China: Sulphur Market 2022

Sulphur Market Size in China

In 2020, the Chinese sulphur market increased by X% to $X, rising for the fourth year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +X% from 2007 to 2020; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010 with an increase of X% y-o-y. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level in 2020 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Sulphur Production in China

In value terms, sulphur production rose notably to $X in 2020 estimated in export prices. Overall, the total production indicated moderate growth from 2007 to 2020: its value increased at an average annual rate of +X% over the last thirteen-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2020 figures, production increased by +X% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2010 with an increase of X% y-o-y. Sulphur production peaked in 2020 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from China

In 2020, shipments abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur was finally on the rise to reach X tonnes for the first time since 2017, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt contraction. Over the period under review, exports reached the peak figure at X tonnes in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2020, exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports fell dramatically to $X in 2020. In general, exports, however, faced a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of X% year-to-year. As a result, exports attained the peak of $X. from 2016 to 2020, the growth exports failed to regain the momentum.

Exports by Country

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (X tonnes) was the main destination for sulphur exports from China, accounting for a X% share of total exports. Moreover, sulphur exports to Democratic People's Republic of Korea exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, South Korea (X tonnes), more than tenfold.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of volume to Democratic People's Republic of Korea was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (-X% per year) and Indonesia (-X% per year).

In value terms, Democratic People's Republic of Korea ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for sulphur exports from China, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by South Korea ($X), with a X% share of total exports.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Democratic People's Republic of Korea was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (-X% per year) and Indonesia (-X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average sulphur export price stood at $X per tonne in 2020, reducing by -X% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2010 an increase of X% y-o-y. The export price peaked at $X per tonne in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2020, export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2020, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per tonne), while the average price for exports to Democratic People's Republic of Korea ($X per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Democratic People's Republic of Korea, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into China

In 2020, supplies from abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur decreased by -X% to X tonnes, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports recorded a deep setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2008 when imports increased by X% y-o-y. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tonnes. from 2009 to 2020, the growth imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur imports declined notably to $X in 2020. In general, imports saw a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2010 with an increase of X% y-o-y. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. from 2011 to 2020, the growth imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2020, South Korea (X tonnes) constituted the largest supplier of sulphur to China, with a X% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphur imports from South Korea exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Japan (X tonnes), sixfold.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of volume from South Korea stood at +X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (+X% per year) and Germany (+X% per year).

In value terms, Japan ($X), South Korea ($X) and Germany ($X) appeared to be the largest sulphur suppliers to China, with a combined X% share of total imports.

Germany saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average sulphur import price stood at $X per tonne in 2020, declining by -X% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a noticeable downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2009 when the average import price increased by X% y-o-y. The import price peaked at $X per tonne in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2020, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per tonne), while the price for South Korea ($X per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan, while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform