Middle East: Sulphur Market 2024

Sulphur Market Size in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern sulphur market dropped to $X in 2023, reducing by X% against the previous year. In general, consumption recorded a pronounced slump. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2023, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Sulphur Production in the Middle East

In value terms, sulphur production fell slightly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a perceptible setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by X%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2023, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphur Exports

Exports in the Middle East

In 2023, exports of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur in the Middle East expanded sharply to X tons, with an increase of X% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports enjoyed a tangible expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of X%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2023, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports amounted to $X in 2023. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a slight contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2023, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Iran prevails in exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was approx. X% of total exports in 2023. Oman (X tons) took an X% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Turkey (X%). The United Arab Emirates (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2023, average annual rates of growth with regard to sulphur exports from Iran stood at X%. At the same time, Oman (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Oman emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the Middle East, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. By contrast, Turkey (X%) and the United Arab Emirates (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Iran (X p.p.) and Oman (X p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2023, the share of Turkey (X p.p.) and the United Arab Emirates (X p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Iran ($X) remains the largest sulphur supplier in the Middle East, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a X% share of total exports. It was followed by Oman, with a X% share.

In Iran, sulphur exports increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012-2023. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United Arab Emirates (X% per year) and Oman (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the export price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, declining by X% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a noticeable contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the export price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (X%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Sulphur Imports

Imports in the Middle East

In 2023, the amount of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur imported in the Middle East shrank to X tons, declining by X% compared with the year before. In general, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by X%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur imports contracted modestly to $X in 2023. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a perceptible contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of X%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2023, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Iran was the key importing country with an import of about X tons, which reached X% of total imports. It was distantly followed by the United Arab Emirates (X tons) and Israel (X tons), together achieving a X% share of total imports. The following importers - Jordan (X tons) and Turkey (X tons) - each recorded a X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2023, average annual rates of growth with regard to sulphur imports into Iran stood at X%. At the same time, Israel (X%), the United Arab Emirates (X%) and Jordan (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Israel emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the Middle East, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. By contrast, Turkey (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Iran (X p.p.), the United Arab Emirates (X p.p.) and Israel (X p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2023, the share of Turkey (X p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Iran ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur in the Middle East, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Israel ($X), with an X% share of total imports. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Iran amounted to X%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Israel (X% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2023, the import price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, increasing by X% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a pronounced descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of X%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2023, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Jordan ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkey (X%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform