Latin America and the Caribbean: Sulphur Market 2022

Sulphur Market Size in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2020, the Latin American sulphur market increased by X% to $X, rising for the third year in a row after three years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +X% from 2007 to 2020; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the market value increased by X% against the previous year. The level of consumption peaked in 2020 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Sulphur Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, sulphur production expanded rapidly to $X in 2020 estimated in export prices. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +X% over the period from 2007 to 2020; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of X% year-to-year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2020 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Production By Country in Latin America and the Caribbean

The country with the largest volume of sulphur production was Brazil (X tonnes), accounting for X% of total volume. Moreover, sulphur production in Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Venezuela (X tonnes), fivefold. Chile (X tonnes) ranked third in terms of total production with a X% share.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of volume in Brazil stood at -X%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Venezuela (-X% per year) and Chile (-X% per year).

Sulphur Exports

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2020, the amount of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur exported in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted rapidly to X tonnes, declining by -X% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, exports recorded a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, exports reached the peak figure at X tonnes in 2009; however, from 2010 to 2020, exports failed to regain the momentum.

In value terms, sulphur exports contracted dramatically to $X in 2020. Overall, exports faced a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2008 with an increase of X% year-to-year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2020, exports failed to regain the momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2020, Chile (X tonnes) represented the major exporter of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur, achieving X% of total exports. Trinidad and Tobago (X tonnes) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Guatemala (X tonnes). All these countries together took near X% share of total exports.

Exports from Chile decreased at an average annual rate of -X% from 2007 to 2020. At the same time, Guatemala (+X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Guatemala emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +X% from 2007-2020. By contrast, Trinidad and Tobago (-X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2007 to 2020, the share of Chile and Guatemala increased by +X% and +X% percentage points, while Trinidad and Tobago (-X p.p.) saw their share reduced.

In value terms, the largest sulphur supplying countries in Latin America and the Caribbean were Chile ($X), Trinidad and Tobago ($X) and Guatemala ($X), together comprising X% of total exports.

Guatemala recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

In 2020, the sulphur export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per tonne, waning by -X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2010 when the export price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export prices reached the maximum at $X per tonne in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2020, export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was Trinidad and Tobago ($X per tonne), while Chile ($X per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Guatemala, while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Sulphur Imports

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2020, overseas purchases of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur decreased by -X% to X tonnes, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports, however, posted a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2010 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tonnes in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2020, imports failed to regain the momentum.

In value terms, sulphur imports shrank dramatically to $X in 2020. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed temperate growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2010 when imports increased by X% y-o-y. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2020, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of sulphur imports in 2020 were Cuba (X tonnes), together recording X% of total import.

Cuba was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur imports, with a CAGR of +X% from 2007 to 2020. Cuba (+X p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Cuba ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur in Latin America and the Caribbean.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of value in Cuba totaled +X%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2020, the sulphur import price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per tonne, which is down by -X% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2012 when the import price increased by X% y-o-y. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per tonne. from 2013 to 2020, the growth in terms of the import prices failed to regain the momentum.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Cuba.

From 2007 to 2020, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Cuba amounted to -X% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform