Tag: Prices

Bullish sentiment in the sulphuric acid market has intensified amid the suspension of all Chinese sulphuric acid exports from May.

Three major sulphur producers are restricting exports simultaneously, threatening to push an already supply-squeezed global market into deeper deficit.

CRU's fertilizer and raw materials experts examine mounting market pressures in a newly available on-demand webinar, Straight Talk: Fertilizer Constraints Compound as Conflict Lingers.

Bullish sentiment in the sulphuric acid market has intensified amid the suspension of all Chinese sulphuric acid exports from May through the end of the year. Although no formal announcement has been issued by government authorities, smelters are reportedly preparing to implement the measure.

An update on the impacts of the Middle East conflict on fertilizer markets.

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 US and Israel attacks on Iran and the Iranian response have thrown commodity markets into chaos, with sulphur and sulphuric acid particularly affected.

• Market sentiment has shifted decisively from bearish to bullish as the conflict in the Middle East has triggers a significant price rally.

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.

Price trends and market outlook, 26th February 2026. (Important note: this Market Insight was published two days before the start of the latest Middle East conflict.)