Sulfuric Acid Price Trend and Forecast

Sulfuric Acid Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Sulfuric Acid in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the Q3 of 2024

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Asia

The Chinese sulfuric acid market maintained a positive outlook. The prices showed an inclining trend in the third quarter of 2024, driven by multiple factors. The demand for sulfuric acid was increasing, primarily fuelled by an increase in demand for downstream phosphate fertilizers. The production level of the downstream industries contributed to a favorable price environment for the acid manufacturers. The inclining trend in the upstream sulfur prices also provided some cost support and drove the sulfuric acid prices higher.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Chart

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In China, the monthly average prices went from about 37 USD/MT in July’24 to around 55 USD/MT in September of 2024. On the other hand, after rising drastically in the past months, the Indian sulfuric acid market stabilized a little this time around as the monthly prices were found rebounding from about 242 USD/MT to around 208 USD/MT (FOB, 98%) from July to September 2024. The optimistic market outlook supported new orders, but despite this, there was a wait-and-see attitude towards pricing. Overall, mixed market dynamics were observed for sulfuric acid within the region.

Europe

The sulfuric acid market in Europe faced supply constraints in the third quarter of 2024. The overall availability of sulfuric acid in the market was affected by plant outrages and reduced production rates. Aurubis Hamburg plant experienced technical issues and had to be shut down, leading to supply crunch of high-quality acid. These disruptions led to volatility, causing sellers and distributors to struggle with order fulfillment, leading to cancellations due to uncertainty. The problems were reflected in the prices of sulfuric acid, which tuned northwards in June and maintained the inclining trend. In the United Kingdom, the average prices for sulfuric acid in July were approximately 302 USD/MT (CIF), which climbed up to around 312 USD/MT (CIF) in September.

North America

The prices of sulfuric acid in the North American market were volatile, with an optimistic outlook. The market experienced a steady price increase amid the supply and demand balance. The prices showed a marginal upward trend with positive downstream demand and rising upstream sulfur prices. The financial market volatility prompted caution among market participants, raising concerns about a potential price correction. Traders have expressed concerns, suggesting that further price rises may not be sustainable. Apart from this, the market faced supply chain disruptions caused by peak hurricane seasons, leading to temporary supply crunches. Overall, a positive market outlook was witnessed.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the sulfuric acid market is expected to normalize in the coming months as the markets seek the balance between upstream and downstream outlooks of sulfuric acid.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

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Asia

During the second quarter of the year 2024, sulfuric acid prices were observed to be fluctuating for the said span in the Asian region. The Indian sulfuric acid market performed relatively better than its Chinese counterpart. As the quarter shifted, the Chinese market saw a significant jump in prices, which gave the sulfuric acid prices a good start at the beginning of the quarter in April. However, soon, the inventory pressure started looming and affected the Chinese market. Therefore, after a swift decline, the prices sustained their momentum for the rest of the quarter.

In the Chinese market, the monthly average prices went from about 43 USD/MT in April’24 to around 34 USD/MT in June’24. On the other hand, the Indian sulfuric acid market showcased swift improvements as the prices here moved from about 190 USD/MT (FOB, 98%) in April’24 to approximately 235 USD/MT (FOB, 98%) in June’24. Therefore, with these occasional ups and dips, the sulfuric acid prices in Asia showed fluctuations over the given time frame.

Europe

The European sulfuric acid market mimicked the variations in Chinese sulfuric acid markets during the concerned period. The prices started on a high note and stabilized later in the quarter; however, the European market was much more consolidated in comparison. Since the supply and demand equation was much more on par here, the prices remained range-bound and oscillated within a limited range. The monthly average prices in the British market shifted from about 294 USD/MT (50%, CIF, Felixstowe) in April’24 to around 295 USD/ MT (50%, CIF, Felixstowe) in June’24.

North America

The American sulfuric acid market was also observed to be mirroring the variations in global markets throughout the second quarter of the year 2024. With a proportionate interaction between the upstream and downstream market dynamics, the overall outlook was found to exude stability for the majority of the said period. Various downstream consuming industries supported occasional ups in the market; at the same time, a favorable stock movement kept the prices anchored. Overall, a fluctuating yet confined price trajectory was observed for the American sulfuric acid market.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the market projections look optimistic for the near future of Sulfuric Acid prices. A modest supply and demand curve is anticipated to keep the markets driven going forward.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

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Asia

Sulfuric acid observed a mixed price trajectory during the first quarter of the year 2024 in the Asian markets. In China, the prices showcased bearish trends for the first half of the quarter as the prices reduced notably from January to February. This was because the inventories were already overpowering and were impacting the market situation amidst steady and casual downstream demands. However, this reversed very quickly as the prices then started to escalate and rose from February to March’24.

Monthly average spot prices stood at around 31 USD/MT in January’24, which went on to rise to about 37 USD/MT in March’24. Adding on to the growth of the region’s sulfuric acid market, the prices in India went from about 162 USD/MT in January’24 to around 192 USD/MT in March’24. Indian market surged by about 18% within the given span of time. A substantial rise in crude oil and energy prices was also responsible for the hike in costs, along with a positive response from the downstream consumption sectors.

Europe

The sulfuric acid market in the European region was very influenced by its Asian counterpart. Prices in Europe started on a plunging note at the beginning of the quarter in January. The inventories were swelled up as the industries had been muted for a long time since the holiday seasons in the previous quarters, keeping the industrial demands dull. However, as time progressed, the gap between the supply and demand outlooks kept on narrowing, and the price graph almost plateaued as the latter phase of the quarter started. Overall, a varying price trajectory was witnessed in Q1’24.

North America

Compared to the other global markets the American market’s performance for sulfuric acid was relatively better. The prices here went upswing since the very beginning of the said period. The downstream demands were being supportive as the inventories were already running low. Price inclinations were marginal, still, the overall market sentiments turned positive. The price trend became buoyant in the latter phase of the first quarter.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, Sulfuric Acid price trends are expected to continue varying in the coming months. The current supply and demand dynamic looks optimistic for the near future.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

Sulfuric acid price trends exhibited mixed market sentiments during the fourth quarter of the year 2023. The prices were still stable in the first half of the quarter; however, they showcased a slight slump in the second half of the quarter. This variation was primarily owed to the supply chain disturbance caused by the Israel-Hamas war.

In the Chinese sulfuric acid market, the prices averaged around 39.58 USD/MT throughout the quarter, registering a slight improvement as compared to the previous quarter. Since sulfuric acid is a high-utility chemical for various industries, demands are usually high, but the depletion of inventories halted the exponential growth of the Asian industrial sector, and thus, the prices of sulfuric acid also failed to grow with it. Overall, very positive market sentiments were observed for sulfuric acid during the given time.

Europe

The European sulfuric acid market behaved no differently from the other major global markets; the market sentiments were observed to be positive throughout the said period. Since the Russia and Ukraine conflict was still going on in the region, the fertilizer supply was still disturbed. The winter months called for high fertilizer demands for the sowing period, which led to the rise in sulfuric acid prices during the final three months of 2023.

North America

The American sulfuric market, too, started very strong at the beginning of the fourth quarter in October’23 and carried on strongly through the entire span. This strong momentum of the market is attributed to the healthy sentiments of the downstream industries and a slow rate of imports from overseas producers. As the quarter approached its end, the inventories depleted at a faster pace than could be replenished by the domestic production and import rates. Thus, the traders benefitted from this imbalance and raised the quoted prices of sulfuric acid.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, market projections suggest that Sulfuric Acid prices will keep rising in the coming quarter as well. High demands and supply restrictions are pushing the sulfuric acid market forward.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

The first half of the third quarter began with a fall in the sulphuric acid price graph as the consumers were cautious in placing bulk orders. This caused the stockpiles of sulphuric acid to rise in the region, hurting the overall trading activities of sulphuric acid. However, as the quarter progressed, the support from the feedstock materials and the increased number of orders from the fertilizer industries resulted in the northward movement of sulphuric acid price trend.

Europe

The dip in demand for sulphuric acid and, thus, inclination in the product’s inventory levels hampered the growth of sulphuric acid price trend. There was some relief during the mid-months of the quarter as the rise in trading activities and the rise in the cost of upstream products supported the positive trend uin the prices of sulphuric acid. This rise in the prices continued till the end of the third quarter, where the increase in demand and surge in the cost of feedstock materials led to the inclination in the sulphuric acid price trend.

North America

Throughout the third quarter of 2023, the sulphuric acid price trend followed a bearish trajectory as the increasing cost of feedstock materials failed to give the market its required momentum. In addition to this, the rise in inflation and increment in the interest rates also played a significant role in keeping the trend of sulphuric acid prices in the negative zone. On the side of demand, the situation remained bleak throughout the quarter, leading to the downfall in the sulphuric acid price trend.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Sulphuric Acid are likely to oscillate further given the current pricing fundamentals and volatilities in the downstream demands.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

In the initial months of 2023, the Sulfuric Acid market was stagnant, but the prices started to decline gradually in the subsequent months. The falling prices of oleum and fertilizers had an adverse effect on the market dynamics. In April, a steep dip was observed, and overall, the prices declined by approximately 35% from January’23 to June’23 in the China region. The Sulfuric Acid was most affected by upstream and downstream industries’ declining interest, widening the gap between the supply and demand sectors.

Europe

The prices of Sulfuric Acid mirrored the trend observed in the Asia-Pacific region. The fall in the prices in Europe was caused by the depreciation in currency rates and high oil prices amid the global economy's weak performance. In addition, poor market sentiments in the chemicals and fertilizers sectors and rising inventory levels powered the downward movement of sulfuric acid prices.

North America

The trend of prices of Sulfuric Acid in North America was similar to that of Europe and Asia Pacific. The decline in the first two quarters of 2023 was caused by the increase in inventory levels due to the weak market dynamics of the fertilizers market globally. The persistent low sales in the region led to a fall in the revenue generated and negatively impacted the buying sentiments of the consumers.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Sulfuric Acid is estimated to depict a declining trend in the upcoming months as the fertilizers sector is performing sluggishly. And with rising inflation costs, manufacturers are forced to lower their profits in order to remain competitive.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

The prices of sulfuric acid fluctuated in the third quarter but dipped in the fourth quarter of 2022. Low inventories led to a subtle increase in the prices but the disruption in transportation on Southeast Asian market ports led to a decline in sulfuric acid prices. The decline was gradual in the fourth quarter as the uncertainties increased in the Asian market. The ongoing crude oil crises along with poor demand and declining spot prices in the international market negatively affected the price trend of sulfuric acid.

Europe

The sulfuric acid prices were in a good range during the initial months of Q3 but took a steep fall mid-quarter. Fertilizer demand drove the market initially but the decline in demand, rise in inventories, low consumption, and negative sentiments from the buyers severely affected the market. In the fourth quarter, a significant dip was observed due to the decrease in the cost of feedstock and declining energy production costs. The automotive sector, which is the major market driver of sulfuric acid, also remained weak and thus, the price trend of sulfuric acid declined in the European region.

North America

The uncertainties in the end-user sector, low consumption rates, and fluctuating fertilizer market severely affected the Sulfuric Acid Price Trend. Not only in the third but also in the fourth quarter, the prices declined due to similar reasons. Industrial uncertainties played a major role in this decline as even the dye industry along with the fertilizers saw a decrease in the demand for the product which kept the sulfuric acid prices in the negative range.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for sulfuric acid are expected to deplete in the upcoming quarter. The price of feedstocks, market uncertainties, and weak demand from the end-user industries will play a major role in deciding sulfuric acid prices.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the First Half of 2022

Asia

The prices of sulfuric acid consistently rose in the first quarter. As a platform chemical and an essential component in fertilizers, its robust demand from the agricultural sector strengthened its pricing patterns. The price of sulfuric acid averaged 172 USD/MT during Q1. With the economic and political situation aggravating the global supply constraints, sulfuric acid prices are further inclined. In Q2, the price of sulphuric acid averaged 11020 INR/MT in the Indian domestic market.

Europe

Sanctions against the significant exporters of fertilizers, Russia and Belarus, created massive shortages in the European market as the precious Black Sea cargoes did not arrive. Hence, pressure was put on domestic manufacturers to increase production, thereby impacting the demand fundamentals for sulfuric acid. The prices surged throughout the European market, averaging 236 USD/MT.

North America

During the said period, the pricing fundamentals of sulfuric acid kept strong, averaging 264 USD/MT in the US domestic market. These inflated prices were supported by high feedstock prices, raised freight charges, labour shortages and solid downstream demand.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of sulfuric acid will likely undergo fluctuations as the geopolitical situation relaxes. The new supplies coming from US and OPEC+ are expected to ease the upstream cost pressure on industrial production. Also, given the grim economic crisis, the demand for fertilizers is declining, which will directly impact sulfuric acid pricing.
 

Sulfuric Acid Price Trend for the Year of 2021

Following a consistent uptrend in the previous quarter, the sulphuric acid market sentiments in US eased during the final quarter of 2021. The development in the market dynamics could be attributed to the improved availability of feedstock sulphur as the OPEC+ alliance reported a gradual increase in the production of crude oil which was further backed by the announcement made by the Biden’s administration to release oil reserves in the middle of the fourth quarter.

Additionally, the quarterly average producer's price index in the US for sulphuric acid was assessed at 206.10 points. The FOB Linden NJ prices for sulphuric acid followed a ripple effect and were settled at 178 USD/MT.  In China, the price was recorded in the range of 800-1400 RMB/MT in March 2022. The upstream sulphur market had risen sharply and the cost support was good.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the country produced more than 92.38 million metric tonnes of sulfuric acid in 2020. Fertilizers consumed a significant amount of sulfuric acid, with over 52.5 million tonnes of chemical fertiliser used in China in 2020.

Coromandel International, India's second-largest phosphatic fertiliser player and a subsidiary of the Murugappa Group, announced plans in November 2021 to invest INR 400 crore in a sulfuric acid plant with a daily capacity of 1,650 tonnes at its fertiliser complex in Visakhapatnam.

Pharmaceuticals is one of the region's fastest-growing industries, and it's also a big user of sulfuric acid. According to IBEF, India's domestic pharmaceutical market is predicted to reach USD 120-130 billion by 2030, up from USD 42 billion in 2021.

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