Due to COVID-19, there has been disruption in the supply of sulfur and decline in the demand in multiple end user industries such as metal manufacturing and chemical processing. Moreover, COVID-19 outbreak has completely disrupted the manufacturing and supply chains of fertilizers, which may hamper the market in short term. However, the condition is expected to recover, which will restore the growth trajectory of market studied during the latter half of forecast period.


- Over the short term, major factors driving the growth of the sulfur market are the rising demand from the fertilizer manufacturing sector and increasing usage of sulfur for the vulcanization of rubber.

- On the flipside, stringent environmental regulations regarding emissions are expected to hinder the market growth.

- Usage of sulfur in cement polymer concrete is expected to act as an opportunity in the future.

- Asia-Pacific dominated the global market, with the largest consumption in terms of volume and value. The market is expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast timeframe.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Demand from Chemical Processing

- Among the end-user industries, chemical processing is estimated to be the largest market and accounted for approximately 90% of the global sulfur market in 2019.


- About 90% of sulfur produced or extracted is used to make sulfur dioxide, which is then converted to sulfuric acid. The majority of the acid is used in the production of phosphate fertilizers, which is a crucial component of the food and beverage industry.

- Increasing agricultural output globally is increasing the demand for sulphuric acid in the global market. By 2026, calorie availability is projected to reach 2,450 kcal per day on average in least-developed countries and exceed 3,000 kcal per day in other developing countries. This is expected to increase the demand for agricultural crops in the global market, which in turn, may increase the demand for phosphate fertilizers, thus, driving up the demand for sulfur in chemical manufacturing.

- Increasing crop prices have resulted in increasing demand for fertilizers. Additionally, favorable weather has also increased the demand for fertilizers in major agricultural regions.

- Such positive factors are expected to drive the sulfur market through the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific Region is Expected to Dominate the Market

- Asia-Pacific dominated the market, owing to the growing demand for sulfur in fertilizer and rubber processing from countries, such as China, India, etc.

- China is the leading global producer of sulfur in all forms. China is the world’s leading producer of pyrites (source), which account for more than 50% of sulfur in all forms. The country is the leading sulfur importer, representing about 35% of the global imports, the bulk of which is used to manufacture sulfuric acid.

- China is accelerating its oil and gas exploration activities due to the growing energy security concerns in the country. Currently, the country imports 70% of the crude oil that it refines and nearly half its natural gas consumption. In addition, the state firms are facing an arduous battle, in order to enhance the reserves and production outside the country amid growing geopolitical jeopardies. Hence, the country is welcoming foreign and private companies to conduct oil and gas exploration and production in the region.

- According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, from May 1st, 2020, foreign firms registered in China with net assets no lower than CNY 300 million (USD 43m) may be allowed to take part in oil and gas exploration and production, thus, leading to a significant increase in sulfur production capacity.

- Fertilizer production consumes about two-thirds of the sulfuric acid used in China. In the fertilizer industry, secondary fertilizers include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Yara China Limited and Nutrien Ltd are some of the companies that offer products related to secondary fertilizers.

- Additionally, oil palm, rubber, and sugarcane account for almost 95% of ASEAN fertilizers demand. Plantations are expected to be the main driver for the fertilizer demand growth in the next few years, and in turn, this may drive the sulfur market.

- About one-third of total global rubber consumption is natural rubber produced in plantations in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Thailand is one of the largest producer and exporter of natural rubber, globally.

- The aforementioned factors are contributing to the increasing demand for sulfur consumption in the region during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The sulfur market is fragmented in nature, and the top five manufacturers occupy around 30% of the market. The major companies include China Petrochemical Corporation (China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation), Gazprom, The Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and Tengizchevroil LLP, among others.

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