United Kingdom: Sulphur Market 2024

Sulphur Market Size in the UK

The UK sulphur market fell to $X in 2021, remaining stable against the previous year. In general, consumption showed a noticeable reduction. Sulphur consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphur Production in the UK

In value terms, sulphur production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a pronounced descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the production volume increased by 32%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from the UK

After two years of growth, shipments abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur decreased by -42.4% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a dramatic shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 86% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports shrank markedly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports faced a sharp reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 161%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Sri Lanka (X tons), Portugal (X tons) and Ireland (X tons) were the main destinations of sulphur exports from the UK, with a combined 80% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Sri Lanka (with a CAGR of +21.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for sulphur exported from the UK were Ireland ($X), Sri Lanka ($X) and Portugal ($X), together accounting for 65% of total exports.

Sri Lanka, with a CAGR of +23.1%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sulphur export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -13.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the average export price increased by 137% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Portugal ($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 Belgium (+56.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into the UK

In 2021, approx. X tons of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur were imported into the UK; declining by -14.9% compared with 2020. Overall, imports showed a deep reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 37% 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 shrank modestly to $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 64%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Germany (X tons) constituted the largest sulphur supplier to the UK, with a 43% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphur imports from Germany exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by India (X tons), with an 18% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Germany stood at -14.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+2.4% per year) and India (-7.4% per year).

In value terms, the largest sulphur suppliers to the UK were Germany ($X), France ($X) and India ($X), with a combined 82% share of total imports. The Netherlands and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 14%.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +41.0%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers 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, surging by 12% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.2%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the price for Italy ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+8.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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