Philippines: Sulphur Market 2022

Sulphur Market Size in the Philippines

In 2020, the Philippine sulphur market decreased by -X% to $X, falling for the third consecutive year after four years of growth. In general, consumption, however, recorded a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2012 with an increase of X% y-o-y. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. from 2013 to 2020, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphur Production in the Philippines

In value terms, sulphur production declined modestly to $X in 2020 estimated in export prices. Overall, production, however, recorded a slight decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2012 when the production volume increased by X% y-o-y. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. from 2013 to 2020, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from the Philippines

In 2020, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur, when their volume decreased by -X% to X tonnes. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of X% y-o-y. As a result, exports attained the peak of X tonnes, and then dropped sharply in the following year.

In value terms, sulphur exports skyrocketed to $X in 2020. In general, exports, however, showed a pronounced increase. As a result, exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Malaysia (X tonnes) was the main destination for sulphur exports from the Philippines, accounting for a X% share of total exports. Moreover, sulphur exports to Malaysia exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Vietnam (X tonnes), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by Indonesia (X tonnes), with a X% share.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Malaysia amounted to +X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Vietnam (-X% per year) and Indonesia (-X% per year).

In value terms, Malaysia ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for sulphur exports from the Philippines, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Vietnam ($X), with a X% share of total exports. It was followed by Sri Lanka, with a X% share.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of value to Malaysia totaled +X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Vietnam (-X% per year) and Sri Lanka (+X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2020, the average sulphur export price amounted to $X per tonne, jumping by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated noticeable growth from 2007 to 2020: its price 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. As a result, export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($X per tonne), while the average price for exports to Indonesia ($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 Indonesia, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into the Philippines

After four years of growth, purchases abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur decreased by -X% to X tonnes in 2020. In general, imports saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of X% year-to-year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tonnes in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2020, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur imports declined dramatically to $X in 2020. Over the period under review, imports recorded a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2020, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2020, South Korea (X tonnes) constituted the largest supplier of sulphur to the Philippines, accounting for a X% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphur imports from South Korea exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the UK (X tonnes), fivefold.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from South Korea stood at -X%.

In value terms, South Korea ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sulphur to the Philippines, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by the UK ($X), with a X% share of total imports.

From 2007 to 2020, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from South Korea was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

The average sulphur import price stood at $X per tonne in 2020, shrinking by -X% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a noticeable decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011 an increase of X% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per tonne in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2020, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per tonne), while the price for South Korea stood at $X per tonne.

From 2007 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK.

Source: IndexBox Platform