{ "generated_at": "2026-07-21T12:00:00.000Z", "window": { "start": "2021-01", "end": "2026-07" }, "count": 170, "counts_by_year": { "2021": 30, "2022": 30, "2023": 30, "2024": 30, "2025": 26, "2026": 24 }, "items": [ { "id": "sw-20210115-01", "published": "2021-01-15", "title": "Tampa molten sulfur contract climbs toward $83/lt as phosphate recovers", "summary": "US Gulf liquid sulfur contracts opened 2021 far above mid-2020 lows as phosphate fertilizer demand recovered from pandemic disruption. BC Insight/Argus-linked commentary later put early-January Tampa near $83/lt cfr versus about $54/lt a year earlier, marking the start of a multi-quarter firming cycle into mid-2021.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210201-02", "published": "2021-02-01", "title": "USGS MCS 2021: world sulfur production ~80 Mt; Canada ~4.9 Mt", "summary": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2022 (covering 2021) estimated world sulfur production near 80 million tonnes, with Canada about 4.9 Mt and the United States about 8.1 Mt. Import-source statistics for 2017–20 already showed Canada supplying roughly 73% of US elemental sulfur imports, framing Alberta/Vancouver as a structural North American swing source.", "topics": [ "production", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2022", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2022/mcs2022-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210215-27", "published": "2021-02-15", "title": "US elemental sulfur unit value recovers from 2020 lows toward $92/t", "summary": "USGS MCS 2023 tables show average US elemental sulfur unit value rising to about $92.30/t in 2021 from $24.60/t in 2020, still below the 2022 spike near $150/t. The 2021 recovery mirrored Tampa contract firming as refineries and phosphate plants normalized post-2020 disruption.", "topics": [ "prices", "production" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210301-03", "published": "2021-03-01", "title": "China sulfur import dependence still near 50% despite rising domestic output", "summary": "Chinese trade press summarized early-2021 market conditions with import dependence still near 50% even as domestic recovered sulfur rose. Import CFR prices later tracked from about $141/t early in the year toward $281/t by year-end, with Middle East–Yangtze freight climbing from roughly $27/t toward peaks near $69/t.", "topics": [ "demand", "prices", "freight" ], "geography": [ "China", "Middle East" ], "source": "China Chemical Information Weekly / chemnews", "source_url": "https://www.chemnews.com.cn/c/2022-01-18/691210.shtml", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210315-04", "published": "2021-03-15", "title": "US Gulf and Canadian sulfur logistics disrupted by late-winter storms", "summary": "BC Insight conference reporting noted March and later September storm disruptions to North American sulfur logistics in 2021 alongside recovering US refinery utilization. Temporary outages tightened regional molten availability even as global recovered sulfur supply remained structurally adequate for the year.", "topics": [ "freight", "production" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Alberta", "Canada" ], "source": "BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2022/01/31/sulphur-sulphuric-acid-2021/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210401-05", "published": "2021-04-01", "title": "Saudi Al Fadhili sour-gas ramp expected to add >1 Mt/a Middle East sulfur", "summary": "Argus/BC Insight supply tables for 2021 highlighted the Al Fadhili gas project ramp as a major Middle East incremental sulfur source, expected to add more than 1 million t/a as Gulf sour-gas and refining projects commissioned. The Middle East remained the largest incremental seaborne supplier heading into the 2022 price spike.", "topics": [ "production", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210415-28", "published": "2021-04-15", "title": "Changdongbei sour-gas project adds Chinese domestic sulfur supply", "summary": "BC Insight supply commentary identified China’s Changdongbei sour-gas project among domestic sulfur additions reducing import needs. Incremental Chinese recovered sulfur competed with Middle East and Canadian granules into Yangtze phosphate plants through 2021–22.", "topics": [ "production", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2022/01/31/sulphur-sulphuric-acid-2021/", "relevance": "low", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210501-06", "published": "2021-05-01", "title": "Qatar Barzan sulfur project delayed into 2021 after COVID slippage", "summary": "Industry reporting put Qatar’s ~800,000 t/a Barzan sulfur-forming project behind original schedule, with commissioning pushed into 2021 by COVID-related delays. Barzan later became a key Gulf solid-export node; restart risk resurfaced in 2026 conflict reporting after a fatal explosion during restart operations.", "topics": [ "production", "company" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210515-22", "published": "2021-05-15", "title": "Argus forecasts >3 Mt global sulfur capacity additions in 2021", "summary": "Mid-2021 Argus supply commentary expected just over 3 million tonnes of new sulfur capacity in 2021, concentrated in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait and supplemented by Chinese projects. COVID delays affected some Middle East startups, but the Gulf remained the swing incremental seaborne supplier.", "topics": [ "production", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "China", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210601-29", "published": "2021-06-01", "title": "Sultran logistics chain links Alberta forming sites to Port Moody/Vancouver", "summary": "Sultran publicly describes coordinating export sulfur from nine inland Alberta/BC facilities via CN and CPKC rail to Port Moody and North Vancouver terminals, operating 1,500+ gondola railcars and Pacific Coast Terminals at Port Moody. The chain is the backbone for Canadian solid sulfur seaborne trade.", "topics": [ "freight", "exports", "company" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Sultran", "source_url": "https://www.sultran.com/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210615-07", "published": "2021-06-15", "title": "Tampa sulfur contract reaches ~$192/lt; prices triple YoY", "summary": "By mid-June 2021 the Tampa cfr molten sulfur contract stood near $192/t versus about $83/t in early January and $54/t a year earlier—roughly a threefold year-over-year increase. Vancouver and Arab Gulf FOB benchmarks rose in parallel to levels last seen around early 2014 as phosphate prices hit multi-year highs.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Vancouver", "Middle East" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210630-08", "published": "2021-06-30", "title": "Heartland Sulphur doubles molten storage with new Alberta tank", "summary": "Heartland Sulphur completed a new molten sulfur storage tank on 30 June 2021 at its Industrial Heartland terminal near Edmonton, more than doubling molten storage capacity. The terminal, a Lion Sulphur–Inter-Chem JV, provides remelt/forming logistics so Alberta producers can reach Vancouver dry-bulk exports and North American molten rail markets.", "topics": [ "company", "inventory", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Heartland Sulphur", "source_url": "https://www.heartlandsulphur.com/what-is-it", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210701-09", "published": "2021-07-01", "title": "DAP Morocco ~$584/t FOB; Brazil MAP ~$714/t CFR support sulfur", "summary": "Phosphate benchmarks cited in mid-2021 sulphur market reviews put DAP Morocco near $584/t fob (+95% YoY) and Brazil MAP near $714/t cfr (+125% YoY). Eight- to nine-year phosphate highs underpinned the sulfur rally even as analysts warned new OCP/India/Brazil phosphate capacity could pressure 2022–23 affordability.", "topics": [ "demand", "prices" ], "geography": [ "Morocco", "Brazil", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210715-26", "published": "2021-07-15", "title": "TFI later cites sulfur +198% Mar 2021–Mar 2022 in USDA fertilizer comments", "summary": "In USDA fertilizer supply-chain comments, The Fertilizer Institute stated sulfur prices rose 198% between March 2021 and March 2022 as a critical ammoniated-phosphate input cost. The figure captures the 2021–22 fertilizer cost shock that linked Gulf liquid sulfur, phosphates, and farm input inflation.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand", "policy" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "The Fertilizer Institute", "source_url": "https://www.tfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the_fertilizer_institute_comments_final_usda_rfi.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210731-10", "published": "2021-07-31", "title": "China 2020 sulfur imports plunged ~3 Mt YoY; stocks also fell", "summary": "Argus analysis highlighted a roughly 3 million tonne year-on-year plunge in Chinese sulfur imports during 2020, accompanied by lower domestic stock levels. Into 2021 China remained the world’s largest sulfur importer, but rising domestic recovered sulfur and planned projects of more than 2 Mt/a were already expected to structurally reduce import intensity toward 2025.", "topics": [ "demand", "exports", "inventory" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210801-23", "published": "2021-08-01", "title": "Western Canada forming projects eyed to lift Alberta exportability", "summary": "Argus noted several new Western Canada forming projects that could boost sulfur trading out of Alberta into Vancouver dry-bulk markets. Extra forming capacity is a prerequisite for converting blocked or molten oil-sands sulfur into seaborne granules when FOB prices clear remelt and rail costs.", "topics": [ "exports", "company", "production" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver", "Canada" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210815-11", "published": "2021-08-15", "title": "Argus: Chinese sulfur production may rise ~40% by 2025", "summary": "Argus expected Chinese sulfur production to increase by almost 40% out to 2025 as sour-gas and refining projects added domestic recovered tons. Four near-term projects alone were expected to add more than 2 Mt/a, permanently dampening China’s long-run import growth even when phosphate runs recovered.", "topics": [ "production", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/07/31/ammonia-and-sulphur-market-trends/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210901-12", "published": "2021-09-01", "title": "Alberta sour-gas sulfur declines; oil sands and BC provide offsets", "summary": "BC Insight’s 2021 conference summary noted continuing declines in Alberta conventional sour-gas sulfur, partially offset by British Columbia rebound and oil-sands growth. The structural shift toward Fort McMurray upgrader/oil-sands sulfur concentrated Canadian solid-export logistics on remelt–form–rail–Vancouver chains.", "topics": [ "production", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Canada", "Vancouver" ], "source": "BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2022/01/31/sulphur-sulphuric-acid-2021/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210915-13", "published": "2021-09-15", "title": "Europe sulfur market tightens as German sour gas and oil recovery fall", "summary": "Conference reporting described Europe’s commercial sulfur balance tightening as oil-refinery recovery and German sour-gas supply declined, raising interest in remelter projects. Tighter European balances increased reliance on Middle East and North American seaborne/rail sulfur for fertilizer acid plants.", "topics": [ "production", "demand", "freight" ], "geography": [ "Global", "Middle East" ], "source": "BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2022/01/31/sulphur-sulphuric-acid-2021/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20210930-30", "published": "2021-09-30", "title": "CRU: sulfur prices expected to peak in Q1 2022 after 2021 rebound", "summary": "Peter Harrison’s CRU outlook at Sulphur + Sulphuric Acid 2021 predicted the demand rebound would persist into 2022 with China substituting some pyrite-based acid for sulfur burning, and saw prices peaking in Q1 2022. The call preceded the actual Q2 2022 blow-off that took Vancouver near $478/t FOB.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2022/01/31/sulphur-sulphuric-acid-2021/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211001-24", "published": "2021-10-01", "title": "Phosphate base demand growth strong into 2022–23 (Morocco, Saudi)", "summary": "CRU’s 2021 conference outlook projected strong phosphate base demand growth through 2022–23, mainly in Morocco and Saudi Arabia, before tapering toward roughly 1.0 Mt/a more normal growth. Sulfur demand was expected to track that phosphate expansion plus accelerating battery-metals acid use.", "topics": [ "demand", "production" ], "geography": [ "Morocco", "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2022/01/31/sulphur-sulphuric-acid-2021/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211015-14", "published": "2021-10-15", "title": "China NDRC phosphate export curbs begin; inspections from 15 October", "summary": "Chinese authorities moved to restrict DAP/MAP exports after producer agreements with NDRC; some ports halted fresh fertilizer deliveries and fertilizer export inspections commenced around 15 October 2021. Restrictions were expected to run into mid-2022, tightening global phosphate availability and supporting sulfur as phosphate producers outside China competed for feedstock.", "topics": [ "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/11/30/price-trends-54/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211028-15", "published": "2021-10-28", "title": "Middle East sulfur FOB breaches $200/t; Argus $223–230/t", "summary": "Argus assessed Middle East sulfur at $223–230/t fob on 28 October 2021 after the benchmark breached $200/t earlier in the month. DAP rallies and Chinese phosphate export uncertainty drove the firming; Brazil sulfur was assessed near $245–246/t cfr, up more than $100/t since the start of 2021.", "topics": [ "prices", "policy" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Brazil", "China" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/11/30/price-trends-54/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211101-16", "published": "2021-11-01", "title": "Kuwait Al Zour refining sulfur enters commissioning path", "summary": "Price-trend reporting noted Kuwait’s Al Zour complex entering the sulfur market with operations expected to begin in early 2022 after late-2021 commissioning progress. New Kuwaiti solid sulfur added to the Middle East export slate just as Chinese phosphate policy tightened global phosphate–sulfur linkages.", "topics": [ "production", "exports", "company" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/11/30/price-trends-54/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211115-17", "published": "2021-11-15", "title": "Battery metals: Indonesia sulfur demand seen doubling by 2025 on HPAL", "summary": "CRU/Argus conference outlooks for late 2021 flagged Indonesia sulfur demand roughly doubling by 2025 as HPAL nickel projects ramped, while US lithium acid demand was projected to consume an extra ~1.2 Mt/a of sulfur by 2030. Battery-metals acid became a second structural demand pillar beside phosphates.", "topics": [ "demand", "production" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2022/01/31/sulphur-sulphuric-acid-2021/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211130-25", "published": "2021-11-30", "title": "Sulphur prices firm into year-end on phosphate and Chinese policy", "summary": "Argus’s late-2021 price-trend review said a previously stable/soft sulfur tone gave way to firmness as DAP rallied in October and Chinese phosphate export restrictions lacked clarity. Middle East FOB strength and Brazil CFR gains reflected phosphate producers restocking sulfur ahead of constrained Chinese DAP/MAP availability.", "topics": [ "prices", "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "China", "Brazil", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2021/11/30/price-trends-54/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211201-18", "published": "2021-12-01", "title": "China domestic solid sulfur hits ~10-year highs near Yn2,200/t", "summary": "Chinese domestic solid sulfur prices climbed through 2021 from pandemic-era lows near Yn500–950/t in 2020 toward peaks around Yn2,200/t, the highest in roughly a decade. December import CFR was reported near $310/t (~Yn2,300/t equivalent), widening the gap versus inland domestic offers as freight and Gulf FOB rose together.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "China Chemical Information Weekly", "source_url": "https://www.chemnews.com.cn/c/2022-01-18/691210.shtml", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211215-19", "published": "2021-12-15", "title": "Zhenjiang port sulfur stocks fall to ~0.52 Mt from ~1.09 Mt year-start", "summary": "Chinese port stock commentary put Zhenjiang mainstream sulfur inventory near 0.52 Mt at end-2021 versus about 1.09 Mt at the start of the year. Lower social stocks and reduced imports amid high CFR prices tightened domestic availability into 2022 spring planting and winter phosphate storage.", "topics": [ "inventory", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "China Chemical Information Weekly", "source_url": "https://www.chemnews.com.cn/c/2022-01-18/691210.shtml", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211231-20", "published": "2021-12-31", "title": "Port of Vancouver sulfur throughput 2.29 Mt in 2021 (−14% YoY)", "summary": "Vancouver Fraser Port Authority statistics show Port of Vancouver sulphur at 2,291,630 tonnes in 2021, down from 2,653,284 t in 2020 (−14%). Fertilizer cargo was 11.3 MMT. The soft 2021 solid-export year set a low base before the 2022 rebound to 2.79 Mt as prices spiked and Alberta remelt economics improved.", "topics": [ "exports" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Alberta" ], "source": "Vancouver Fraser Port Authority", "source_url": "https://www.portvancouver.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/2022-Stats-Overview_0.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20211231-21", "published": "2021-12-31", "title": "Suncor markets >800,000 t/a sulfur from oil sands and refineries", "summary": "Suncor’s public sulfur trading page states annual marketable sulfur production above 800,000 metric tonnes across Fort McMurray oil sands, Alberta/BC gas plants, and Edmonton/Montreal/Sarnia/Commerce City refining sites. Product moves as molten and formed/prilled sulfur into North American fertilizer/chemical markets and export chains.", "topics": [ "company", "production", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Canada", "US Gulf" ], "source": "Suncor Energy", "source_url": "https://www.suncor.com/en-ca/what-we-do/supply-and-trading/sulphur", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2021 }, { "id": "sw-20220115-01", "published": "2022-01-15", "title": "Tampa sulfur opens 2022 near $282/lt as rally extends", "summary": "USGS MCS 2023 reports Tampa, FL contract sulfur began 2022 around $282 per long ton before climbing to $481/lt in early April. The opening level already reflected late-2021 Chinese phosphate export curbs and strong phosphate prices entering the year.