Qatar
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Canada
United States
China
Brazil
IndiaQ1 2025
In Q1 2025, Sulphur granular prices showed a consistent upward movement across key global regions, including Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the United States, Brazil, China, and India. In Qatar, prices at FOB Ras Laffan climbed from USD 167 per metric ton in January to USD 220 in February 2025, eventually reaching USD 239 by March 2025. The cost hike was mainly driven by strong demand from fertilizer makers and a variety of industrial users. Similar price jumps were seen in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In North America, prices shot up due to limited supply and rising energy costs. At the same time, import prices in India and China remained firm as purchasers were aggressively replenishing their inventories. As of the end of March, the price of Sulphur granular at FOB Ras Laffan hit USD 239 per metric ton.
Q4 2024
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the price of Sulphur granular prices observed strong volatility in major markets around the globe. Canada, for instance, Sulphur prices there shot up from USD 110 per metric ton in October to USD 155 per metric ton by December 2024. This upward trend was fuelled by a growing appetite for Sulphur in the fertilizer and chemical industries, particularly in North America, China, India, Brazil, and the Middle East. Several other regions, including Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Brazil, and China, also saw prices head north during these months. The consistent price hike in Canada was further propped up by some supply hiccups and the increasing price of raw materials. By the time December rolled around, the price tag for Sulphur granules in Vancouver had reached USD 155 per metric ton.
Q3 2024
During the period from July to September 2024, there was a consistent rise in the price of Sulphur granules across major global markets. In the UAE, specifically at the FOB Jebel Ali port, Sulphur prices climbed from USD 85 per metric ton in July to reach USD 123 per metric ton by September. The surge upwards came about thanks to strong demand from the fertilizer and chemical industries in places like India, China, Brazil, the US, and a bunch of Middle Eastern countries. We saw a really big jump in August, caused by supply chains getting squeezed and the prices of raw materials going up and up. Similar upward trends were observed in other crucial regions including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and the USA. As of the end of September, the price of Sulphur granules at FOB Jebel Ali, UAE, was evaluated at USD 123 per metric ton.
Q2 2024
During the second quarter of 2024, we saw some ups and downs in Sulphur granular prices across the globe. In April, the prices at FOB Dammam, Saudi Arabia, were sitting at USD 89 per metric ton, thanks to a steady demand from the fertilizer and chemical sectors in countries like India, China, Brazil, and the USA. This price hike was also driven by some supply issues and refinery activities in the Middle East. However, come May, prices took a dip to USD 84 per metric ton as market demand started to wane and global supply improved. By June, they eased even further to USD 80 per metric ton. While feedstock availability remained stable, the uncertainty in the market did have an effect on export volumes. By the end of June, Sulphur granular prices were back to USD 80 per metric ton at FOB Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Q1 2024
During Q1 2024, Sulphur grain prices rose continuously worldwide. Starting from USD 67/MT FOB Ras Laffan, Qatar in January, prices increased in February, reaching USD 77/MT due to increasing demand from fertilizer, chemical and metal industries in the whole of India, China, Brazil and the United States. Limited supply and stable refinery operations in the Middle East tightened the availability by supporting the price hike. By March, prices climbed up to USD 84/MT as downstream consumption in major markets strengthened. Feedstock remained stable from natural gas, but export volumes were limited, further auxiliary prices. Up to March-end, prices were USD 84/MT FOB Ras Laffan, Qatar.
Q1 2025
In the first quarter of 2025, Sulphur granular prices saw a strong and steady upswing in major global supply corridors to Paradip, India. Take the UAE, for instance: Sulphur prices rose from approximately USD 191 per metric ton in January to USD 267 per metric ton by March. The recent surge in the Sulphur granular market was driven by a significant rise in demand from the fertilizer and chemical sectors, particularly in countries like India, China, and Brazil. Tight supply conditions and the rising cost of upstream Sulphur added to the market pressure, further strengthening the positive outlook. Similar trends were observed in other regions, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where prices by the end of March were also fluctuating around USD 284 per metric ton. Strong purchasing activity in the region, coupled with limited export availability from Middle Eastern suppliers, resulted in a decidedly optimistic close to Q1 2025 for Sulphur granular.
