The price of sulfur in the United States reached approximately 100 U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2023. Compared to the previous year, that was a significant decrease in price. The United States is one of the largest producers of sulfur in the world.

During the last quarter of 2024, sulfur prices in the United States reached 131 USD/MT in December. Due to robust agricultural demand, high refinery utilization, and supply constraints, the market remained optimistic in Q4 2024. Due to severe winter weather and strikes at important Canadian ports, rail transportation was interrupted, resulting in a shortage.

Explore IMARC's latest publication, “Sulphur Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the sulphur pricing,, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices.

The North American Sulphur market exhibited a bullish trend in Q4 2024, driven by supply chain disruptions, rising demand, and production challenges. Strikes in Canadian ports, halted operations in major facilities, and rail delays from freezing winter conditions created significant supply constraints. Domestic production faced additional setbacks due to Hurricane Helene and flooding incidents, limiting output and tightening supply. High refinery utilization rates in the Gulf Coast and Midwest helped stabilize supply but did not fully alleviate market pressure.

The insoluble sulphur prices in the United States for Q2 2024 reached 1630 USD/MT in June. The market saw significant price declines as the automotive sector became more selective in purchasing because of rising costs and higher financing rates. Seasonal changes led to a decrease in natural gas prices, which in turn lowered manufacturing costs and reduced demand.

Sulphur exports from the United States expanded markedly to 1.9M tons in 2023, picking up by 12% compared with 2022 figures.

In November 2022, the sulphur price was recorded at $1,780 per ton (FOB, India), increasing by 1.7% compared to the preceding month.

Molten Sulfur Market size was valued at USD 5.40 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7.75 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.10% from 2024 to 2031.

Molten Sulfur Market Drivers

Increasing Demand from Agriculture: Molten sulfur is a key ingredient in the production of fertilizers, fungicides, and insecticides, which are essential for boosting agricultural productivity.
Industrial Applications: Molten sulfur is used in various industrial applications, including the production of sulfuric acid, rubber vulcanization, and chemical manufacturing.
Growing Infrastructure Development: The expansion of infrastructure projects globally, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, requires significant amounts of construction materials, some of which rely on sulfur-based compounds.

Molten Sulfur Market Restraints

Price Volatility: The price of molten sulfur can fluctuate significantly due to factors such as supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and economic conditions.
Environmental Concerns: The extraction and processing of sulfur can have environmental impacts, such as air pollution and water pollution.
Stricter Environmental Regulations: Increasingly stringent environmental regulations can impose additional costs and compliance burdens on sulfur producers.
Competition from Alternative Materials: In some applications, molten sulfur may face competition from alternative materials, such as synthetic chemicals.

Learn how sulfur pricing is influenced by market supply and demand, its production as a by-product of natural gas processing, and its critical role in agriculture and industrial manufacturing. Discover how stakeholders use market insights from agencies like Argus for strategic decision-making.

The global industrial grade sulfur market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand across diverse sectors. While the exact market size for 2025 isn't provided, considering typical market sizes for similar chemical commodities and a plausible CAGR (let's assume a CAGR of 5% for illustrative purposes, which is a reasonable estimate given the industry's growth trajectory), we can project a market size of approximately $15 billion for 2025. This substantial value reflects the critical role sulfur plays in various applications. The market's expansion is fueled by several key drivers, including the burgeoning fertilizer industry (which heavily relies on sulfuric acid production, a major sulfur consumer), the continued growth in construction and infrastructure development (demand for concrete and related materials), and the expanding manufacturing sector’s need for sulfur in diverse chemical processes. The increasing use of sulfur in emerging applications like rubber and specialized chemicals further contributes to market expansion. However, factors such as fluctuating sulfur prices due to production limitations and environmental regulations concerning sulfur emissions pose challenges to sustained market growth. Segmentation analysis shows substantial demand from applications such as fertilizers, followed by sulfuric acid production and other industrial chemicals. Different sulfur content grades (99.95%, 99.5%, 99%) cater to varying application needs, shaping market dynamics within the overall sector. Looking ahead to 2033, maintaining a conservative 5% CAGR, the market is projected to surpass $25 billion. However, this growth trajectory hinges on several factors. Sustained economic growth globally is paramount, as industrial activity directly impacts sulfur demand. Technological advancements leading to more efficient sulfur production and utilization will play a crucial role, along with government policies regarding environmental sustainability and chemical production. Competition amongst major players, including Abu Dhabi National Oil, Shell, and China Petroleum & Chemical, will influence pricing and market share, shaping the market landscape over the forecast period. Continuous innovation in sulfur-based technologies and expansion into new applications will be key to unlocking further market potential and maximizing the value chain. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth analysis of the global industrial grade sulphur market, providing valuable insights into production, consumption, pricing, and future growth prospects. The report delves into key market trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory landscapes, leveraging data and expert analysis to deliver a clear and actionable understanding of this vital industrial commodity. Keywords: Industrial Grade Sulphur, Sulphur Market, Sulphur Production, Sulfuric Acid, Pesticide, Fertilizer, Rubber, Global Sulphur Market, Sulphur Price, Sulphur Demand, Sulphur Supply.

The liquid sulphur dioxide prices in Q2 2024 reached 16200 USD/MT in June in India. The country observed the most notable price movements, influenced by the peak of the plantation season that increased demand, especially from the fertilizer sector. The general elections compounded these challenges, disrupting logistics and intensifying market concerns.

Imports - Sulfur & Nonmetallic Minerals (Census Basis) in the United States increased to 157.54 USD Million in February from 140.92 USD Million in January of 2024. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United States Imports of Sulfur & Nonmetallic Minerals.

The sulphur dioxide prices in the India for Q4 2023 reached 192 USD/MT in December. The market faced fluctuating demand impacting prices. The market's trajectory was influenced by inconsistent supply and cautious procurement practices. A cautious stance among suppliers, driven by unstable price conditions, contributed to a period of relative stability despite broader market volatility.

Global Sulfur Market to hit USD 33.33B by 2029 growing at 11.2% CAGR. Explore trends, drivers, and competition for strategic insights with The Business Research Company.

In 2023, approx. 408K tons of sulphur were exported from Turkey; rising by 11% on 2022 figures.

Explore the factors influencing future sulfur prices, including global demand, environmental regulations, supply dynamics, geopolitical issues, and technological advancements. Analysts predict a moderate increase amid shifting industrial and economic landscapes.

In July 2022, the sulphur price stood at $1,838 per ton (FOB, India), growing by 11% against the previous month.

The Indian sulphur market declined to $1.7B in 2024, which is down by -8.6% against the previous year. In general, consumption continues to indicate a mild downturn. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $2.3B. From 2022 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

133 Global import shipment records of Sulphur Granules with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

In February 2023, the sulphur price stood at $196 per ton (CIF, India), which is down by -5.5% against the previous month.

In September 2022, the sulphur price amounted to $129 per ton (CIF, China), dropping by -62.5% against the previous month.