Section: CRUSU Industry News

Turkey has prohibited exports of sulphur under GTP 2503 from 7 April through the second and third quarters of 2026, according to a 6 April communication from the Ministry of Commerce. The measure does not apply to customs declarations lodged before 7 April. The restriction followed a request from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which said sulphur prices had risen by 35-40% and that supply had tightened for fertilizer production, including AS, DAP and other compound fertilizers. The General Directorate of Exports will review any exceptional cases arising during implementation.

India is said to be considering a proposal to restrict sulphur exports after industry lobby groups raised concerns about soaring prices and disruption to supplies from the Gulf, according to local news reports. Export restrictions could add to upward pressure on global sulphur prices, as supplies from the Middle East are disrupted by the Iran war and with China also set to restrict sulphuric acid exports from next month. India exported 800,000 tonnes of sulphur in 2025.

INEOS Enterprises has agreed to sell INEOS Calabrian, its ultra-pure sulphur dioxide and derivatives business, to Ecovyst. INEOS Calabrian operates manufacturing sites in Port Neches, Texas, USA and Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Completion of the sale is expected by the end of June 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Brazil‑focused phosphate developer Aguia is nearing final approval for its Tres Estradas project in southern Brazil, with state environmental agency FEPAM now reviewing last‑minute changes ahead of issuing an operating licence.

Itafos has amended its long-term sulfuric acid supply contract with Rio Tinto’s Kennecott copper business, locking in a new pricing basis and more flexible volumes to support US phosphate production at Conda, Idaho through 2029.

Chinese fertiliser producer Yunnan Yuntianhua is backing a 10 million tonne per year underground phosphate mine in Yunnan through its 35%-owned associate Yunnan Yuntianhua Julin New Materials Co., Ltd. (Julin New Materials), aiming to secure long‑term rock supply for fertiliser and new‑energy materials.

ADNOC Gas has outlined a staged recovery plan for its Habshan complex after April attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while reporting sharply stronger sulphur earnings on the back of firm prices and resilient output elsewhere in its network.

Copper smelters are under fresh pressure as treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) fall amid tighter concentrate supply and rising smelter capacity, while record sulphuric acid values reshape smelter revenues.

CRU’s "Energy Shock: Impact on commodity value chains" briefing in London on 14 May is essential for fertiliser, sulphur, nitrogen and syngas professionals seeking practical tools to manage rising cost and supply risk.

A review of papers presented at this year’s Sulphur World Symposium, held by The Sulphur Institute (TSI) in Vancouver, Canada this year from April 28 to 30.