Q4 2024
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Sulphur granular prices experienced a notable surge in key markets, including India. Take Paradip, India, with shipments from Qatar as an example: prices jumped from around USD 147 per metric ton in October to USD 188 per metric ton by December. This sharp rise was fueled by increasing demand in the fertilizer and chemical industries in India, China, Brazil, and the Middle East. Parallel to Qatar, prices for Sulphur granules being shipped from UAE and Saudi Arabia to Paradip also shot up during these months, indicating a wider regional scenario. Supply dwindling, mounting raw material expenditure, and logistic constraints were all factors contributing to the price increments. The price for Sulphur granules at Paradip, having attained its zenith for the year, was enough to reinforce the strong fundamentals of the market by December.
Q3 2024
Sulphur granular prices on a CFR Paradip basis shot up in Q3 2024. Short supply from the Middle East and steady buying from Indian fertiliser makers pushed prices to USD 107.83/MT in July. Strong buying before the Rabi season drove up demand causing prices to jump to USD 139.52/MT in August. Limited supply from Gulf nations and a shortage of available vessels also helped drive up prices. This upward trend continued, with prices climbing to USD 147.47/MT in September. The big jump in price during the quarter was due to several factors: fertilizer makers restocking their supplies high demand for phosphate fertilizers, and pricier global shipping. As Q3 ended, prices reached their peak for the year hinting at a stable supply.
Q2 2024
For Sulphur Granular, prices depict a declining trend in Q2 2024 on a CFR Paradip basis. In the month of April, it was USD 106/MT being pressured mildly by fresh procurement activities in India regarding fertilizers and steady shipments from the UAE. However, by May the prices have fallen to USD 102/MT, highlighting a lessening of demand pressures and improving availability of cargoes from Middle East suppliers. This softening was still to be seen in June as the market moved down to USD 96/MT as the country’s stocks were higher, offtake lower than DAP and the export supply system was running without significant disruption. pricesCurvesByEndofQ2 – The Sulfur Granular prices by the end of Q2 reached at USD 96/MT CFR Paradip, UAE A consistent bearish correction by the end of the same quarter.
Q1 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, Sulphur Granular prices on a CFR Paradip (Qatar) basis saw a consistent rise. Starting at USD 90 per metric ton in January, the prices were fueled by moderate demand from the Indian fertilizer and chemical sectors. Prices had reached USD 95 per metric ton by February as demand surged, with phosphate fertilizer producers that were running on low inventories accounting for the strongest demand. Prices rose to USD 103 per metric ton in March, supported by strong downstream demand, limited availability of material from Middle Eastern sources and a steady feedstock environment. Qatar Sulphur Granular prices remained unchanged throughout March at USD 103 per metric ton CFR Paradip.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Sulphur is a non-metallic, yellow crystalline solid that is odourless in its pure form but often emits a strong smell when burned, producing Sulphur dioxide (SO₂). It is an essential industrial element widely used across multiple sectors. The majority of Sulphur is utilized in the production of Sulphuric acid, which serves as a crucial ingredient in fertilizer manufacturing—particularly phosphate fertilizers. Beyond fertilizers, Sulphur plays a significant role in petroleum refining, rubber vulcanization, paper bleaching, and chemical processing. It is typically extracted as a by-product from oil and gas refining or mined from natural Sulphur deposits. Its unique chemical properties—such as its reactivity and ability to form strong bonds with metals and non-metals—make it indispensable to modern industry, including sectors like agriculture, mining, and pharmaceuticals.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Parameter | Value |
| Purity, wt % | Min 99.80 |
| Color | Bright Yellow |
| Appearance | Yellow granular powder |
| Inorganic Ash, wt % | Max 0.05 |
| Carbon, wt % | Max 0.05 |
| Acidity as H₂SO₄, wt % | Max 0.003 |
| Moisture | Max 0.1 |
| Size (Powder) | Up to 200 Mesh |
| Melting point | 115.21°C |
| Boiling point | 444.6°C |
| Specific gravity | ~2.07 at 20°C |
Applications
Granular Sulphur is a key industrial raw material used across various sectors due to its unique chemical properties and high purity. It plays a critical role in the production of Sulphuric acid, which in turn is essential for manufacturing phosphate-based fertilizers such as superphosphate and ammonium sulfate. Additionally, it is used directly in the vulcanization of rubber, detergent manufacturing, petroleum refining, and pulp & paper bleaching processes. The metal and mining industries also use Sulphur in ore leaching and refining. Granular Sulphur’s applications extend to the production of carbon disulfide, insecticides, fungicides, and even explosives. Its versatility makes it vital in agriculture, chemical synthesis, and industrial manufacturing.
