cautious approach to mitigate these highly turbulent trade times.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, sulfuric acid prices are expected to remain firm, supported by tight sulfur supply and ongoing disruption across the global trade routes.
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Asia
The Chinese sulfuric acid market experienced substantial upward price movement during the fourth quarter, driven primarily by surging raw material costs. The prices were about 95 USD/MT (Spot FD) in October and around 141 USD/MT in December. Sulphur prices climbed considerably throughout the period as global supply tightened due to reduced Russian production and limited international availability. The quarter opened with prices at relatively modest levels before entering a sustained appreciation phase that extended through mid-December. Some sulfuric acid production facilities faced operational challenges due to elevated input costs, with several plants reducing output or temporarily suspending operations, further constraining market availability. Demand from phosphate fertilizer producers remained steady, with some manufacturers switching from direct sulphur purchases to sulfuric acid outsourcing in response to raw material cost considerations. The latter portion of the quarter witnessed a modest price correction as sulphur markets experienced some easing, though values remained well above quarterly opening levels.
Similarly, Indian sulfuric acid markets displayed gradual upward pricing momentum throughout the fourth quarter, supported by seasonal agricultural demand patterns. The rabi season winter crop planting cycle generated increased requirements for phosphate fertilizers, the primary downstream consumer of sulfuric acid. This seasonal demand boost from agricultural applications provided sustained support to market values. Production facilities maintained steady operations while managing elevated sulphur import costs. Prices advanced gradually from the quarter's beginning through year-end, reflecting both domestic demand strength and international cost pressures. The prices were about 225 USD/MT (FOB, 98%) in October and around 231 USD/MT in December.
Europe
European sulfuric acid markets followed similar upward trends observed in Asian regions, with prices appreciating steadily throughout the quarter. The prices were about 313 USD/MT (CIF Felixstowe) in October and around 328 USD/MT in December in the United Kingdom. Import parity costs increased as global sulphur prices strengthened, raising production economics for European acid manufacturers. The United Kingdom market demonstrated consistent price gains from early October through late December, tracking international raw material cost movements. Demand from industrial applications including titanium dioxide production and chemical manufacturing remained at baseline levels, providing steady consumption support.
North America
North American sulfuric acid markets experienced comparable price strengthening aligned with global sulphur supply tightness and cost inflation. Domestic producers adjusted pricing in response to elevated raw material procurement costs. Demand from fertilizer manufacturing and industrial chemical applications maintained regular patterns, with steady consumption from established end-use sectors supporting market fundamentals.
Sulfuric Acid, a colourless liquid, is a well-known mineral acid consisting of elements such as sulphur, oxygen and hydrogen. It is an odourless liquid that is viscous in nature and miscible in water. It is synthesized in extreme exothermic reactions. It has strong acidic nature and it readily absorbs water vapour from the air. It finds wide range of applications in chemical industry such as its use as an electrolyte in lead-acid batteries.
H2SO4
Fertilisers, Production of chemicals, Sulphur–iodine cycle, Oil refining, Wastewater processing, Industrial cleaning agent, Catalyst, Electrolyte
7664-93-9, Oil of vitriol
BASF SE, INEOS Sulphur Chemicals (INEOS Capital Limited), The Mosaic Company, Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), Agrium U.S. Inc. (Nutrien Ltd.), Zhejiang Jiahua Energy Chemical Industry 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 Sulfuric Acid via Single Contact Process, sulphur is burned to produce sulphur dioxide, followed by its conversion to sulphur trioxide via oxidation. The obtained sulphur trioxide is transformed into Sulfuric Acid by absorption with recirculating Sulfuric acid solution in water in just one column.
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