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220201-02", "published": "2022-02-01", "title": "USGS: US sulfur production rises to ~8.6 Mt in 2022; unit value ~$150/t", "summary": "USGS estimated US sulfur production (all forms) near 8.6 Mt in 2022 with elemental recovered about 8.0 Mt; average elemental unit value jumped to about $150/t from $92.30/t in 2021. World production was about 82 Mt. Shipments were valued near $1.3 billion.", "topics": [ "production", "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220228-03", "published": "2022-02-28", "title": "Russia–Ukraine war reshapes fertilizer and sulfur trade risk", "summary": "Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted Black Sea fertilizer logistics and raised risk premia across nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfur. USGS later noted 2022 world sulfur supplies were hampered by the conflict even as global output was roughly unchanged versus 2021.", "topics": [ "policy", "freight", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Russia", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220301-27", "published": "2022-03-01", "title": "TFI: sulfur critical phosphate input cost +198% over prior 12 months", "summary": "TFI’s USDA RFI comments (documented 2022 process) cited sulfur prices up 198% from March 2021 to March 2022 alongside energy, labor, and freight inflation. The association framed fertilizer as a globally traded, geopolitically exposed commodity chain.", "topics": [ "prices", "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "The Fertilizer Institute", "source_url": "https://www.tfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the_fertilizer_institute_comments_final_usda_rfi.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220315-04", "published": "2022-03-15", "title": "China sulfur import price surge; March imports jump sharply", "summary": "IndexBox customs-linked series show China’s sulfur import unit value rising hard into spring 2022, with March import volumes up about 58% month on month as phosphate exporters pulled feedstock. Canada remained among top suppliers alongside Iran and South Korea during the spike months.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand", "exports" ], "geography": [ "China", "Canada", "Global" ], "source": "IndexBox (China customs)", "source_url": "https://www.indexbox.io/blog/china-sulphur-price-in-september-2022/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220401-05", "published": "2022-04-01", "title": "Tampa contract sulfur peaks at $481/lt in early April 2022", "summary": "USGS reports Tampa contract sulfur reached $481 per long ton in early April 2022—the high-water mark of the post-pandemic cycle before mid-year collapse. The peak aligned with Vancouver FOB near multi-year highs and Middle East QSP/OSP markers in the mid-$400s/t.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220415-06", "published": "2022-04-15", "title": "China April sulfur imports 719,800 t (+24% YoY); DAP exports plunge", "summary": "Argus Sulphur (26 May 2022) cited China April sulfur imports of 719,800 t (+24% YoY) while DAP and MAP exports fell 157% and 52% YoY to 195,000 t and 179,000 t as prolonged customs inspections constrained phosphate outflows from mid-April.", "topics": [ "exports", "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://view.argusmedia.com/rs/584-BUW-606/images/Argus%20Sulphur%20%282022-05-26%29.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220501-07", "published": "2022-05-01", "title": "Qatar QSP May 2022 set at $460/t FOB; UAE/Kuwait OSP/KSP $470/t", "summary": "Argus Sulphur assessments for May 2022 put Qatar Sulphur Price at $460/t fob Ras Laffan/Mesaieed, with UAE OSP and Kuwait KSP at $470/t fob. Middle East (ex-Iran) Q2 FOB was $380–405/t amid still-elevated phosphate-linked demand.", "topics": [ "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://view.argusmedia.com/rs/584-BUW-606/images/Argus%20Sulphur%20%282022-05-26%29.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220515-28", "published": "2022-05-15", "title": "China river-port domestic sulfur ~Yn4,000–4,020/t ex-works mid-May", "summary": "Argus Sulphur mid-May 2022 domestic Chinese pricing stood near Yn4,000–4,020/t ex-works from river warehouses, with ~10,000 t trades reported around Yn4,000–4,030/t. Elevated domestic prices coexisted with still-high import CFR until the July policy shock.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://view.argusmedia.com/rs/584-BUW-606/images/Argus%20Sulphur%20%282022-05-26%29.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220526-08", "published": "2022-05-26", "title": "Argus Vancouver FOB Q2 2022 assessed $476–480/t; Tampa $481/lt", "summary": "Argus Sulphur 26 May 2022 listed fob Vancouver Q2 at $476–480/t, fob US Gulf $380–381/t, cfr Brazil $458–470/t, and cfr Tampa $481/lt. Vancouver midpoint near $478/t was the highest since 2008 as Canadian solid exports surged with the global spike.", "topics": [ "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "US Gulf", "Brazil" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://view.argusmedia.com/rs/584-BUW-606/images/Argus%20Sulphur%20%282022-05-26%29.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220601-09", "published": "2022-06-01", "title": "China sulfur import price peaks near $471/t CIF in June", "summary": "IndexBox series put China’s sulfur import price at a 2022 peak near $471/t CIF in June before the July–September collapse. June import volumes also peaked near 948,000 t before three consecutive monthly declines as phosphate export policy tightened.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "IndexBox (China customs)", "source_url": "https://www.indexbox.io/blog/china-sulphur-price-in-september-2022/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220615-10", "published": "2022-06-15", "title": "Huaxicun Commodity Contracts Exchange sulfur trading halted 16 June", "summary": "Argus reported the Huaxicun Commodity Contracts Exchange stopped sulfur trading from 16 June 2022 after Chinese authorities deemed it non-standard. The halt removed a domestic paper/price discovery venue just as physical phosphate-export policy uncertainty intensified.", "topics": [ "policy", "prices" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2403764-viewpoint-increasing-supplies-pressure-chinese-sulphur", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220620-24", "published": "2022-06-20", "title": "China Apr–Jun sulfur imports 2.4 Mt (+50%) before export curb bite", "summary": "Argus noted China’s Q2 2022 sulfur imports of 2.4 Mt rose 50% year on year, driven by phosphate fertilizer exports before July’s de-facto quota regime. The H1 import surge and H2 collapse defined 2022 Chinese sulfur trade volatility.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand", "policy" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2403764-viewpoint-increasing-supplies-pressure-chinese-sulphur", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220701-11", "published": "2022-07-01", "title": "China de-facto phosphate fertilizer export quota for H2 2022", "summary": "Chinese authorities implemented a de-facto export quota regime in July 2022 for phosphate fertilizers in the second half. DAP operating rates fell to 40–50% at river ports and ~50% in Yunnan/Guizhou by end-July, triggering a global sulfur price collapse.", "topics": [ "policy", "demand", "prices" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2403764-viewpoint-increasing-supplies-pressure-chinese-sulphur", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220715-12", "published": "2022-07-15", "title": "Tampa sulfur eases to $352/lt by mid-July from April peak", "summary": "USGS notes Tampa contract prices decreased to $352 per long ton by mid-July 2022 after the early-April $481/lt peak. The mid-year retreat tracked collapsing Chinese phosphate export runs and rising US Gulf refinery sulfur output.", "topics": [ "prices", "production" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220731-13", "published": "2022-07-31", "title": "Qatar QSP crashes to $77/t FOB August from $428/t in July (−$351/t)", "summary": "Muntajat set the August 2022 Qatar Sulphur Price at $77/t fob, down $351/t from July’s $428/t. Argus granular CFR China slumped to $95/t on 4 August as Chinese buyers pulled back from imports and turned to domestic sulfur after the phosphate export curb.", "topics": [ "prices", "policy", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "China", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2403764-viewpoint-increasing-supplies-pressure-chinese-sulphur", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220801-25", "published": "2022-08-01", "title": "Elevated US Gulf refining lifts recovered sulfur as phosphate demand fades", "summary": "Argus linked elevated refinery utilization and resilient fuel demand to higher US Gulf recovered sulfur output even as phosphate demand weakened and inventories swelled in early Q3. The supply–demand mismatch amplified the mid-year price crash.", "topics": [ "production", "demand", "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2405506-viewpoint-sulfur-volatility-to-wane-as-supply-recovers", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220815-14", "published": "2022-08-15", "title": "Vancouver FOB sulfur collapses under $65/t within two months of $478 peak", "summary": "Argus viewpoint reporting said Vancouver spot export pricing fell from a midpoint near $478/t FOB (highest since 2008) to under $65/t FOB within about two months as phosphate fertilizer demand fizzled after the Chinese export curb. US Gulf spot FOB traded in a greater-than-$440/t range over six months amid the same volatility.", "topics": [ "prices", "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2405506-viewpoint-sulfur-volatility-to-wane-as-supply-recovers", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220901-15", "published": "2022-09-01", "title": "China sulfur import price drops 63% MoM to $129/t in September", "summary": "IndexBox reported China’s September 2022 sulfur import price at $129/t CIF, down 62.5% from the prior month, breaking the 2022 uptrend. September imports were 544,000 t (−13.2% MoM); top volume suppliers included South Korea (90 kt), Iran (88 kt), and Canada (71 kt).", "topics": [ "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "China", "Canada", "Global" ], "source": "IndexBox (China customs)", "source_url": "https://www.indexbox.io/blog/china-sulphur-price-in-september-2022/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220915-16", "published": "2022-09-15", "title": "Mosaic cuts US phosphate utilization, freeing sulfur for export", "summary": "Argus noted Mosaic, the largest US sulfur consumer, reported sinking utilization and reduced sulfur consumption through 2022—a trend expected to continue into 2023—freeing more US Gulf volume for export as domestic phosphate runs stayed weak.", "topics": [ "demand", "company", "exports" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2405506-viewpoint-sulfur-volatility-to-wane-as-supply-recovers", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20220930-29", "published": "2022-09-30", "title": "Global sulfur market enters surplus as Chinese demand destruction hits", "summary": "BC Insight later framed late-2022 as the start of a global surplus and lower-price period after the mid-year Chinese phosphate curb destroyed sulfur demand. The surplus phase lasted into 2023–24 even as Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia began voluntary stock drawdowns.", "topics": [ "demand", "inventory", "prices" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/11/30/sulphur-inventory-availability-and-pricing/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221015-17", "published": "2022-10-15", "title": "Vancouver Jan–Oct sulfur exports 2.39 Mt, already above full-year 2021", "summary": "Port of Vancouver data cited by Argus showed sulfur exports of 2.39 Mt in January–October 2022, already exceeding the full-year 2021 total of about 2.29 Mt. Full-year 2022 port throughput later printed 2.79 Mt (+22% YoY).", "topics": [ "exports" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Alberta" ], "source": "Argus Media (Port of Vancouver data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2405506-viewpoint-sulfur-volatility-to-wane-as-supply-recovers", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221031-18", "published": "2022-10-31", "title": "China Jan–Oct sulfur imports 6.65 Mt (−22% YoY) after H1 surge", "summary": "Argus reported China imported 2.4 Mt of sulfur in April–June 2022 (+50% YoY) on phosphate export demand, then slowed to 2.5 Mt in July–October (−5.9% YoY). January–October imports totaled 6.65 Mt, down 22% from a year earlier after the H2 export quota regime.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand", "policy" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2403764-viewpoint-increasing-supplies-pressure-chinese-sulphur", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221101-26", "published": "2022-11-01", "title": "China import value of sulfur peaks near $2.3B in 2022 then set to fall", "summary": "IndexBox estimates put China’s sulfur import value at about $2.3 billion in 2022 after a 2021 surge (+143% value in 2021). Value later fell sharply to about $1.1 billion in 2023 even as volumes began recovering, reflecting the price collapse from mid-2022 highs.", "topics": [ "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "IndexBox", "source_url": "https://www.indexbox.io/blog/china-sulphur-imports-2023/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221115-19", "published": "2022-11-15", "title": "Keyera–Enbridge South Cheecham sulfur facilities advance through 2022", "summary": "Keyera’s AIF notes construction of sulphur handling, forming, and storage facilities at the South Cheecham rail/truck terminal (JV with Enbridge) progressed through 2022. The ~4,000–4,400 t/d wet prilling addition was expected to lift Vancouver export capacity potential by 5–10% once fully operational.", "topics": [ "company", "exports", "production" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Keyera Corp.", "source_url": "https://www.keyera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2024-Keyera-Annual-Information-Form.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221201-20", "published": "2022-12-01", "title": "China granular CFR sulfur rebounds to ~$197.50/t by mid-December", "summary": "After the August collapse to $95/t, Argus granular CFR China assessments rebounded to $197.50/t on 12 December 2022 as Chinese buyers leaned on domestic sulfur and import demand stayed selective. The rebound set up a softer but still volatile 2023.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2403764-viewpoint-increasing-supplies-pressure-chinese-sulphur", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221215-21", "published": "2022-12-15", "title": "Tampa Q4 2022 sulfur contracts settle near $90/lt", "summary": "USGS reports fourth-quarter 2022 Tampa prices at $90 per long ton, down from the April peak of $481/lt. The year-end collapse completed one of the sharpest sulfur price cycles on record and shifted Canadian remelt economics from strongly profitable to marginal.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Vancouver" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221220-30", "published": "2022-12-20", "title": "South Cheecham priller expected to boost Vancouver capacity 5–10% in 2023", "summary": "Argus estimated the South Cheecham priller’s 4,000 t/d wet prilling addition could increase Vancouver export capacity by 5–10% in 2023, subject to international demand. Combined with higher oil-sands sulfur output, Canada’s solid-export capability was set to rise into the surplus-price era.", "topics": [ "exports", "company", "production" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2405506-viewpoint-sulfur-volatility-to-wane-as-supply-recovers", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221231-22", "published": "2022-12-31", "title": "Port of Vancouver sulfur 2.79 Mt in 2022 (+22%); fertilizers 12.8 MMT", "summary": "VFPA statistics show Port of Vancouver sulphur at 2,787,073 tonnes in 2022 (+22% from 2.29 Mt in 2021). Fertilizer cargo rose 13% to 12.8 MMT with potash 10.0 MMT. The solid-sulfur rebound tracked the H1 price spike and Alberta de-blocking into Vancouver.", "topics": [ "exports" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Alberta" ], "source": "Vancouver Fraser Port Authority", "source_url": "https://www.portvancouver.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/Statistics-overview-2021-to-2023.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20221231-23", "published": "2022-12-31", "title": "USGS: Canada sulfur production ~4.9 Mt; world ~82 Mt in 2022", "summary": "USGS MCS 2023 lists Canada sulfur production about 4.88–4.90 Mt in 2021–22 and world output about 81.4–82 Mt. UAE production was estimated near 6.0 Mt in 2022 as Middle East solid exports remained central to seaborne trade.", "topics": [ "production", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2022 }, { "id": "sw-20230115-01", "published": "2023-01-15", "title": "Tampa sulfur opens 2023 near $90/lt; rises to $130 then slides to $55", "summary": "USGS MCS 2024 reports Tampa contract sulfur began 2023 around $90/lt, rose to $130/lt in mid-January, then fell to $55/lt by mid-July. Fourth-quarter 2023 prices were $102/lt—volatile but far below the 2022 peak.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230131-02", "published": "2023-01-31", "title": "China expected to resume phosphate export customs inspections in 2023", "summary": "Argus expected Chinese authorities to resume prior customs inspections for phosphate fertilizer exports from January 2023, continuing to restrain sulfur demand intensity versus the H1 2022 surge. Domestic sulfur capacity growth further reduced China’s need for opportunistic imports.", "topics": [ "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2403764-viewpoint-increasing-supplies-pressure-chinese-sulphur", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230201-03", "published": "2023-02-01", "title": "USGS MCS 2024: US sulfur production ~8.6 Mt unchanged YoY in 2023", "summary": "USGS estimated total US sulfur production in 2023 about unchanged from 2022 near 8.6 Mt, with elemental recovered ~8.0 Mt and shipments valued about $860 million. Average elemental unit value eased to about $100/t from $150/t in 2022.", "topics": [ "production", "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230215-28", "published": "2023-02-15", "title": "North American sulfur output supported by high refining and oil sands", "summary": "Argus late-2022/early-2023 outlook expected elevated refinery throughputs and increased Canadian bitumen processing to boost North American sulfur output in 2023, promoting price stability after 2022’s extreme volatility—though late-2023 Chinese softness reintroduced downside.", "topics": [ "production", "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Alberta", "Canada" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2405506-viewpoint-sulfur-volatility-to-wane-as-supply-recovers", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230301-04", "published": "2023-03-01", "title": "Q1 Tampa sulfur expected mid-$60s to low-$70s/lt on soft Vancouver/USG", "summary": "Argus December 2023 viewpoint said market participants expected the Q1 2024 Tampa settlement to track soft Vancouver and US Gulf spot into the mid-$60s/lt to low-$70s/lt delivered—illustrating how late-2023 bearishness capped North American liquid contracts into early 2024.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2523114-viewpoint-global-softness-to-pressure-northam-sulfur", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230315-19", "published": "2023-03-15", "title": "IFA: global MAP+DAP output still below 2020 after multi-year decline", "summary": "IFA medium-term outlook notes phosphoric acid production rose about 1% to 85 Mt in 2023 and MAP+DAP about 3% to 64.3 Mt, still below 2020 levels after three years of decline. Lower Moroccan output was offset by China and West Asia, shaping sulfur acid demand recovery pace.", "topics": [ "demand", "production" ], "geography": [ "China", "Morocco", "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "International Fertilizer Association", "source_url": "https://www.fertilizer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024_ifa_medium_term_outlook_report.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230401-05", "published": "2023-04-01", "title": "Alberta suppliers remelt blocked sulfur early in 2023 to pace exports", "summary": "Argus reported that earlier in 2023 suppliers were remelting solid sulfur inventory to keep pace with exporter demand, before late-year price weakness squeezed high-cost remelt tons. Remelt is the swing valve linking Alberta blocks to Vancouver liftings.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports", "prices" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2523114-viewpoint-global-softness-to-pressure-northam-sulfur", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230415-29", "published": "2023-04-15", "title": "UAE among top three China sulfur origins as Gulf solids stay competitive", "summary": "Despite soft absolute prices, UAE remained a top-three China origin in 2023 volume terms (~1.1 Mt). Gulf granular sulfur competed with Canadian Vancouver cargoes into Yangtze and southern Chinese phosphate plants whenever freight and FOB spreads aligned.", "topics": [ "exports", "freight" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "China", "Vancouver" ], "source": "IndexBox", "source_url": "https://www.indexbox.io/blog/china-sulphur-imports-2023/", "relevance": "low", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230501-06", "published": "2023-05-01", "title": "Kazakhstan Kashagan stock fine triggers inventory removal programme", "summary": "BC Insight links a significant Kazakh government fine over ~1.7 Mt of accumulated Kashagan sulfur stock to a concerted inventory-removal programme starting around 2023. The programme later added roughly 0.25 Mt/quarter to Kazakh exports through mid-2025.", "topics": [ "inventory", "policy", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/11/30/sulphur-inventory-availability-and-pricing/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230515-24", "published": "2023-05-15", "title": "Heartland terminal forming capacity supports Edmonton-area sulfur exports", "summary": "Heartland Sulphur’s public materials describe ~4,500 t/d forming capacity at its Alberta Industrial Heartland terminal plus molten rail loading for North America. Commissioned around 2021 and expanded thereafter, the site is a key node converting crushed/blocked sulfur into exportable granules.", "topics": [ "company", "exports", "production" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Heartland Sulphur / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2755482-heartland-ups-re-melting-capacity-at-alberta-terminal", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230601-07", "published": "2023-06-01", "title": "Indonesia acid imports begin multi-year HPAL-driven surge", "summary": "CRU later noted Indonesia sulfuric acid imports jumped from about 0.31 Mt in 2022 to nearly 1.1 Mt in 2023 (+250%+), initially met by Japan and South Korea as HPAL nickel projects ramped. Nickel-related acid demand was on a path from ~3.5 Mt/yr in 2021 toward much higher mid-decade levels.", "topics": [ "demand", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "CRU Group", "source_url": "https://www.crugroup.com/en/communities/thought-leadership/2026/CRU-launches-Indonesia-acid-price-as-nickel-sector-lifts-demand/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230615-20", "published": "2023-06-15", "title": "Saudi Arabia begins voluntary sulfur stock draw ~0.15 Mt/quarter", "summary": "BC Insight reports Saudi Arabia added roughly 0.15 Mt per quarter to its export programme from stock drawdown as storage neared capacity and the logistics-buffer value of stocks diminished. Unlike Canada’s price-driven remelt, Saudi draws continued even in the lower-price surplus period.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/11/30/sulphur-inventory-availability-and-pricing/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230701-08", "published": "2023-07-01", "title": "Keyera–Enbridge South Cheecham sulfur facilities commence operations", "summary": "Keyera reports South Cheecham sulphur handling, forming, and storage facilities commenced operations at the beginning of Q3 2023 (JV with Enbridge). Gross project cost was about $285 million (Keyera net ~$143 million). The terminal includes roughly 4,400 t/d sulfur forming capacity near Fort McMurray.", "topics": [ "company", "exports", "production" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Keyera Corp.", "source_url": "https://www.keyera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2023-Keyera-Year-End-Report.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230715-09", "published": "2023-07-15", "title": "Tampa sulfur mid-year trough near $55/lt", "summary": "USGS records Tampa contract sulfur at about $55 per long ton in mid-July 2023, the softest print of the year and consistent with global surplus conditions after China’s 2022 demand shock and rising recovered sulfur supply.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230731-27", "published": "2023-07-31", "title": "Battery-metals acid demand begins to offset soft phosphate sulfur pulls", "summary": "Industry outlooks through 2023 increasingly treated Indonesian HPAL and lithium acid as structural sulfur/acid demand that could firm markets even when phosphate affordability was weak. Global nickel-related sulfur use had already roughly doubled versus 2020.", "topics": [ "demand" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/09/30/full-speed-ahead-for-indonesian-nickel/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230801-10", "published": "2023-08-01", "title": "Port of Vancouver: sulfur +11% in 2023 to 3.10 Mt; dry bulk record", "summary": "VFPA’s 2023 cargo release highlighted sulfur volumes up 11% within record dry-bulk and overall port trade of 150.4 MMT (+6%). Full-year sulphur throughput was 3,103,912 tonnes, continuing the climb from 2.29 Mt (2021) and 2.79 Mt (2022).", "topics": [ "exports" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver" ], "source": "Vancouver Fraser Port Authority", "source_url": "https://www.portvancouver.com/article/strong-canadian-exports-support-record-2023-trade-volumes-through-port-vancouver", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230815-21", "published": "2023-08-15", "title": "Canada price-sensitive remelt slows as Vancouver softens", "summary": "Argus and CRU commentary contrast Canada’s remelt behaviour—accelerating when Vancouver FOB clears high logistics costs, slowing when prices fall—with Kazakhstan/Saudi regulatory or capacity-driven draws. Late-2023 Vancouver weakness at $72/t squeezed Alberta high-cost remelt economics.", "topics": [ "inventory", "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver", "Canada" ], "source": "Argus Media / BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2523114-viewpoint-global-softness-to-pressure-northam-sulfur", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230901-11", "published": "2023-09-01", "title": "US Jan–Sep sulfur production ~6 Mt; Gulf Coast +3% YoY to 3.57 Mt", "summary": "Argus citing USGS put US sulfur production in the first nine months of 2023 just over 6 Mt (+20,000 t YoY). Only the Gulf Coast region rose, with Jan–Sep output about 3.57 Mt (+3%), while other US regions declined year over year.", "topics": [ "production" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "Argus Media (USGS data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2523114-viewpoint-global-softness-to-pressure-northam-sulfur", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230915-25", "published": "2023-09-15", "title": "Kazakhstan crushed-lump stock sales lift exports toward 2023 record path", "summary": "BC Insight notes Kazakhstan started a stock-drawdown programme in 2023 with crushed lump sulfur sales, later accelerating in 2024. Strict storage regulations mean almost all Tengiz/Kashagan sulfur is exported rather than blocked long term.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports", "policy" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2025/01/31/sulphur-in-central-asia-2/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20230930-12", "published": "2023-09-30", "title": "Tengiz sulfur output ~2.4 Mt in 2023; Kazakhstan export spike begins", "summary": "BC Insight reports Tengizchevroil sulfur production of 2.7 Mt (2021), 2.65 Mt (2022), and 2.4 Mt (2023). Combined with Kashagan stock drawdowns, Kazakhstan began lifting exports toward record levels into 2024, mainly by rail via Russia to Ust-Luga for Morocco and Africa.", "topics": [ "production", "exports", "inventory" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan", "Russia", "Morocco" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2025/01/31/sulphur-in-central-asia-2/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231001-22", "published": "2023-10-01", "title": "USGS import sources still show Canada ~70%+ of US elemental sulfur", "summary": "USGS MCS 2024 import-source statistics for 2019–22 list Canada at 77% of US elemental sulfur imports (Russia 10%, Kazakhstan 9%). Total sulfur imports remained Canada-led (~70%), underscoring the molten rail corridor’s strategic weight even when Vancouver solid prices were soft.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231015-13", "published": "2023-10-15", "title": "Alberta Jan–Oct sulfur production 3.78 Mt (+11% / +386 kt YoY)", "summary": "AER data cited by Argus show Alberta sulfur production in January–October 2023 at 3.78 Mt, up 386,000 t or more than 11% from the same period in 2022, as bitumen and heavy sour crude bolstered oil-sands sulfur output toward record highs.", "topics": [ "production" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Canada" ], "source": "Argus Media (AER data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2523114-viewpoint-global-softness-to-pressure-northam-sulfur", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231101-14", "published": "2023-11-01", "title": "Global sulfur consumption for nickel ~3.5 Mt in 2023 vs 1.7 Mt in 2020", "summary": "BC Insight estimates global sulfur consumption for nickel production climbed from 1.7 Mt/a in 2020 to 3.5 Mt/a in 2023, mostly from Indonesian HPAL. The metals pull increasingly competed with phosphate for seaborne sulfur even in soft fertilizer years.", "topics": [ "demand", "production" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/09/30/full-speed-ahead-for-indonesian-nickel/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231115-15", "published": "2023-11-15", "title": "Indonesia sulfur imports ~2.7 Mt in 2023 (~3× 2020 levels)", "summary": "S&P Global Energy commentary reported Indonesia imported about 2.7 Mt of sulfur in 2023, roughly three times the 2020 level, plus ~1 Mt of sulfuric acid (~8× 2020). Coastal sulfur burners began substituting lower-cost elemental sulfur for imported acid.", "topics": [ "demand", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "S&P Global Energy", "source_url": "https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/blog/agriculture/021225-indonesias-strategic-shift-in-mining-and-rising-demand-for-sulfuric-acid", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231120-30", "published": "2023-11-20", "title": "TFI 2023 industry survey: geopolitics still top fertilizer risk theme", "summary": "TFI’s 2023 Industry Trends survey found broadly positive industry sentiment but flagged regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical risks among leading challenges. The backdrop matches a sulfur market still digesting 2022 war and Chinese-policy shocks.", "topics": [ "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "The Fertilizer Institute", "source_url": "https://www.tfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/industry-trends-issu-final.pdf", "relevance": "low", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231130-23", "published": "2023-11-30", "title": "Red Sea / Suez risk begins to lengthen fertilizer and dry-bulk voyages", "summary": "Hellenic Shipping News and industry freight notes into late 2023–early 2024 described Red Sea security concerns prompting Cape of Good Hope reroutes, raising ton-miles and freights. Longer voyages raised delivered costs for Middle East sulfur and fertilizer cargoes into Asia and Europe.", "topics": [ "freight", "policy" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "Hellenic Shipping News", "source_url": "https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/tighter-fleet-capacity-geopolitical-issues-longer-voyages-to-boost-2024-tanker-freight/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231201-26", "published": "2023-12-01", "title": "China top sulfur suppliers 2023: Canada, Korea, UAE ~1.1–1.2 Mt each", "summary": "IndexBox 2023 trade breakdown lists Canada (~1.2 Mt), South Korea (~1.1 Mt), and UAE (~1.1 Mt) as China’s leading sulfur suppliers by volume, together about 39% of imports. Saudi Arabia, Japan, Qatar, Iran, and Kuwait made up much of the remainder.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Canada", "Middle East" ], "source": "IndexBox", "source_url": "https://www.indexbox.io/blog/china-sulphur-imports-2023/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231214-16", "published": "2023-12-14", "title": "Vancouver FOB sulfur falls 25% in Q4 to $72/t midpoint mid-December", "summary": "Argus assessed Vancouver sulfur at $72/t fob midpoint on 14 December 2023, down 25% since the start of Q4 as Chinese demand waned and rising freight rates trimmed FOB netbacks. Soft Vancouver prices pressured North American liquid settlements into early 2024.", "topics": [ "prices", "freight", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "China" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2523114-viewpoint-global-softness-to-pressure-northam-sulfur", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231231-17", "published": "2023-12-31", "title": "Port of Vancouver sulfur 3.10 Mt in 2023; China imports recover to 8.8 Mt", "summary": "VFPA statistics put Vancouver sulphur at 3,103,912 t in 2023 (+11%). Separately, IndexBox reports China’s sulfur imports rose 16% to 8.8 Mt in 2023 after three years of decline, though import value fell to about $1.1B on lower prices. Canada supplied about 1.2 Mt into China.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "China", "Canada" ], "source": "VFPA / IndexBox", "source_url": "https://www.portvancouver.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/Statistics-overview-2021-to-2023.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20231231-18", "published": "2023-12-31", "title": "USGS: world sulfur production ~85.8 Mt in 2023; Canada ~4.98 Mt", "summary": "USGS MCS 2025 lists world sulfur production about 85.8 Mt in 2023 and Canada about 4.98 Mt. China remained the largest producer near 19.4 Mt. Middle East exporters (Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait) continued to dominate seaborne trade volumes.", "topics": [ "production" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "China", "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2023 }, { "id": "sw-20240108-01", "published": "2024-01-08", "title": "Red Sea attacks cut Suez transits ~14%; Cape reroutes lift freights", "summary": "Hellenic Shipping News early-January 2024 commentary noted average Suez transits down about 14% since mid-December 2023 as Red Sea attacks prompted Cape of Good Hope reroutes. Longer voyages tightened vessel supply and raised insurance/freight costs for Middle East–Asia dry and product cargoes including sulfur.", "topics": [ "freight", "policy" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "Hellenic Shipping News", "source_url": "https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/tighter-fleet-capacity-geopolitical-issues-longer-voyages-to-boost-2024-tanker-freight/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240115-02", "published": "2024-01-15", "title": "Tampa sulfur opens 2024 at $69/lt; Q1 soft after Vancouver slide", "summary": "USGS MCS 2025 reports Tampa contract sulfur began 2024 at $69 per long ton, rose to $81/lt in early March, eased to $76/lt in early July, with Q4 around the mid-$70s–low $80s band—still a soft year versus 2022 and 2025–26 spikes.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240131-20", "published": "2024-01-31", "title": "TFI USDA fertilizer comments republished; sulfur still key phosphate input", "summary": "TFI’s January 2024-posted USDA RFI comments reiterate sulfur’s role as a critical ammoniated-phosphate input and the 198% March 2021–March 2022 price spike as evidence of global supply-chain exposure for US fertilizer costs.", "topics": [ "policy", "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "The Fertilizer Institute", "source_url": "https://www.tfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the_fertilizer_institute_comments_final_usda_rfi.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240201-03", "published": "2024-02-01", "title": "USGS: US sulfur production eases toward ~8.2 Mt estimate for 2024", "summary": "USGS MCS 2025 estimated US sulfur production about 8.2 Mt in 2024 (from 8.65 Mt in 2023) with world output near 85 Mt (from 85.8 Mt). Canada was about 5.0 Mt. Soft prices and steady refining/oil-sands balances defined the year before the 2025 rebound.", "topics": [ "production", "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Canada", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240215-21", "published": "2024-02-15", "title": "IFA: MAP+DAP production seen +4% to 66.8 Mt in 2024; still below 2020", "summary": "IFA short-term outlook estimated phosphoric acid +4% to 88.4 Mt and MAP+DAP +4% to 66.8 Mt in 2024, led by China (+2 Mt) and Morocco (+1.1 Mt), yet still below 2020 peaks—moderating sulfur intensity growth versus metals HPAL demand.", "topics": [ "demand", "production" ], "geography": [ "China", "Morocco", "Global" ], "source": "International Fertilizer Association", "source_url": "https://fertilizer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2024_ifa_short_term_outlook_report.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240301-04", "published": "2024-03-01", "title": "Tampa sulfur lifts to $81/lt in early March 2024", "summary": "USGS notes Tampa contract sulfur increased to $81 per long ton in early March 2024 from the $69/lt year-open. The modest bounce reflected seasonal phosphate buying rather than a structural deficit.