Global Powder Sulfur Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

Global Powder Sulfur Market reached US$ 1.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 1.5 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Over the forecast period, growing global population and increasing efforts to improve agricultural productivity are likely to propel the growth of the global powder sulfur market. The upcoming years are likely to witness increasing adoption of sulfur-based fertilizers to improve plant nutrition and crop yield.

Scientists are also investigating various new and economical methods for powder sulfur production. In July 2022, scientists from the Chongqing University of Science and Technology in China published a paper describing the production of powder sulfur from desulfurization of high-sulfur content coal through heating reduction and magnetic separation.

Market Dynamics

Rising Demand for Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is a vital chemical used across a broad range of industries. It is used in the production of phosphate fertilizers, such as single superphosphate (SSP) and triple superphosphate (TSP). Sulfuric acid is also a vital precursor to various chemical compounds and is used in the manufacturing of synthetic detergents, dyes, pigments, pharmaceuticals, explosives and plastics.

Sulfuric acid is a key component in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems used to control sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from power plants and industrial manufacturing facilities. The industrial production of sufuric acid involves the combustion of powder sulfur to produce sulfur dioxide, which is then converted to sulfur trioxide and treated with water to obtain 98-99% pure sulfuric acid. The increasing global demand for sulfuric acid will consequently generate more demand for powder sulfur.

Rising Copper and Nickel Demand

With the ongoing transition towards zero emission transportation and the expanding production of electric vehicles (EVs), demand for copper and nickel has increased significantly over the last decade. Copper and nickel are vital for lithium-ion batteries, which are the key power source for electric vehicles. Estimates forecast that annual copper and nickel demand would double from current 2.25 million tons to 4.5 million tons by 2030.

Furthermore, the fast growth rate of electric vehicle production and lagging supply has led to estimates that there could be a shortfall in copper supplies to the tune of 579,000 tons by 2026. Mining companies are expanding operations to keep up with rising global demand. Powder sulfur is used in the froth flotation process, which separates the metal from the ores.

Growing Adoption of Alternatives

With rising concerns about sulfur pollutions, companies are replacing sulfur in various applications with more environmentally friendly alternatives. The rising popularity of sustainable agriculture practices have led to the development and adoption of sulfur-free fertilizers, such as phosphate and sulphate fertilizers.

The rubber processing industry is also adopting various alternatives to curb harmful sulfur emissions. For instance, additives bearing disulfide groups, such as disulfur dichloride are used instead of powder sulfur for vulcanization. One of the major advantages of disulfur is that it can be used for cold vulcanization, which does not require heat treatment and therefore, does not cause sulfur emissions. The growing adoption of alternatives is expected to curtail powder sulfur demand over the coming years.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic economic impact resulted in demand fluctuations for various industries, such as agriculture and rubber processing. Due to reduced demand from end-users, many rubber processing industries had to cut back production, thus generating drastically lower demand for powder sulfur.

The agricultural sector, which generates significant demand for sulfur-based fertilizers, witnessed varying impacts. In developing regions, disruptions in transportation and labor shortages affected farming activities which led to reduced fertilizer demand. However, in developed regions, agricultural production was relatively less affected.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The global powder sulfur market remained largely unaffected by the war, with both Russia and Ukraine bearing the brunt of the impact. Ukrainian industrial infrastructure has been destroyed by the war. Ukraine's agriculture output has also suffered dramatically due to the war. The Ukrainian demand for powder sulfur has thus witnessed a drastic decline over the course of the war.

Russian agriculture and industrial sectors have also been affected by the war. Western countries have imposed strict economic sanctions against Russia, which have created volatility in cross-border transactions, thus affecting the import of powder sulfur. Russia is using alternative mechanisms to overcome lack of access to U.S. dollars and continue the imports of powder sulfur for its domestic industries.

Segment Analysis

The global powder sulfur market is segmented based on product, fineness, grade and region.

Low Cost and Versatility Makes Industrial Grade Powder Sulfur a Preferred Choice for End-Users

The industrial sector is a major consumer of sulfur, with construction, automotive, manufacturing and energy sectors generating large demand. The industries require sulfur in significant quantities for the production of chemicals, processed goods and materials. The high demand from these industries fuels the use of industrial grade powder sulfur.

Industrial Grade powder sulfur is highly versatile is used as a raw material for the production of sulfuric acid, rubber vulcanization agents, chemicals and other industrial compounds. Industrial Grade powder sulfur is generally more affordable compared to other grades. The cost advantage makes it attractive for industries that require large quantities of sulfur, such as chemical manufacturing, mining and industrial emissions control.

Geographical Analysis

Ongoing Supply Chain Decoupling is Expected to Propel Market Growth in North America

North America is expected to account for nearly a quarter of the global market. North America is a high-income, developed region, which retains some high technology industries, despite widespread outsourcing of manufacturing to Asia-Pacific. The regional demand for powder sulfur has remained relatively flat over the previous years, however, recent ongoing developments could lead to a significant demand boost.

With new technological innovations and strong government policy support, the automotive industry in North America, especially U.S., has pivoted towards adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Rising great power competition with China has led U.S. to undertake steps to secure the EV supply chains.

U.S. is undertaking various measures decouple dependence on China and ramp up domestic extraction and refining of key metals and minerals, such as Nickel and Copper, which are vital for EV production. The ongoing efforts to decouple supply chain will likely drive demand for powder sulfur over the medium and long term,

Competitive Landscape

The major global players include: Grupa Azoty, Kaycee Chem Industries, M. K. CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, Jordan Sulphur, Golden Chemicals Private Limited, Solar Chemferts Pvt Ltd, American Elements, Jainson Chemicals, Mosaic and Jaishil Sulphur & Chemical Industries.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global powder sulfur market segmentation based on product, fineness, grade and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of powder sulfur market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global powder sulfur market report would provide approximately 57 tables, 60 figures and 185 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Tyre Manufacturers
• Fertilizer Manufacturers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies