Asia: Sulphur Market 2024

Sulphur Market Size in Asia

The Asian sulphur market amounted to $X in 2023, picking up by X% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2023; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sulphur Production in Asia

In value terms, sulphur production declined modestly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by X% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphur Exports

Exports in Asia

In 2023, exports of sulphur in Asia declined to X tons, which is down by X% against the year before. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 with an increase of X%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons, and then fell in the following year.

In value terms, sulphur exports shrank notably to $X in 2023. In general, exports, however, enjoyed perceptible growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of X%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X, and then contracted rapidly in the following year.

Exports by Country

In 2023, the United Arab Emirates (X tons), distantly followed by Kazakhstan (X tons), Saudi Arabia (X tons), Qatar (X tons), South Korea (X tons), India (X tons), Iran (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main exporters of sulphur, together committing X% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by India (with a CAGR of X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X), Kazakhstan ($X) and Saudi Arabia ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2023, with a combined X% share of total exports. Qatar, South Korea, Japan, Iran and India lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further X%.

India, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the export price in Asia amounted to $X per ton, which is down by X% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the export price increased by X%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then reduced notably in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kazakhstan (X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sulphur Imports

Imports in Asia

In 2023, imports of sulphur in Asia expanded modestly to X tons, surging by X% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by X%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur imports reduced sharply to $X in 2023. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a pronounced slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2022, and then fell significantly in the following year.

Imports by Country

China was the largest importer of sulphur in Asia, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was approx. X% of total imports in 2023. India (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a X% share, followed by Indonesia (X%). The following importers - Israel (X tons), Turkey (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) - together made up X% of total imports.

Imports into China decreased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (X%), Indonesia (X%) and Turkey (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Asia, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. By contrast, India (X%) and Israel (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2023, the share of Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates increased by X and X percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sulphur in Asia, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Indonesia ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by India, with an X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value in China totaled X%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Indonesia (X% per year) and India (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2023, the import price in Asia amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a perceptible contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of X% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2022, and then fell remarkably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Indonesia ($X per ton), while Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Israel (X%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform