Sulfuric Acid Prices Edge Up
Prices rose modestly as maintenance tightens supply and inventories stay low, while demand remains weak, supporting a slight upward trend.
Sulfuric Acid Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Market Insights, Historical Prices, Supply Demand Analysis & Latest News
Written ByPragati Agarwal
Sulfuric Acid Latest Development
GSFC adds 1,800 MTPD sulphuric acid capacity
GSFC received board approval to construct a new sulphuric acid plant at its Sikka unit with a daily capacity of 1,800 metric tonnes. The expansion will boost domestic supply and reduce reliance on imports, likely easing price pressure. Expect a downward impact on sulphuric acid prices.
Sulfuric Acid Latest Prices October 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric Acid | China | FOB | USD 244.63/MT | October 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | USA | CIF | USD 436.35/MT | October 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | Germany | FOB | USD 319.14/MT | October 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | China | FOB | USD 266.55/MT | September 2026 |
| Sulfuric Acid | USA | CIF | USD 458.27/MT | September 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Sulfuric Acid prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Sulfuric Acid Price Trend Q3 2026
- Sulfuric acid prices fell across most markets in Q3 2026, as rising smelter acid output and weak fertilizer demand outweighed the support from tight sulphur supply.
- Copper smelter restarts lifted by-product acid production, while softer Chinese sulphur prices encouraged buyers to switch from sulphur-burnt acid to cheaper smelter grades.
- Phosphate fertilizer, titanium dioxide and fluorochemical producers cut operating rates during the off-season, sharply reducing acid consumption in key markets.
Asia
In China, the average price of Sulfuric Acid fell from ~USD 310.36/MT (FOB) in July to ~USD 277.56/MT in August, a decline of ~10.6%. India dropped about 11.7%, from ~USD 417.17/MT (CIF) to ~USD 368.35/MT, while Japan eased about 9.3%, from ~USD 343.36/MT (FOB) to ~USD 311.56/MT. In China, copper smelters restarted, adding large volumes of by-product acid, and few plants were down for maintenance. China’s halt on acid exports since May also kept these volumes in the domestic market. Demand weakened at the same time, as phosphate fertilizer plants entered their off-season and titanium dioxide makers ran at only 68.66% of capacity. Buyers shifted away from loss-making sulphur-burnt acid toward cheaper smelter acid, pushing prices lower. Indian and Japanese values followed the weaker regional trend.
Europe
In Germany, sulfuric acid averaged approximately USD 409.37/MT (FOB) in July and eased slightly to about USD 400.57/MT in August, a decline of ~2.1%. European prices held up better than in Asia, as China’s export ban tightened global supply and lifted demand for European acid. Strong increases in European smelter acid output added supply, while sulphur export bans in Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey kept feedstock costs high and limited the decline.
North America
In the USA, average sulfuric acid import prices dropped from nearly USD 497.85/MT (CIF) in July to roughly USD 433.18/MT in August, down ~13.0%. The global acid market contracted as phosphate producers reduced demand, and lower-priced Asian supply weighed on import offers. However, a record third-quarter sulphur contract kept costs high for sulphur-burning plants, which may limit further declines.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, sulfuric acid prices are expected to remain soft as smelter output stays high and fertilizer demand recovers only slowly, though elevated sulphur costs should provide a floor for producer offers.
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- Sulfuric acid prices increased globally in Q2 2026 as Middle East supply disruptions and tighter sulfur availability constrained acid production and international trade flows.
- Feedstock shortages intensified after disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz restricted sulfur movements, while tighter export controls further reduced availability across international markets.
- Fertilizer manufacturing remained a major demand driver, while copper, nickel, mining, semiconductor and industrial applications sustained consumption despite higher input costs.
Asia
In China, sulfuric acid prices increased from ~USD 280.80/MT to ~USD 302.00/MT, respectively, between the first and last month of the second quarter of 2026, showing a ~7.5% increase. Tight sulfur availability and China’s export restrictions strengthened domestic supply conditions, while fertilizer and metal-processing demand supported prices. China exported around 4.6 million MT of sulfuric acid and related products in 2025, making its reduced export availability significant for regional trade flows. In India, prices rose from ~USD 330.69/MT in April to ~USD 419.50/MT in June, showing a ~26.9% increase. Higher sulfur feedstock costs disrupted Middle Eastern supply and strong fertilizer demand increased replacement costs, while tighter availability from major exporters added pressure.
Europe
In Germany, the prices of Sulfuric Acid were ~USD 236.02/MT in April and ~USD 382.60/MT in June. European sulfuric acid markets faced tighter availability as Middle Eastern supply disruptions restricted sulfur feedstock, and alternative cargoes became increasingly difficult to secure. Fertilizer production and industrial demand maintained pressure on available supplies, while disrupted logistics raised delivered costs. European cargoes were also sought as replacement supply by deficit markets, tightening regional availability further.
North America
In the United States, sulfuric acid prices increased from ~USD 367.80/MT in April to ~USD 456.70/MT in the last month of Q2’26, showing a ~24.2% increase. Tight sulfur availability raised production costs, while copper smelting and metal-leaching demand supported consumption. Sulfuric acid availability also became increasingly important to smelter economics as concentrate-processing margins weakened.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, sulfuric acid prices are likely to remain elevated as sulfur supply chains normalize gradually, with fertilizer and mining demand continuing to determine regional availability.
About Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric Acid, a colourless liquid, is a well-known mineral acid consisting of elements such as sulphur, oxygen and hydrogen. It is an odourless liquid that is viscous in nature and miscible in water. It is synthesized in extreme exothermic reactions. It has strong acidic nature and it readily absorbs water vapour from the air. It finds wide range of applications in chemical industry such as its use as an electrolyte in lead-acid batteries.
Sulfuric Acid Product Detail
Chemical Formula
H2SO4
Molecular Weight
98.08 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Fertilisers, Production of chemicals, Sulphur–iodine cycle, Oil refining, Wastewater processing, Industrial cleaning agent, Catalyst, Electrolyte
Synonyms
7664-93-9, Oil of vitriol
Supplier Database
BASF SE, INEOS Sulphur Chemicals (INEOS Capital Limited), The Mosaic Company, Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), Agrium U.S. Inc. (Nutrien Ltd.), Zhejiang Jiahua Energy Chemical Industry 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.
Sulfuric Acid Production Processes
- Production of Sulfuric Acid from Sulphur via Single Contact Process, via Double Contact Process, via Wet Sulfuric Acid Process, from Tail Gas Using H2O2 Abatement.
In order to produce Sulfuric Acid via Single Contact Process, sulphur is burned to produce sulphur dioxide, followed by its conversion to sulphur trioxide via oxidation. The obtained sulphur trioxide is transformed into Sulfuric Acid by absorption with recirculating Sulfuric acid solution in water in just one column.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
About the Author
Pragati Agarwal
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
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