Russia, Turkey and India move to curb sulphur exports

Russia extends ban to end of June

Russia has extended its ban on industrial sulphur exports until 30 June 2026. The government announced the measure on 31 March, citing the need to stabilise raw material supplies for domestic phosphate fertilizer production. The restriction covers liquid, granulated and lump sulphur.

The original ban was introduced on 1 November 2025, following drone strikes on major natural gas plants, and was previously extended to the end of March 2026. In March, Russian fertilizer producers, through the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association (RAPU), formally requested the government to introduce a temporary price cap on sulphur in response to sharply rising domestic prices, according to Kommersant.

Key exemptions remain in place, notably for international transit, allowing sulphur from origins such as Kazakhstan to continue moving through Russian ports. Shipments to fellow EAEU member states are also still permitted. The key transit port of Ust-Luga was subject to repeated drone attacks in late March, though available reports indicate damage was confined to the oil terminal, with no specific mention of the sulphur terminal being affected.

Turkey halts exports through Q3

Turkey has prohibited sulphur exports under GTP 2503 from 7 April through to the end of Q3 2026. The measure, communicated by the Ministry of Commerce on 6 April, does not apply to customs declarations lodged before 7 April.

The move followed a request from Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which said sulphur prices had risen by 35–40% and that supply had tightened for fertilizer production, including ammonium sulphate, DAP and other compound fertilizers. Market participants say Tupras’ regular 8,000-tonne export tender is now on hold.

Turkey exported around 91,200 tonnes in Q2 2025 and 70,800 tonnes in Q3 2025, according to GTT, with the majority destined for Mediterranean markets. The ban is expected to tighten sulphur supply across the region.

India weighs further restrictions

India is said to be considering a proposal to restrict sulphur exports, following concerns raised by industry lobby groups over soaring prices and supply disruptions from the Gulf. India exported 800,000 tonnes of sulphur in 2025.

Any Indian restrictions would add further upward pressure on global prices, which are already being squeezed by Middle East supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, as well as China’s planned restrictions on sulphuric acid exports from next month.