Australia: Sulphur Market 2024

Sulphur Market Size in Australia

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the Australian sulphur market, when its value decreased by -40.5% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, recorded slight growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then fell sharply in the following year.

Sulphur Production in Australia

In value terms, sulphur production declined rapidly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a modest expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 119%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X, and then reduced notably in the following year.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from Australia

In 2022, approx. X tons of sulphur were exported from Australia; reducing by -83.5% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 4,641% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports contracted notably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, recorded a moderate increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 1,897% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Vietnam (X tons) was the main destination for sulphur exports from Australia, accounting for a 77% share of total exports. Moreover, sulphur exports to Vietnam exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Indonesia (X tons), eightfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by South Korea (X tons), with a 9.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Vietnam was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Indonesia (+115.4% per year) and South Korea (0.0% per year).

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for sulphur exports from Australia, comprising 69% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Korea ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Indonesia, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Vietnam was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (0.0% per year) and Indonesia (+342.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sulphur export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 158% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a deep contraction. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was New Zealand ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Indonesia (+105.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into Australia

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of sulphur, when their volume decreased by -74.7% to X tons. In general, imports continue to indicate a mild contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 206% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons, and then declined remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, sulphur imports expanded rapidly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, recorded a tangible increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 230%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Canada (X tons) constituted the largest sulphur supplier to Australia, with a 87% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphur imports from Canada exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Qatar (X tons), tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Canada amounted to -1.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Qatar (-3.6% per year) and Switzerland (0.0% per year).

In value terms, Canada ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sulphur to Australia, comprising 88% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Qatar ($X), with a 9.4% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Canada amounted to +3.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Qatar (+3.3% per year) and Switzerland (0.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sulphur import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 347% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted a notable increase. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while the price for Switzerland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Qatar (+7.2%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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