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240315-29", "published": "2024-03-15", "title": "Canadian liquid sulfur rail to US ~900 kt supports molten corridor", "summary": "Argus early-2025 export notes looking back on 2024 said about 900,000 t of liquid sulfur moved by rail from Canada to the US market (USGS-linked). Tariff risk later encouraged gradual diversion of some Canadian tons toward Vancouver solid exports.", "topics": [ "exports", "freight", "policy" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "US Gulf", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media (USGS)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2670825-vancouver-jan-feb-sulphur-exports-rise-by-17pc", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240401-05", "published": "2024-04-01", "title": "South Cheecham priller operational after Jan–May startup issues", "summary": "Argus August 2024 reporting said the new South Cheecham priller was finally operational after long-standing operational issues from January to May. Restored forming capacity supported higher Vancouver exports and Alberta de-blocking even as some oil-sands plants reduced production.", "topics": [ "company", "exports", "production" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2611033-vancouver-sulphur-exports-rise-20pc-in-aug", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240501-06", "published": "2024-05-01", "title": "Kazakhstan sulfur exports on record path; +35% YoY through Oct", "summary": "BC Insight reports Kazakhstan sulfur exports totaled 4.02 Mt for the year to October 2024, up 35% YoY, with Morocco taking about 73% of sales. An estimated additional 1.2 Mt of stockpiled sulfur was sold in 2024 on top of higher Tengiz output (~2.65 Mt expected).", "topics": [ "exports", "inventory" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan", "Morocco", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2025/01/31/sulphur-in-central-asia-2/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240515-22", "published": "2024-05-15", "title": "Middle East refining upgrades flagged to lift sulfur supply from 2025", "summary": "USGS MCS 2025 noted that starting in 2025, Middle East sulfur production was expected to increase owing to upgrades and new refining projects, while HPAL battery-materials projects would raise sulfur demand—setting up the 2025 tightening that preceded 2026 conflict shocks.", "topics": [ "production", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240601-07", "published": "2024-06-01", "title": "Tengiz Wellhead Management Project lifts 2024 sulfur toward 2.65 Mt", "summary": "BC Insight notes Tengiz’s Wellhead Management Project completion in 2024 lifted sulfur output slightly, with full-year production expected around 2.65 Mt after 2.4 Mt in 2023. The Future Growth Project (oil) due 2025 reinjects associated gas and does not add sulfur sales volumes.", "topics": [ "production", "company" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2025/01/31/sulphur-in-central-asia-2/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240615-23", "published": "2024-06-15", "title": "Indonesia switches from acid imports toward sulfur burning", "summary": "S&P and Argus describe Indonesian MHP producers (e.g. Halmahera Persada Lygend) switching to lower-cost elemental sulfur as sulfur-burning capacity ramps—about 1 t sulfur yields ~3 t sulfuric acid—making Indonesia a swing sulfur consumer on relative sulfur vs acid economics.", "topics": [ "demand", "company" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media / S&P Global", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2614510-indonesia-s-ni-expansion-via-hpal-could-face-challenges", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240630-30", "published": "2024-06-30", "title": "Global sulfur market still in surplus mid-2024 despite stock draws", "summary": "CRU’s late-2024 inventory review described the market since late 2022 as a global surplus with lower prices, even while Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia voluntarily drew stocks. Canada’s remelt remained the clearest price-elastic supply response heading into 2025 tightness.", "topics": [ "inventory", "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Global", "Alberta", "Kazakhstan", "Middle East" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/11/30/sulphur-inventory-availability-and-pricing/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240701-08", "published": "2024-07-01", "title": "Tampa sulfur eases to $76/lt in early July 2024", "summary": "USGS reports Tampa contract sulfur decreased to $76 per long ton in early July 2024 after the March $81/lt print. Mid-year softness persisted even as Canadian solid exports and Kazakh stock draws kept seaborne supply ample.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240715-09", "published": "2024-07-15", "title": "Vancouver July 2023 strike aftershock: 2024 YTD exports still +15%", "summary": "Argus noted July 2023 Vancouver sulfur loadings were disrupted by a 13-day strike; by August 2024 Jan–Aug exports were still 15% above the prior year at 2.27 Mt. Base-effect and de-blocking both supported the 2024 export rebound.", "topics": [ "exports", "freight" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2611033-vancouver-sulphur-exports-rise-20pc-in-aug", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240731-10", "published": "2024-07-31", "title": "Indonesia Jan–Jul sulfur imports 1.92 Mt (+39%); July 425 kt (+400% YoY)", "summary": "BC Insight reports Indonesian sulfur imports in the first seven months of 2024 at 1.92 Mt (+39% YoY), with July alone at 425,000 t (up more than 400% YoY) as sulfur burners displaced acid imports. July acid imports fell 64% YoY to 64,000 t.", "topics": [ "demand", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/09/30/full-speed-ahead-for-indonesian-nickel/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240801-24", "published": "2024-08-01", "title": "Alberta de-blocking accelerates despite some oil-sands output cuts", "summary": "Argus August 2024 coverage said more de-blocking was underway from Alberta’s substantial sulfur blocks even as some oil-sands plants and upgraders reduced production, because new forming capacity lifted remelting and reforming rates into Vancouver.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports", "production" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2611033-vancouver-sulphur-exports-rise-20pc-in-aug", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240815-11", "published": "2024-08-15", "title": "Vancouver August sulfur exports 320,000 t (+20% MoM)", "summary": "Port data cited by Argus put August 2024 Vancouver sulfur exports at 320,000 t, up 20% from July, with China about 180,000 t, Australia, the US (~50,000 t), and New Zealand among destinations. De-blocking and restored Cheecham forming supported the lift.", "topics": [ "exports", "inventory" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "China", "Australia" ], "source": "Argus Media (Port of Vancouver data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2611033-vancouver-sulphur-exports-rise-20pc-in-aug", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240831-12", "published": "2024-08-31", "title": "Argus: Indonesian HPAL acid demand ~5.17 Mt in 2024; 7.12 Mt seen for 2025", "summary": "Argus estimated sulfuric acid demand from Indonesian HPAL projects at about 5.17 Mt in 2024, nearly 40% below the 7.12 Mt expected for 2025 as MHP output targets rose toward 325–345 kt in 2024 from ~269 kt in 2023. Acid availability was flagged as a potential HPAL bottleneck.", "topics": [ "demand", "production" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2614510-indonesia-s-ni-expansion-via-hpal-could-face-challenges", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240915-25", "published": "2024-09-15", "title": "Morocco takes ~73% of Kazakh sulfur sales in 2024 export surge", "summary": "BC Insight destination breakdown for Kazakhstan’s 2024 export surge put Morocco at about 73% of total sales and other African countries at 12%. The dependence later magnified 2026 damage when Russian rail transit of Kazakh sulfur was halted.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan", "Morocco", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2025/01/31/sulphur-in-central-asia-2/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20240930-13", "published": "2024-09-30", "title": "BC Insight: global nickel sulfur use headed toward 6.7 Mt/a by 2028", "summary": "CRU/BC Insight September 2024 nickel feature projected global sulfur demand for nickel processing to rise to 6.7 Mt/a by 2028, largely from Indonesian HPAL ramp-ups. The metals call competed with phosphate for Middle East and Canadian solid cargoes.", "topics": [ "demand" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/09/30/full-speed-ahead-for-indonesian-nickel/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241001-26", "published": "2024-10-01", "title": "Indonesia MHP output seen 325–345 kt in 2024 vs ~269 kt in 2023", "summary": "Argus cited Indonesian market sources expecting 325,000–345,000 t of MHP in 2024, up from about 269,000 t in 2023, with three-year targets toward 800–900 kt. Sulfuric acid/sulfur availability was repeatedly flagged as a limiting factor for the HPAL buildout.", "topics": [ "demand", "production" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2614510-indonesia-s-ni-expansion-via-hpal-could-face-challenges", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241015-14", "published": "2024-10-15", "title": "Kazakhstan stock draw ~+1.2 Mt sales in 2024; exports via Ust-Luga", "summary": "BC Insight estimates an additional 1.2 Mt of Kazakh stockpiled sulfur was sold during 2024, pushing exports to record levels mainly via rail across Russia to Ust-Luga near St Petersburg. Inventory sales were expected to end in 2025, allowing exports to fall back toward ~3.5 Mt/a from 2026.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports", "freight" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan", "Russia", "Morocco" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2025/01/31/sulphur-in-central-asia-2/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241101-15", "published": "2024-11-01", "title": "CRU: Canada remelt is price-driven; Kazakh/Saudi draws are not", "summary": "BC Insight’s November 2024 inventory essay contrasts Canada’s remelt—accelerating when Vancouver FOB clears high logistics costs—with Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia stock draws that continued through the lower-price surplus period for regulatory and storage-capacity reasons.", "topics": [ "inventory", "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Kazakhstan", "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/11/30/sulphur-inventory-availability-and-pricing/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241115-27", "published": "2024-11-15", "title": "Saudi stock location near capacity drives export programme additions", "summary": "CRU explained Saudi Arabia’s ~0.15 Mt/quarter stock-draw exports as a response to storage nearing capacity, reducing the strategic benefit of holding logistics-buffer inventory. Extra Gulf tonnes competed with Canadian and Kazakh solids into soft-price markets.