The global sulphur market is witnessing strong price gains in September 2025. Supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and shifting trade flows are driving prices higher across all major regions. This report provides key insights into regional dynamics, market drivers, and future outlook.
India: Rising Prices Amid Lower Local Output
In India, granular sulphur prices rose to $315–319/ton CFR, up from $301–302/ton. East coast buyers bid in the high $310s, while west coast deals reached $322/ton CFR. Offers from the Middle East exceeded $320/ton CFR. These increases are partly due to lower local production following sanctions on Russian crude. Consequently, import reliance is intensifying.
Indonesia: Strong Demand from Industrial Growth
Spot prices climbed to $317–319/ton CFR from $304–306/ton. Lygend secured four 50,000-ton Middle East cargoes at $318/ton CFR. Additionally, Huayue and Tsingshan booked volumes, signaling robust demand. Market analysts expect continued strong demand into October.
Middle East: FOB Prices Firm
FOB prices increased to $296–300/ton, up from $284–287/ton. Suppliers are confident in sustaining higher offers, with netbacks reaching $300/ton. Meanwhile, Iran saw FOB prices rise to $240–255/ton, supported by limited Turkmen supply, though vessel shortages remain a challenge.
Africa: Supply Constraints Push Prices Higher
Southern Africa CFR prices firmed to $315–330/ton. Foskor awarded a 35,000-ton tender at $330/ton CFR. Imports fell 17% YoY, with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman as key suppliers. In DRC, the cobalt export ban restricts inland trucking until September 30, further tightening supply.
Europe and Mediterranean: Shifting Trade Flows
Mediterranean FOB climbed to $275–284/ton, CFR to $305–312/ton, as buyers shifted from Russia and Kazakhstan. East Europe’s Baltic FOB rose to $230–240/ton, while Black Sea shipments faced rail bottlenecks. In West Europe, liquid sulphur ranged $330–470/ton delivered, depending on transport method.
Kazakhstan & 🇷🇺 Russia: Export Challenges
Kazakhstan’s exports fell 3% to 2.73 million tons (Jan–Jul). Russia’s Ust Luga exports collapsed from 60,000 tons in June to 9,000 tons in August, prioritizing domestic needs. Morocco imports fell 24%, though Q4 demand is expected to rebound.
🇧🇷 Brazil: Prices on the Rise
CFR prices rose to $310–320/ton from $295–305/ton. CMOC awarded a 38,000-ton tender to FSU origin. Reports suggest a possible Vancouver cargo, reflecting strong demand in Latin America.
📈 Market Outlook and Insights
Overall, the global sulphur market remains firm. Tight supplies, rising FOB rates in the Middle East, and logistical constraints continue to support higher prices. Industries relying on sulphur, particularly fertilizers, may face rising input costs. Consequently, companies are diversifying supply chains and exploring alternative sources to mitigate risk.
👉 Stay informed on more global fertilizer and sulphur market updates at FertilizerField.com.
