Saudi Arabia: Sulphur Market 2022

Sulphur Market Size in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi sulphur market rose slightly to $X in 2020, picking up by X% against the previous year. The market 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 2011 with an increase of X% y-o-y. Sulphur consumption peaked in 2020 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Sulphur Production in Saudi Arabia

In value terms, sulphur production rose modestly 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 throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2011 with an increase of X% y-o-y. Sulphur production peaked in 2020 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from Saudi Arabia

In 2020, shipments abroad of sulphur (sublimed or precipitated) and colloidal sulphur decreased by -X% to X tonnes for the first time since 2017, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, total exports indicated a modest expansion from 2007 to 2020: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +X% over the last thirteen years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2020 figures, exports increased by +X% against 2017 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, exports reached the peak of X tonnes. from 2016 to 2020, the growth exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports dropped rapidly to $X in 2020. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, exports reached the peak of $X. from 2016 to 2020, the growth exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Morocco (X tonnes), China (X tonnes) and Indonesia (X tonnes) were the main destinations of sulphur exports from Saudi Arabia.

From 2007 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by China, while exports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, China ($X), Morocco ($X) and Indonesia ($X) constituted the largest markets for sulphur exported from Saudi Arabia worldwide, with a combined X% share of total exports.

In terms of the main countries of destination, China saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline.

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 abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by X% year-to-year. As a result, export price reached the peak level of $X per tonne. from 2018 to 2020, the growth in terms of the average export prices failed to regain the momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2020, the country with the highest price was Indonesia ($X per tonne), while the average price for exports to Morocco ($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 China, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into Saudi Arabia

In 2020, sulphur imports into Saudi Arabia dropped dramatically to X kg, declining by -X% on the previous year. In general, imports, however, posted a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2008 when imports increased by X% y-o-y. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tonnes in 2009; however, from 2010 to 2020, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur imports shrank markedly to $X in 2020. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a significant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2008 when imports increased by X% year-to-year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2019, and then contracted dramatically in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2019, Pakistan (X tonnes) constituted the largest supplier of sulphur to Saudi Arabia, accounting for a X% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphur imports from Pakistan exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the U.S. (X tonnes), twofold.

From 2007 to 2019, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Pakistan totaled +X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the U.S. (+X% per year) and Germany (+X% per year).

In value terms, the U.S. ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sulphur to Saudi Arabia, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Pakistan ($X), with a X% share of total imports.

From 2007 to 2019, the average annual growth rate of value from the U.S. stood at +X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Pakistan (+X% per year) and Germany (+X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2019, the average sulphur import price amounted to $X per tonne, growing by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a noticeable increase. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2007 to 2019, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Pakistan, while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform