Sulfuric Acid Price Trend and Forecast: Top 10 Leading Trading Countries and Regions - Latest Edition [2026]

The Expert Market Research pricing report on Sulfuric Acid provides insights into the top 10 leading trading countries and regions.

Fluctuations in global sulfur availability, shifting production costs, and demand-side pressures have contributed to volatility in sulfuric acid pricing. Since sulfur is the primary raw material, even minor disruptions in its supply chain can trigger noticeable price movements. During the final quarter of 2024, CFR China prices for industrial-grade sulfuric acid remained stable at USD 40 per ton, but the year-on-year increase was sharp—up 30% in October, 45% in November, and 50% in December—indicating elevated input costs and a tight raw material market that could influence short-term pricing trajectories. In Q1 2025, sulfuric acid prices in China are expected to rise, driven by increased demand from the fertiliser and chemical industries, as well as supply tightness in certain regions.

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For example, logistical bottlenecks and the closure of borders across regions such as South Africa, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 saw Sulfur prices rise close to 10%, a move that directly translated to increased Sulfuric acid costs. The affected industries included Sulfuric acid-dependent ones, especially the mining industry, which uses it in metal extraction, including copper and cobalt.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) for sulfuric acid in January 2025 was 213.281 (Index Jun 1987=100), same as the previous month. But compared to the 183.586 reported in October 2024, this is an increase. This change raises the possibility that the market dynamics are being impacted by both cost-push and demand-pull forces.

Sulfuric Acid Price Forecast

Between October 2024 and January 2025, the Producer Price Index (PPI) peaked at 24%, from 183.586 to 213.281. The implication is that there could exist inflationary pressures that probably affect an array of commodities, including sulfuric acid. Some specific factors may influence sulfuric acid prices soon. Supply chain disruptions, such as reduced output from producers based in the western US and Canada, would be expected to trim production and increase prices, particularly on the US West Coast.

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Moreover, the tightening of environmental laws could lead to restrictions on sulfur production and limit supply. On the other hand, the increasing production of sulfur as a byproduct of oil and gas refining might achieve the opposite increase in supply levels, which could then stabilise or reduce prices. Worldwide industrialisation, especially in fertilisers and mining, provides continuous demand for sulfuric acid through constant upward pressure on prices. Much as other inflationary trends, however, as shown up by the increasing PPI, could push production costs higher in turn raising sulfuric acid prices, there is a great degree of regional variation; while price increases may likely follow in the USA west coast where tightness in supply is evident, markets southeast of the USA and along the Gulf coast are expected to remain competitive and not vulnerable to dynamics from global markets.

Global Trade and Supply Chain Implications

Recent supply chain challenges faced around the world had a huge impact on Sulfuric acid prices in late 2024. For example, Lynas Rare Earths a major player in the sulfur market, was fighting to prevent the interruptions within the local Sulfuric acid production that created shortages for the Australian base. The company had to import its Sulfuric acid to keep its USD800 million facility in Kalgoorlie running. Changes like these led to further price increases. The company levelled a petition to the government regarding the local production of chemicals, which would likely reduce the prices.

Kazatomprom, the world's largest uranium producer, has also cut its production by 17% in 2025 due to project delays and a shortage of sulfuric acid, which is needed for uranium extraction. Therefore, chemical industries globally are dealing with rising prices and supply chain disappointments.

Feedstock Analysis

The central feedstock in the production of sulfuric acid is sulfur, and its product marketing has been influenced greatly by changes in the market. In the European region, throughout the last quarter of 2024, sulfuric acid experienced an upward price trend shaped by tight supply conditions and firm feedstock price conditions. Limited availability in the spot market and rising production costs, influenced by the sulfur market, drove this market trend.

North American sulfuric acid prices have steadily increased through the dawn of the third quarter of 2023. That shift was fueled mainly by increased spot purchases alongside a favourable demand outlook. The discrepancy among regions indicates that sulfur feedstock prices and demand fluxes are key in determining market conditions for this key sulfuric acid.

Demand and Supply Outlook for Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric Acid production is anticipated to be influenced by regulatory policies, shifts in industrial demand, and improvements in production processes. Stricter environmental regulations, restive geo-political developments, and trade policies might introduce some disruptions in the supply chain, which in turn will increase production costs in the foreseeable future as manufacturers will have to invest in emission-capturing technologies and alternative methods of production.

There are possibilities for stabilization in the long run due to improvements in production methods, greater localization of Sulfur supply, and efficiencies in the processes. Industry participants should explore proactive diligence in keeping an eye on the developments to quickly and effectively maneuver the creation of any market uncertainty.

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What Our Reports Include:

Historical Price Data and Analysis:

• In-depth review of prices (including feedstock) over the past 5 years.
• Visualisations and trend analysis to identify historical patterns and seasonality.

Supply and Demand Analysis:

• Detailed industry analysis of current supply and demand trends, along with projections for how these dynamics are expected to evolve during the forecast period.
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• Forecasted price trend analysis for sulphuric acid for the next 2 years using statistical modelling and fundamental & technical price analysis.
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