Within agriculture, sulphur is consumed as a plant nutrient, but most importantly as an intermediate in the production of phosphoric acid, and therefore for phosphate fertilizers. Almost all sulphur is used in the production of sulphuric acid, which is the most widely used inorganic chemical worldwide, and plays a key role in many industrial and metallurgical processes as well as its uses in agriculture.Key facts about the sulphur fertilizer market
Sulphur Fertilizer Market and Price Analysis
Key themes affecting the sulphur fertilizer market
Almost all sulphur is produced as a by-product of the oil and gas industry, and as such it can present a disposal issue for producers. The demand drivers for oil and gas are not closely linked to the demand drivers for the industries in which sulphur is consumed, frequently leading to periods of under- or over-supply in sulphur. Climate change is driving decarbonisation of the global economy, which in the longer term should lead to the stabilisation and possible reduction in the production of fossil fuels and therefore sulphur from those sources. Demand for sulphur and sulphuric acid in both agricultural and industrial applications will continue to increase, with potential cost implications in those markets if a structural deficit in sulphur supply evolves. In the meantime, environmental pressures in sulphur producing regions mean producers are increasingly reluctant to pour sulphur into block at times of over-supply and low prices, not least because the crushed lump sulphur reclaimed from block is increasingly difficult to sell due to handling issues. When balanced or in surplus, the price of sulphur tends to mostly reflect the handling and logistics costs of supply. As such, price volatility is significant as the product moves from deficit to surplus and given this dependence on the oil and gas sector, the sulphur industry and its customers face many challenges and uncertainty going forward. IHS Markit, through its detailed analysis of the oil and gas, industrial and fertilizer markets is uniquely placed to provide insight into the development of sulphur markets.
| Key sulphur indicators | ||||||
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||
| Sulphur cfr China (granular, spot) | $/t | 69 | 154 | 99 | 79 | 217 |
| Sulphur cfr North Africa contract (quarterly) | $/t | 86 | 140 | 93 | 63 | 170 |
| Global elemental sulphur imports | mln t | 35.0 | 37.1 | 37.2 | 35.6 | 35.8 |
| Oil-based production | mln t | 31.1 | 31.9 | 32.6 | 31.0 | 32.1 |
| Global sulphuric acid trade | mln t S | 18.9 | 20.0 | 20.3 | 20.2 | 20.1 |
Solutions
At IHS Markit we offer market-leading sulphur and sulphuric acid fertilizer information solutions via our globally recognised Fertecon service. Specialists in offering comprehensive data and analysis across the global fertilizer market, with current, short-term and long-term solutions to support all operational needs in your organisation.
Weekly Report
Keep abreast of the markets for sulphur and sulphuric acid, spotting new opportunities with our weekly market report. Key benefits include reliable price discovery, news on key developments, and trade statistics and news alerts.
More About Our MethodologyMonthly Futures Report
Plan for the mid-term and make smarter investment decisions with our sulphur market intelligence. Key benefits include global market overview, major company news, and trade statistics alerts.
Quarterly Market Reports
Steer your business in the right strategic direction with our in-depth quarterly report on the sulphur market, forecasting out 10 years. Key benefits include comprehensive market analysis, price, supply demand and trade forecasts, and coverage of hot topics.
API and Data Feeds
Pricing, supply-demand and forecasts on the sulphur market delivered directly to your organisation to support centralised models and trading systems used by team members across your business.
Find out moreOne-time Data Exports
Over three decades of historical sulphur pricing, production and trade data across all core nutrients available to purchase to support your organisation with strategic analysis and economic modelling.
Consulting
Consulting services spanning all your needs in the fertilizer markets, from long-term forecasting beyond what is available in our subscription services to market studies for financial investments reviewing everything from market forecasts to competitor intelligence.