Grade deflation
Average phosphate rock grades globally have been on the slide since the 1970s. CRU’s Maria Gamboa looks at the most recent trends in rock grade and the cost implications for phosphate fertilizer production.
Tag: Sulphur
Russia's sulphur market hit by antitrust probe and plant strike
Russia's sulphur supply is under renewed pressure after another Ukrainian strike hit the Astrakhan gas processing plant, a facility vital to the country's fertilizer industry and responsible for over 60% of its sulphur output.
Brazil's ANDA seeks subsidy to offset sulphur price spike
Brazil’s National Association for the Diffusion of Fertilizers (ANDA) has proposed an emergency $375 million subsidy to shield farmers from soaring sulphur prices. The proposal was presented to the government during the International Brazil Congress in São Paulo on 25 August.
Ecovyst completes Calabrian acquisition
Ecovyst reported 2Q 2026 sales of $250.0 million, up 42% from $176.1 million in 2025, driven by higher volumes and pricing, including about $55 million of sulphur cost pass-through. Net income rose to $10.7 million (a margin of 4.3%), while adjusted net income was $23.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased 27% to $53.1 million.
India plans sulphur and acid subsidies for phosphates production
The Indian government is considering a new financial relief package for its domestic fertilizer industry aimed at protecting its agricultural sector from volatile global markets, according to a Department of Fertilizers (DoF) document dated 14 August. The proposal directly addresses the impact of the "West Asia crisis" on key raw material costs.
Mosaic, Ma'aden and Nutrien face feedstock squeeze
Three of the world's major phosphate producers used their second-quarter 2026 results to lay out how far a global sulphur squeeze is now cutting into their phosphate businesses.
Lifosa reportedly halts as Kazakh sulphur cut off
EuroChem has reportedly suspended operations at its Lifosa phosphate fertilizer plant in Kėdainiai, Lithuania, on the back of high raw material sulphur costs, CRU reported on 10 August.
FID on Umm Shaif gas development
TotalEnergies says that, along with partners ADNOC, CNPC and Eni, it has reached a final investment decision (FID) for the $6.2 billion Umm Shaif Gas Cap development in the Umm Shaif and Nasr offshore concession. ADNOC Offshore is the field operator.
Market Insight
Price trends and market outlook, 17th June 2026.
A broken system with affordability and availability challenges
Peter Harrisson , Principal, Sulphur & Sulphuric Acid Market Services, provides an overview of the global sulphur market.