Egypt: Sulphur Market 2024

Sulphur Market Size in Egypt

In 2021, the Egyptian sulphur market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sulphur Production in Egypt

In value terms, sulphur production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020, and then declined modestly in the following year.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from Egypt

In 2021, shipments abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur decreased by -69.5% to X tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports recorded a sharp decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 199% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports shrank markedly to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 126% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Tanzania (X tons) was the main destination for sulphur exports from Egypt, with a 90% share of total exports. Moreover, sulphur exports to Tanzania exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, South Africa (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Tanzania totaled -13.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Africa (-28.8% per year) and Turkey (-44.4% per year).

In value terms, Tanzania ($X) remains the key foreign market for sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur exports from Egypt, comprising 76% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Turkey ($X), with a 7.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Tanzania stood at -8.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Turkey (-32.6% per year) and South Africa (-20.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average sulphur export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 53% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price posted a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 62%. The export price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Turkey (+21.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into Egypt

In 2021, supplies from abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur decreased by -33.6% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Over the period under review, imports, however, posted a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 282% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sulphur imports dropped markedly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 392% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Saudi Arabia (X tons) was the main supplier of sulphur to Egypt, with a 93% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphur imports from Saudi Arabia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Libya (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Saudi Arabia amounted to +67.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Libya (+2.7% per year) and Russia (-40.8% per year).

In value terms, the largest sulphur suppliers to Egypt were Saudi Arabia ($X), Libya ($X) and Russia ($X), together comprising 98% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of +67.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

The average sulphur import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 27% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 29% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Russia (+19.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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