Asia-Pacific: Sulphur Market 2024

Sulphur Market Size in Asia-Pacific

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was growth in the Asia-Pacific sulphur market, when its value increased by 3.2% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Sulphur Production in Asia-Pacific

In value terms, sulphur production totaled $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the production volume increased by 13%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphur Exports

Exports in Asia-Pacific

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur, when their volume increased by 31% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a perceptible decline. 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 skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 20%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Singapore (X tons) and South Korea (X tons) represented roughly 81% of total exports in 2021. India (X tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by Thailand (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 17% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Thailand (with a CAGR of +213.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Korea ($X) remains the largest sulphur supplier in Asia-Pacific, comprising 56% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by India ($X), with a 27% share of total exports. It was followed by Singapore, with a 12% share.

In South Korea, sulphur exports expanded at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: India (-1.1% per year) and Singapore (-8.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Asia-Pacific stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -10.2% against the previous year. Export price indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, sulphur export price increased by +68.3% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the export price increased by 49%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then reduced in the following year.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Singapore (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Sulphur Imports

Imports in Asia-Pacific

In 2021, purchases abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur increased by 59% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a abrupt decline. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sulphur imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a abrupt descent. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) and Indonesia (X tons) were the major importers of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur in 2021, reaching approx. 48% and 33% of total imports, respectively. It was distantly followed by Thailand (X tons), achieving a 15% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Taiwan (Chinese) (with a CAGR of +97.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest sulphur importing markets in Asia-Pacific were Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), Indonesia ($X) and Thailand ($X), with a combined 60% share of total imports.

Taiwan (Chinese), with a CAGR of +66.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Asia-Pacific amounted to $X per ton, growing by 13% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the import price increased by 20% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Indonesia ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Indonesia (+0.6%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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