MERCOSUR: Sulphuric Acid Market 2024

Sulphuric Acid Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR sulphuric acid market surged to $X in 2022, jumping by 52% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption saw prominent growth. As a result, consumption reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Sulphuric Acid Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, sulphuric acid production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 15%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphuric Acid Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, shipments abroad of sulphuric acid and oleum was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 73%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sulphuric acid exports rose sharply to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 131% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Peru (X tons) and Uruguay (X tons) prevails in exports structure, together achieving 95% of total exports. Colombia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Colombia (with a CAGR of +50.7%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Peru ($X) remains the largest sulphuric acid supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Uruguay ($X), with a 19% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Peru totaled -5.5%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Uruguay (+27.3% per year) and Colombia (+43.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -6.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the export price increased by 35%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+2.6%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Sulphuric Acid Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, sulphuric acid imports in MERCOSUR surged to X tons, with an increase of 106% against 2021 figures. Overall, imports recorded a resilient expansion. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, sulphuric acid imports surged to $X in 2022. In general, imports enjoyed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 138% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Chile represented the major importing country with an import of around X tons, which accounted for 85% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Brazil (X tons), mixing up a 14% share of total imports. Argentina (X tons) took a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to sulphuric acid imports into Chile stood at +9.5%. At the same time, Argentina (+10.5%) and Brazil (+8.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Argentina emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +10.5% from 2012-2022. The shares of the largest importers remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Chile ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sulphuric acid and oleum in MERCOSUR, comprising 77% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with a 19% share of total imports.

In Chile, sulphuric acid imports increased at an average annual rate of +7.0% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Brazil (+20.1% per year) and Argentina (+19.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 11% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the import price increased by 58% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+10.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform