Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
Sulfates Price Trend Analysis 2026: Latest News, Market Insights, Supply Demand Analysis, Price Drivers & Historical Prices
Written ByUdeesha Tomar
Sulfates Price Trend Q4 2025
The Chinese sulfates market during the fourth quarter experienced firm upward momentum, driven primarily by cost pressure from key feedstocks such as sulfuric acid. The quarter opened with relatively stable pricing before upward movement emerged toward the latter part of the early phase, as raw material costs increased steadily. Manufacturers faced rising input cost challenges, which translated into gradual price increases across multiple sulfate grades over the course of the quarter. Production economics shifted as feedstock availability tightened and costs strengthened. During the latter part of the quarter, price movements became more volatile, with values reaching mid-quarter highs before moderating slightly toward year-end. Despite this late-quarter easing, prices remained well above early-quarter levels, reflecting persistent cost-side pressures throughout most of the period.
Demand from major downstream applications displayed mixed trends during the quarter. The fertilizer sector maintained steady consumption of ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate to support agricultural requirements, while industrial chemical segments showed measured procurement activity. Mining operations continued using sulfates for mineral processing and flotation, and battery-related applications recorded growing interest in specialized sulfate compounds for energy storage. Meanwhile, water treatment and pharmaceutical industries sustained stable consumption, although purchasing activity remained selective amid elevated price levels.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, looking ahead, sulfate prices are expected to remain sensitive to feedstock cost movements and demand patterns from fertilizer and industrial applications.
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During the second quarter of 2025, sulfate prices followed an irregular trajectory, influenced by shifts in both production costs and demand patterns. The quarter opened with a downward movement, as weaker demand from downstream sectors and supply-side adjustments exerted pressure on prices. At the same time, the sulfuric acid market also experienced softening, reinforcing the overall bearish sentiment. This declining trend continued until prices reached a support level, after which the market entered a phase of relative stability.
As the quarter progressed, demand from key end-use sectors such as fertilizers and chemicals improved gradually. This led to a measured recovery in prices, with producers adjusting their offers in line with improving market conditions. The recovery was further supported by the stabilization of raw material costs, which had previously contributed to price weakness. By the latter half of the quarter, pricing trends reflected this improvement, as procurement activity from major consuming sectors, particularly chemicals and agriculture, showed a noticeable pickup. Overall, mixed market trends were witnessed for the majority of the quarter.
About Sulfates
Sulfates are polyatomic anions. They are found in nature as well as synthesised for industry. They can be found in the products of everyday use. Also, sulfates are the salts and esters of sulphuric acid, from which they can be produced. They can also be obtained from coconut or palm oil.
These compounds play a significant role in many industries because they are good emulsifiers, detergents, and foaming agents. Further, they are surfactants and their addition to products make them more effective cleaners. Sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfate are the most common sulfate-based ingredients in personal care products.
Sulfates Product Detail
Chemical Formula
SO42− or O4S2−
Molecular Weight
96.07 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Detergents, Emulsifiers, Cosmetics and Personal Care Products, Metal Salts, Algaecide
Synonyms
14808-79-8, Sulfate ion, Sulfate (2-), Sulfates
Supplier Database
BASF SE, Domo Chemicals, SABIC, Honeywell International Inc, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), SynQuest Laboratories (Central Glass Co., Ltd.)
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
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.
Sulfates Production Process
- Production of sulfates from Sulphuric Acid; via Oxidation of Metal Sulphides or Sulphites; and from Coconut or Palm Oil
In order to produce sulfates from sulphuric acid, different metals, metal hydroxides or even metal oxides are treated with sulphuric acid to obtain the desired product.
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