Global Sulfur Market News highlights a sharp shift in trade trends as Russia, once a top exporter, now imports sulfur.
The move follows refinery shutdowns after Ukrainian drone attacks, tightening supply and raising global price concerns.
Russia’s Changing Role in the Global Sulfur Market
A recent deal in the $390s/mt CFR Russia range involved a 35,000 mt sulfur cargo loading in October.
Trade sources confirmed the purchase by a Russian fertilizer producer seeking quick replacement supply.
Fertilizer Field Insight:
Russia’s imports mark a major turning point for the global sulfur market, already facing reduced refinery output and strong fertilizer demand.
Sulfur Export Decline and Supply Pressure
In 2024, Russia exported about 1.04 million mt of sulfur, far below the 3.9 million mt recorded in 2019.
Top buyers were Brazil and China.
Experts blame the drop on refinery damage, a shift to sweet gas, and higher domestic fertilizer demand.
A Turkey-based trader said, “The sulfur market has flipped.
We now receive multiple import inquiries from Russian buyers.”
Refinery Attacks Tighten Global Sulfur Supply
A Ukrainian drone strike on the Kirishi refinery shut its main crude distillation unit, which handles 40 % of capacity.
Reports show at least 15 Russian refineries were hit recently, cutting throughput by over 500,000 b/d.
Fertilizer Field Insight:
If refinery disruptions persist, Russia may impose a sulfur export ban to stabilize domestic supply.
That step would further tighten global sulfur availability.
Global Sulfur Prices Face Upward Pressure
Market participants expect sulfur prices to rise if Russia continues importing.
A European trader warned, “The world is already short.
If Russia buys regularly, prices will surge.”
Tight supply, refinery cuts, and higher fertilizer demand could fuel price volatility through early 2026.
FERTILIZERFIELD Analysis: Outlook for the Sulfur Market
The Global Sulfur Market News story reflects a deeper shift in raw-material flows.
Russia’s change from exporter to importer could reshape sulfur pricing for phosphoric acid and DAP producers across Asia and the Middle East.
Analysts expect continued price support until refinery operations normalize.
