Saudi Arabia: Sulphur Market 2025

Sulphur Market Size in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi sulphur market shrank to $X in 2022, which is down by -6.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption showed a resilient increase. Sulphur consumption peaked at $X in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Sulphur Production in Saudi Arabia

In value terms, sulphur production dropped sharply to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 78% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X, and then contracted notably in the following year.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from Saudi Arabia

In 2022, sulphur exports from Saudi Arabia shrank to X tons, approximately mirroring 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 8.5% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports fell slightly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a pronounced contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 28%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Morocco (X tons), China (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) were the main destinations of sulphur exports from Saudi Arabia, with a combined 69% share of total exports. South Africa, the United States and India lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 6.2%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the United States (with a CAGR of +16.7%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Morocco ($X), China ($X) and Brazil ($X) constituted the largest markets for sulphur exported from Saudi Arabia worldwide, together accounting for 72% of total exports.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Brazil, with a CAGR of +9.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sulphur export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -3.6% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a pronounced setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the average export price increased by 18%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to South Africa ($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 Brazil (-1.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into Saudi Arabia

In 2022, overseas purchases of sulphur increased by 205,726% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a significant expansion. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, sulphur imports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a significant increase. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Qatar (X tons) was the main supplier of sulphur to Saudi Arabia, with a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Qatar was relatively modest.

In value terms, Qatar ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sulphur to Saudi Arabia.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Qatar was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sulphur import price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -41.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price faced a deep slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 an increase of 114%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Qatar.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Qatar amounted to -41.3% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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