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IndiaQ1 2025:
In Q1 2025, Sulphuric Acid Industrial Grade (98%) prices across China, Japan, South Korea, and the USA followed a fluctuating trajectory. Sulphuric acid prices declined in January due to sluggish demand and steady supply conditions. However, by February, a revival in industrial consumption and firming feedstock costs began to push prices upward. The uptrend gained momentum in March 2025, driven by heightened demand from manufacturing sectors, restocking activities, and tighter supply. In China, the quarter ended with the price of USD 86/MT FOB Qingdao in March 2025, reflecting the sharpest monthly increase of the quarter. Similar trends were observed in Japan, South Korea, and the USA where initially prices showed stagnancy, however prices show resurgence in the later half of the first quarter of 2025.
Q4 2024:
The South Korean Sulphuric Acid (98%) market displayed a mixed trajectory in Q4 2024. Prices declined in October amid weak demand but began recovering in November, gaining momentum in December due to stronger industrial activity and tightening supply. China recorded steady month-on-month price increases, driven by firm consumption. Japan mirrored South Korea’s trend, while Mexico saw gains in October and November, followed by a dip in December. Spain aligned with China’s consistent growth. After the conclusion of December 2024, Sulphuric Acid prices in South Korea were assessed at USD 52 per MT FOB Busan.
Q3 2024:
In Q3 2024, Japan’s Sulphuric Acid Industrial Grade (98%) market showed a consistent upward trend. Prices increased in July, continued to rise in August, and the upward momentum carried into September. The market was supported by steady industrial demand and firmer supply conditions. In China, prices saw a steady increase throughout the quarter, driven by sustained consumption and stronger downstream activity. South Korea followed Japan’s trend, with prices rising each month. Mexico, however, faced a downturn, with prices declining month-on-month through the quarter. Spain mirrored China’s trend, with prices consistently rising each month. After the conclusion of September 2024, Sulphuric Acid prices were assessed at USD 45 per MT FOB Tokyo.
Q2 2024:
In Q2 2024, China’s Sulphuric Acid Industrial Grade (98%) market experienced consistent price growth across all three months—April, May, and June—driven by strong downstream demand and rising industrial activity. The steady uptrend reflected market confidence supported by higher feedstock costs and ongoing restocking efforts. In Japan, prices increased in April and May, but remained stable in June, showing signs of market balance. South Korea followed a similar trend, recording gradual increases throughout the quarter. Meanwhile, Mexico witnessed a continuous decline in prices due to weak demand and competitive international supply. Spain’s market dipped in April but showed recovery with price gains in both May and June, indicating improving consumption. After the conclusion of June 2024, Sulphuric Acid prices in China were assessed at USD 46 per MT FOB Qingdao.
Q1 2024:
In Q1 2024, China’s Sulphuric Acid Industrial Grade (98%) market experienced a slow start, with prices declining through January and February due to weak demand and comfortable inventory levels amid Lunar New Year holidays. However, March brought a notable rebound as industrial activity picked up and restocking began, pushing prices upward by the end of the quarter. Japan’s market saw consistent month-on-month price declines, mainly due to sluggish exports and limited domestic consumption. South Korea followed a similar path, mirroring Japan’s downward trend throughout the quarter. Mexico’s prices remained largely stable in the first two months, with a slight uptick observed in March. Spain followed the same pattern as Japan and South Korea, reflecting continued weakness in industrial demand. After the conclusion of March 2024, Sulphuric Acid prices in China were assessed at USD 37 per MT FOB Qingdao.
Q1 2025:
Sulphuric acid prices in India climbed steadily throughout Q1 2025, closing March 2025 at USD 180-182 per MT Ex-South India. This consistent rise reflects not just recovering demand and escalating feedstock costs, but a decisive regulatory shift in India’s sulphuric acid market. The government’s policy mandating the use of virgin sulphuric acid over recycled or by-product forms has reshaped procurement dynamics. Compliance enforcement, coupled with penalties for non-adherence, has limited alternative supply routes—tightening availability and driving prices upward. The market now faces structural constraints, with producers and traders aligning closely to the new standards. Unless new virgin acid capacity is added, the current elevated pricing is expected to persist into the next quarter. This trend underscores the increasing influence of policy on industrial commodity markets in India.
Q4 2024:
The final quarter of 2024 saw sulphuric acid prices peak, driven by year-end stockpiling, strong industrial demand, and rising input costs. West India registered prices at USD 140.7 per MT in December—it’s highest for the year. The quarter’s bullish tone was shaped by robust fertilizer offtake, limited supply from domestic refiners due to maintenance shutdowns, and climbing sulphur costs globally. Regulatory developments around purity standards and stricter quality compliance also supported higher pricing. Market sentiment closed strong, with expectations of continued firmness into early 2025 unless new capacities emerge.
Q3 2024:
Prices began to rebound in Q3 as industrial activity regained pace and domestic demand improved. In South India, sulphuric acid prices rose to USD 110-115 per MT by September 2024, fuelled by a resurgence in fertilizer production and petrochemical processes. The turnaround was supported by tightening supplies and a return of seasonal demand from agrochemical manufacturers. A gradual rise in feedstock (sulphur) prices also contributed to the recovery. As production stabilized and inventories normalized, buyers returned to the market, firming prices across all regions.
Q2 2024:
The second quarter marked a dramatic price correction, with sulphuric acid values plunging due to oversupply and a slowdown in industrial demand. East India prices dropped sharply to USD 65-75 per MT in May 2024, mirroring similar trends nationwide. Seasonal slowdown in downstream sectors, particularly agriculture and textiles, and higher base inventories suppressed buying interest. The correction was further exacerbated by logistical bottlenecks and reduced exports. This sharp dip, however, was short-lived, setting the stage for a recovery in the second half of the year.
Q1 2024:
Sulphuric acid prices showed moderate fluctuations across India in Q1 2024, reflecting early-year industrial resets and cautious procurement. In North India, prices stood at USD 120-125 per MT in March 2024, reflecting steady demand from fertilizer and chemical segments. However, by March, most regions, including East and West India, had registered a soft decline as stock drawdowns and deferred procurement weighed on buying sentiment. The quarter closed slightly weaker, though not indicative of any fundamental supply-demand shifts—rather a seasonal breather as industries recalibrated post-yearend.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Sulphuric Acid is a highly corrosive, dense, and oily liquid that is colorless to slightly yellow in appearance and soluble in water with the release of heat. It is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals globally. Sulphuric Acid acts as a vital raw material in the production of fertilizers—especially phosphates—along with applications in petroleum refining, wastewater treatment, metal processing, and chemical synthesis. It is primarily produced via the contact process using Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) derived from elemental sulphur, pyrite, or metal smelting processes. Its strong acidic nature and dehydrating properties make it essential in industries such as agriculture, automotive batteries, textiles, 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.
| Specifications Table: | |
| Parameter | Value |
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Assay | 98% w/w minimum |
| Residue on ignition | 0.2% w/w maximum |
| Fe content | 0.05% w/w maximum |
| Pb content | 0.005% w/w maximum |
| Boiling point | 335°C |
| Melting point | -64°C (at 98% purity) |
| Specific gravity | 1.84 at 20°C |
| Vapour density | 3.4 (air = 1) |
Applications
Sulphuric Acid is extensively used as a fundamental industrial chemical across multiple sectors due to its strong acidic and dehydrating properties. It plays a central role in the production of phosphate fertilizers, particularly superphosphate and ammonium sulfate, which are vital for modern agriculture. Additionally, Sulphuric Acid is crucial in petroleum refining processes, including alkylation and desulfurization. It is also used in metal processing for pickling and cleaning metals, in battery manufacturing (especially lead-acid batteries), and in wastewater treatment. Its applications extend to the synthesis of dyes, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. As a key input in numerous downstream chemical processes, Sulphuric Acid is indispensable to the chemical, automotive, mining, and textile industries.
Sulphuric acid prices are influenced by several key factors. The foremost is feedstock cost, primarily elemental sulphur, which fluctuates based on oil refining and natural gas markets. Demand patterns from fertilizer, chemical, and mining sectors also impact pricing. Additionally, logistics and regional supply constraints, regulatory changes, and global economic conditions (such as inflation and exchange rates) can affect prices. Environmental regulations and production disruptions, like plant shutdowns or policy shifts, can lead to sudden price hikes or shortages, making the market volatile and regionally sensitive.
Effective negotiation starts with market research—know prevailing prices and trends. Leverage volume purchases or long-term contracts to secure better rates. Maintain multiple supplier relationships to increase bargaining power and reduce dependency. Consider flexible payment terms, such as early payment discounts or extended credit. Also, assess supplier reliability—consistent quality, timely delivery, and regulatory compliance can justify better pricing. Highlight your procurement consistency or strategic relevance to the supplier to gain more favourable terms. Regular performance reviews can also help identify opportunities for renegotiation.
Sulphuric acid procurement carries risks such as price volatility, supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and quality inconsistencies. Prices can fluctuate due to raw material costs, seasonal demand shifts, or geopolitical tensions. Mitigate these by diversifying suppliers, entering price-lock contracts, and maintaining a safety stock. Regulatory risks, such as purity mandates or import restrictions, require close monitoring and compliance. Always ensure suppliers meet safety and quality standards to avoid operational downtime or fines. Establishing strong supplier relationships and a responsive procurement strategy helps mitigate most operational and commercial risks.
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