Africa: Sulphur Market 2024

Sulphur Market Size in Africa

In 2021, the African sulphur market increased by 10% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Sulphur Production in Africa

In value terms, sulphur production expanded notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Sulphur Exports

Exports in Africa

For the fourth year in a row, Africa recorded decline in overseas shipments of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur, which decreased by -25.5% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a sharp contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 15% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports contracted modestly to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a deep contraction. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Zambia was the key exporter of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur in Africa, with the volume of exports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 56% of total exports in 2021. South Africa (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Namibia (X tons) and Mauritius (X tons). All these countries together held near 35% share of total exports. The following exporters - Tanzania (X tons) and Egypt (X tons) - each reached an 8.5% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to sulphur exports from Zambia stood at -37.9%. At the same time, Tanzania (+16.6%) and Namibia (+2.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tanzania emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +16.6% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Mauritius (-1.5%), Egypt (-22.2%) and South Africa (-38.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Namibia, Mauritius, Tanzania and Egypt increased by +9.1, +8.9, +4.3 and +3.4 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Zambia ($X) remains the largest sulphur supplier in Africa, comprising 15% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Namibia ($X), with a 1.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Egypt, with a 0.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Zambia amounted to -26.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Namibia (+13.5% per year) and Egypt (-17.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the export price increased by 158% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Zambia ($X per ton), while Tanzania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zambia (+17.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sulphur Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, purchases abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur increased by 112% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a deep contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 244%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sulphur imports contracted modestly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded a precipitous descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 43%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Namibia (X tons) was the key importer of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur, achieving 55% of total imports. Nigeria (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 14% share, followed by Zambia (11%), South Africa (5.8%) and Tanzania (5.3%). Algeria (X tons) and Egypt (X tons) held a relatively small share of total imports.

Namibia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur imports, with a CAGR of +67.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Algeria (+30.1%), Egypt (+14.7%) and Nigeria (+5.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Tanzania (-2.0%), Zambia (-23.6%) and South Africa (-34.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Namibia (+54 p.p.), Nigeria (+13 p.p.), Tanzania (+4.1 p.p.), Algeria (+3.7 p.p.) and Egypt (+1.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Zambia (-13.1 p.p.) and South Africa (-44.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the largest sulphur importing markets in Africa were Namibia ($X), Tanzania ($X) and Nigeria ($X), with a combined 46% share of total imports. Zambia, South Africa, Algeria and Egypt lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 33%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Algeria, with a CAGR of +20.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -54.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 733% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while Namibia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+10.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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