Copper smelters are relying on by-product sulfuric acid revenues to offset losses from negative concentrate treatment charges. Strong acid prices are supporting smelter profitability, with prices remaining elevated. The trend underscores the key role of sulfuric acid in smelter economics and suggests continued price strength.
A Strait of Hormuz blockade and export bans from Russia and Kazakhstan severely curtailed sulfur supply, pushing global sulfuric acid prices to multi-year highs. The Chinese smelter acid index gained 94% and CFR Indonesia sulfuric acid rose 185% in H1. Despite a post-ceasefire retreat, inventories remain low and supply recovery is slow, keeping prices elevated.
Asia
In Asia, the prices of calcium sulfate products continued to increase moderately in Q4’25. Demand from the construction industry and other industrial uses continued to be steady, and the fertilizer industry, particularly the phosphates, continued to contribute to additional demand. Supply of the products was tight in the Asian region, particularly because of the limited availability of gypsum and other raw materials, thereby exerting upward pressure on prices. Production of the products continued to be steady, although there was a drawdown of stocks, particularly because of the local holidays in the Asian region. The Asian market continued to reflect a cautious buying sentiment, with moderate upward pressure on prices, as consumers continued to buy the products while stocks were available.
Europe
In the European market, the price of calcium sulfate showed an increase during the quarter. The feedstock costs, especially the sulfur and gypsum costs went up. This reflected an increase in the costs of the product. Some of the manufacturing units were under pressure due to the high costs of sulfur. This reflected a cautious approach in buying and selling. The demand was stable, but did not show an increase. The exports saw selective buying, especially for competitive pricing. The overall market reflected an increase in the price of the product.
North America
In North America, the prices of calcium sulfate were relatively stable during Q4’25, although prices rose slightly at the beginning of the period. The demand for calcium sulfate was stable from construction, agricultural, and specialty chemical end-use markets. The production of calcium sulfate was carried out normally, and the supply of calcium sulfate was enough to meet the demand. There was a slight impact of increasing energy costs on prices, although this was not enough to cause any fluctuations.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, the prices of Calcium Sulfate are expected to remain stable in all markets, although prices may increase slightly depending on the costs of raw materials.
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Asia
In Asia, the calcium sulfate market showed a steady price trend during the third quarter of 2025. Demand from construction and cement industries remained consistent, especially in India, where infrastructure and housing projects continued to drive consumption. However, input cost pressures impacted the overall market. Rising gypsum costs caused concerns for manufacturers.
The shortage of high-quality domestic gypsum and growing import challenges, including international restrictions and lower purity of local reserves, added to production costs. Despite this, prices didn’t increase sharply, as buyers stayed cautious and maintained stable procurement levels. Overall, prices remained stable with a slightly firm tone due to raw material pressures.
Europe
In Europe, calcium sulfate prices remained mostly balanced through Q3. The steady performance of end-use sectors like construction and packaging helped maintain demand. At the same time, local supply remained reliable, and there was little movement in exports. Economic uncertainty made buyers avoid long-term commitments, and most purchases were based on short-term needs.
Although fuel costs were a background concern for the industry, they didn’t have a major influence on calcium sulfate prices during the quarter. With no major supply disruptions or sudden demand changes, the European market stayed stable, and pricing followed a predictable trend.
North America
In North America, particularly in the U.S., calcium sulfate prices were largely flat throughout the said quarter. Earlier optimism seen in July, driven by some pickup in manufacturing activity, faded as downstream demand weakened. Ongoing trade policy uncertainty, especially around tariffs, led buyers to avoid large purchases.
Although import volumes dipped slightly, strong domestic supply prevented any major price shifts. Energy and logistics costs remained manageable. Overall, the market stayed cautious, and pricing remained within a tight range due to limited buying activity and adequate supply.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Calcium Sulfate prices are likely to stay stable in the near term, with regional trade policies and input material costs playing a key role in influencing market dynamics.
Calcium sulfate is a naturally occurring calcium salt. It is commonly known in its dihydrate form, gypsum- an odorless white power. Calcium sulfate crystals sometimes have a blue, grey, or reddish tinge or can be brick red. It is a common groundwater contaminant, causing hardness that cannot be removed by boiling. Calcined gypsum is used in making tile, wallboard, lath, and various plasters. When gypsum is heated, it loses three-quarters of its water, becoming the hemihydrate commonly known as Plaster of Paris, a widely used construction material.
CaSO4
Construction, Desiccant, Mining, Feed Additives, Food Industry, Dentistry
Calcium Sulfate, Plaster of Paris, Drierite, Gypsum
Shuanghua Gypsum, Leixin Gypsum, USG Corporation, Hubei Longyuan Gypsum, Saint-Gobain
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Gypsum is a natural mineral that is the dihydrate form of calcium sulfate. It is mined and subjected to further treatment to obtain the desired anhydrous calcium sulfate.
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