U.S.: Sulphur Market 2023

Sulphur Market Size in the U.S.

After two years of growth, the U.S. sulphur market decreased by -14.2% to $X in 2022. In general, consumption recorded a pronounced reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the market value increased by 5.4%. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphur Production in the U.S.

In value terms, sulphur production fell slightly to $X in 2022. In general, production recorded a slight curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 6%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Sulphur Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2022, overseas shipments of sulphur increased by 45% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a mild contraction. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports saw perceptible growth. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Brazil (X tons), Morocco (X tons) and Mexico (X tons) were the main destinations of sulphur exports from the United States, with a combined 81% share of total exports. New Caledonia, Uruguay, Belgium, Israel, Chile and China lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 12%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Belgium (with a CAGR of +91.5%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for sulphur exported from the United States were Brazil ($X), Mexico ($X) and Morocco ($X), with a combined 79% share of total exports. New Caledonia, Belgium, Uruguay, Israel, Chile and China lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 13%.

Belgium, with a CAGR of +93.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sulphur export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 62% against the previous year. In general, the export price enjoyed a moderate expansion. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Morocco ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to New Caledonia (+18.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sulphur Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of sulphur, when their volume decreased by -29.6% to X tons. Overall, imports showed a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 32%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sulphur imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a temperate increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 130% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Canada (X tons) constituted the largest sulphur supplier to the United States, accounting for a 77% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphur imports from Canada exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Russia (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Saudi Arabia (X tons), with a 3.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Canada amounted to -4.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Russia (+11.9% per year) and Saudi Arabia (+9.5% per year).

In value terms, Canada ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sulphur to the United States, comprising 86% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Russia ($X), with a 4.9% share of total imports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, with a 4.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Canada amounted to +4.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Russia (+2.1% per year) and Saudi Arabia (+20.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average sulphur import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 77% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted a remarkable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 109%. The import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the price for Mexico ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+10.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :