Japan: Sulphur Market 2025

Sulphur Market Size in Japan

For the third year in a row, the Japanese sulphur market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by less than 0.1% to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a noticeable descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 7.5% against the previous year. Sulphur consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sulphur Production in Japan

In value terms, sulphur production surged to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a pronounced decline. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2022, shipments abroad of sulphur increased by 77% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, exports posted a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 2,659% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, sulphur exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when exports increased by 2,659% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for sulphur exports from Japan, accounting for a 91% share of total exports. Moreover, sulphur exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, India (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to China amounted to +44.7%.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for sulphur exports from Japan, comprising 87% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($X), with a 7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China totaled +45.5%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sulphur export price amounted to $X per ton, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average export price increased by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 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 India ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to China stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India (+8.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into Japan

Sulphur imports into Japan contracted notably to X tons in 2022, declining by -28% against the year before. Overall, imports continue to indicate a pronounced downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 53%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sulphur imports reduced modestly to $X in 2022. In general, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 111% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Korea (X tons) constituted the largest sulphur supplier to Japan, accounting for a 74% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphur imports from South Korea exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from South Korea stood at -5.4%.

In value terms, the largest sulphur suppliers to Japan were South Korea ($X) and China ($X).

China, with a CAGR of +21.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

The average sulphur import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, sulphur import price increased by +84.3% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 38% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for South Korea stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+27.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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