Sulphur 409 Nov-Dec 2023
30 November 2023
Latest in Outlook & Reviews
Dire Straits
The effective closure of the Straits of Hormuz by Iran in the wake of US and Israeli attacks has sent shockwaves through all markets, but sulphur has been particularly badly affected. While the Straits carry 22% of global phosphate exports and 35% of urea, for sulphur around 45% of the 39 million tonnes transported internationally every year must traverse the narrow waterway, with major suppliers like Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia relying upon it for their export cargoes.
The Iran war and sulphur markets
The US and Israel attacks on Iran and the Iranian response have thrown commodity markets into chaos, with sulphur and sulphuric acid particularly affected.
Oil sands sulphur
With the decline of Venezuela’s production, Canada’s oil sands now represent 90% of all oil sands output, and a significant share of North America’s sulphur production.
Market Outlook
• Market sentiment has shifted decisively from bearish to bullish as the conflict in the Middle East has triggers a significant price rally.
Price Trends
Conflict in the Middle East has halted all vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively paralysing a region that accounts for 48% of global seaborne sulphur trade. As a result, the sulphur spot market has ground to a halt, with prices notionally holding unchanged in the $490-515/t f.o.b. range simply due to a lack of activity. No spot offers were reported out of the Middle East.