India’s Policy Shift Toward Virgin Sulphur (Late 2024–2025):
In a move to improve quality control and reduce dependency on recycled or industrial by-product Sulphur, India introduced a new regulation in late 2024 mandating a higher proportion of virgin Sulphur usage in key industries like fertilizers and chemicals. This sudden shift reduced the usable supply in the domestic market and forced both producers and traders to pivot toward costlier virgin material. By early 2025, Sulphur prices in major Indian ports began rising steadily, with compliance-linked penalties further tightening the market. The policy marked a turning point in India’s Sulphur procurement strategy and had a noticeable impact on regional trade dynamics.
Environmental Reforms in China (2022–2023):
China’s aggressive enforcement of environmental regulations during 2022 and 2023 resulted in the closure of several Sulphur-consuming and processing units that did not meet the new standards. Since China is both a major importer and consumer of Sulphur, these reforms disrupted domestic operations and led to a rise in regional demand for imported material. As a result, Sulphur prices climbed in nearby markets such as India, South Korea, and Southeast Asia due to reduced availability and tighter trade balances.
India’s Policy Shift Toward Virgin Sulphur (Late 2024–2025):
In a move to improve quality control and reduce dependency on recycled or industrial by-product Sulphur, India introduced a new regulation in late 2024 mandating a higher proportion of virgin Sulphur usage in key industries like fertilizers and chemicals. This sudden shift reduced the usable supply in the domestic market and forced both producers and traders to pivot toward costlier virgin material. By early 2025, Sulphur prices in major Indian ports began rising steadily, with compliance-linked penalties further tightening the market. The policy marked a turning point in India’s Sulphur procurement strategy and had a noticeable impact on regional trade dynamics.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Sulphur is a non-metallic, yellow crystalline solid that is odourless in its pure form but often emits a strong smell when burned, producing Sulphur dioxide (SO₂). It is an essential industrial element widely used across multiple sectors. The majority of Sulphur is utilized in the production of Sulphuric acid, which serves as a crucial ingredient in fertilizer manufacturing—particularly phosphate fertilizers. Beyond fertilizers, Sulphur plays a significant role in petroleum refining, rubber vulcanization, paper bleaching, and chemical processing. It is typically extracted as a by-product from oil and gas refining or mined from natural Sulphur deposits. Its unique chemical properties—such as its reactivity and ability to form strong bonds with metals and non-metals—make it indispensable to modern industry, including sectors like agriculture, mining, and pharmaceuticals.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Parameter | Value |
| Purity, wt % | Min 99.80 |
| Color | Bright Yellow |
| Appearance | Yellow granular powder |
| Inorganic Ash, wt % | Max 0.05 |
| Carbon, wt % | Max 0.05 |
| Acidity as H₂SO₄, wt % | Max 0.003 |
| Moisture | Max 0.1 |
| Size (Powder) | Up to 200 Mesh |
| Melting point | 115.21°C |
| Boiling point | 444.6°C |
| Specific gravity | ~2.07 at 20°C |
Applications
Granular Sulphur is a key industrial raw material used across various sectors due to its unique chemical properties and high purity. It plays a critical role in the production of Sulphuric acid, which in turn is essential for manufacturing phosphate-based fertilizers such as superphosphate and ammonium sulfate. Additionally, it is used directly in the vulcanization of rubber, detergent manufacturing, petroleum refining, and pulp & paper bleaching processes. The metal and mining industries also use Sulphur in ore leaching and refining. Granular Sulphur’s applications extend to the production of carbon disulfide, insecticides, fungicides, and even explosives. Its versatility makes it vital in agriculture, chemical synthesis, and industrial manufacturing.
Granular Sulphur prices are influenced by raw material costs, primarily linked to oil and gas refining activities, where Sulphur is recovered as a by-product. Global demand from fertilizer, chemical, and metal processing industries plays a critical role, along with freight costs, regional supply availability, refinery shutdowns, and environmental policies. Currency fluctuations and international trade dynamics can also impact pricing.
Begin by tracking regional and global Sulphur market trends to understand price movements. Commit to bulk orders or long-term procurement agreements to secure discounted rates. Establish diversified sourcing from multiple regions to avoid overdependence on a single supplier. Strong vendor relationships, consistent order volumes, and timely payments can help unlock favorable terms. Transparent communication about logistics or quality requirements can also support negotiation.
Risks include market price volatility, disruptions due to refinery shutdowns or transport delays, and changes in environmental or trade regulations. To mitigate, maintain supplier diversity, consider fixed-price contracts, and keep an emergency buffer stock. Vet suppliers for product quality, safety compliance, and timely delivery. Monitoring policy developments and geopolitical conditions can also help avoid unexpected procurement issues.
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