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/11/30/sulphur-inventory-availability-and-pricing/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241130-16", "published": "2024-11-30", "title": "Kashagan inventory draw seen finishing by mid-2025 (~0.25 Mt/quarter)", "summary": "CRU estimated Kazakhstan’s Kashagan-linked stock-removal programme raised exports by about 0.25 Mt per quarter, with total inventory expected to be depleted by mid-2025. The end of forced draws was expected to let Kazakh exports normalize near 3.5 Mt/a from 2026—before 2026 transit bans intervened.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2024/11/30/sulphur-inventory-availability-and-pricing/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241201-28", "published": "2024-12-01", "title": "China Dec 2024 sulfur imports 760 kt; avg price $160.6/t rising into year-end", "summary": "Customs-linked reporting put December 2024 China sulfur imports at 760,000 t (+21.8% YoY, +12.2% MoM) with average import price $160.6/t (+45.6% YoY)—an early signal of firming into the 2025 price recovery after a soft full-year average near $116/t.", "topics": [ "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "China sulfuric acid network / customs", "source_url": "http://www.liusuan.org/plus/view.php?aid=18054", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241215-17", "published": "2024-12-15", "title": "China 2024 sulfur imports 9.95 Mt (+12.7%); avg price ~$116/t", "summary": "China customs figures reported via Mysteel/中国硫酸网 put 2024 sulfur imports at 9.952 Mt (+12.7% / +1.12 Mt YoY) despite domestic output rising to 11.13 Mt (+1.2%). Average import price was about $116.3/t (−8.4% YoY). Top origins: UAE 1.70 Mt, Canada 1.66 Mt, Korea 1.19 Mt, Saudi 1.13 Mt, Qatar 0.77 Mt.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand", "prices" ], "geography": [ "China", "Canada", "Middle East" ], "source": "Mysteel / China customs", "source_url": "https://www.mysteel.net/news/5076411-2024-china-sulfur-imports-grow-13-despite-of-higher-production", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241231-18", "published": "2024-12-31", "title": "Port of Vancouver sulfur 3.35 Mt in 2024 (+8%); Argus cites 3.3 Mt exports +7%", "summary": "VFPA 2023–2025 statistics overview lists Port of Vancouver sulphur at 3,347,932 tonnes in 2024 (from 3.10 Mt in 2023). Argus separately reported 2024 Vancouver solid exports up 7% to 3.3 Mt, supported by de-blocking and prilling initiatives, plus ~900 kt Canadian liquid rail into the US (USGS).", "topics": [ "exports", "inventory" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Alberta", "US Gulf" ], "source": "Vancouver Fraser Port Authority / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.portvancouver.com/sites/default/files/2026-03/2025%20Statistics%20overview%20%28En%29.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20241231-19", "published": "2024-12-31", "title": "USGS: Canada sulfur ~5.06 Mt in 2024; world ~83.9–85 Mt", "summary": "USGS MCS 2026 revises 2024 Canada sulfur production to about 5.06 Mt and world output near 83.9 Mt (MCS 2025 had used ~85 Mt / Canada ~5.0 Mt estimates). Soft unit values persisted before the 2025 Tampa climb from $116/lt toward $310/lt.", "topics": [ "production", "prices" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "Global", "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2024 }, { "id": "sw-20250115-40", "published": "2025-01-15", "title": "Tampa sulfur opens 2025 at $116/lt, starting the recovery year", "summary": "USGS MCS 2026 reports Tampa, FL contract sulfur began 2025 at $116 per long ton before climbing to $270/lt in early April, easing to $252/lt in early July, then reaching $310/lt in early October. Q4 2025 prices were the highest since Q2 2022.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250131-41", "published": "2025-01-31", "title": "BC Insight: Central Asia sulfur—Tengiz FGP reinjects gas, no extra sulfur sales", "summary": "January 2025 BC Insight Central Asia feature stressed Tengiz Future Growth Project oil gains reinject associated gas to maintain reservoir pressure and therefore do not add sulfur export volumes, even as 2024 Wellhead Management lifted output toward 2.65 Mt.", "topics": [ "production", "company" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2025/01/31/sulphur-in-central-asia-2/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250215-42", "published": "2025-02-15", "title": "Vancouver Jan–Feb sulfur exports 621 kt (+17%); China takes 278 kt", "summary": "Argus reported Port of Vancouver solid sulfur exports of 621,000 t in January–February 2025 (+17% YoY), with China the top recipient at 278,000 t, Australia 108,000 t, and Indonesia 59,000 t. Supportive prices and geopolitics were expected to encourage further de-blocking.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "China", "Australia", "Indonesia" ], "source": "Argus Media (Port of Vancouver data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2670825-vancouver-jan-feb-sulphur-exports-rise-by-17pc", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250301-43", "published": "2025-03-01", "title": "US tariff risk on Canadian goods raises Vancouver diversion talk", "summary": "Argus noted threats of 25% tariffs on US-bound goods from early April encouraged Canadian suppliers to look for alternative markets accessible via Vancouver for some product historically railed as liquid into the US—though logistics contracts meant any diversion would be gradual.", "topics": [ "policy", "exports", "freight" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "US Gulf", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2670825-vancouver-jan-feb-sulphur-exports-rise-by-17pc", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250401-44", "published": "2025-04-01", "title": "Tampa sulfur jumps to $270/lt in early April 2025", "summary": "USGS MCS 2026 tracks Tampa contract sulfur rising from $116/lt at the start of 2025 to $270/lt in early April—the first major step of the 2025 bull market that later peaked near $310/lt in October.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250415-51", "published": "2025-04-15", "title": "Vancouver FOB Jan–Jul average later prints $238/t vs $78/t a year earlier", "summary": "Argus mid-2025 reporting put the January–July Vancouver FOB average at $238/t, more than triple the $78/t average a year earlier—clearing the >$150/t export-process cost hurdle that governs Alberta remelt economics.", "topics": [ "prices", "exports", "inventory" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Alberta" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2731279-alberta-sulfur-inventories-fall-as-exports-climb", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250515-45", "published": "2025-05-15", "title": "China sulfuric acid exports surge path toward 4.65 Mt full-year 2025", "summary": "Later CRU/SMM analysis put China’s full-year 2025 sulfuric acid exports near 4.65 Mt (+73% YoY), a flood of seaborne acid that competed with elemental sulfur burners before the 2026 export halt reversed the flow.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "CRU / SMM", "source_url": "https://www.crugroup.com/en/communities/thought-leadership/2026/chinas-export-halt-reinforces-bullish-sulphuric-acid-sentiment/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250601-46", "published": "2025-06-01", "title": "Heartland raises remelt capacity 40% to 700 t/d; targets 1,500 t/d by end-2026", "summary": "Argus reported Heartland Sulphur increased re-melting capacity at its Edmonton-area terminal by 40% to 700 t/d (from 500 t/d) and plans 1,500 t/d by end-2026—triple the original 2021 commissioning rate—supporting crushed-bulk remelt into molten rail and Vancouver granules.", "topics": [ "company", "inventory", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2755482-heartland-ups-re-melting-capacity-at-alberta-terminal", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250615-53", "published": "2025-06-15", "title": "CRU: nickel-related Indonesia acid demand path ~16 Mt/yr by 2025", "summary": "CRU later summarized nickel-related acid demand in Indonesia surging to about 16 Mt/year in 2025 from 3.5 Mt/yr in 2021, with sulfur-burnt acid the main domestic source and acid imports still needed at ~1.0 Mt in 2025 (47% CAGR since 2021).", "topics": [ "demand" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "CRU Group", "source_url": "https://www.crugroup.com/en/communities/thought-leadership/2026/CRU-launches-Indonesia-acid-price-as-nickel-sector-lifts-demand/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250701-01", "published": "2025-07-01", "title": "Alberta sulfur closing inventory at 11.66 Mt, lowest since May 2019", "summary": "Alberta Energy Regulator data cited in open market reporting put July 2025 closing sulfur inventory at 11.66 million tonnes, down more than 377,000 t (about 3%) year over year and the lowest reading since May 2019. Suppliers drew blocked stocks for remelt and rail to BC/Alberta prilling sites as Vancouver export prices stayed elevated. Export logistics costs typically exceed $150/t, so inventory draws concentrate when FOB margins clear that hurdle.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports", "prices" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media (AER data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2731279-alberta-sulfur-inventories-fall-as-exports-climb", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250715-47", "published": "2025-07-15", "title": "Tampa sulfur eases to $252/lt in early July before autumn spike", "summary": "USGS notes Tampa contract sulfur eased to $252/lt in early July 2025 after the April $270/lt print, then resumed climbing to $310/lt by early October. Average US elemental sulfur unit value for 2025 was estimated at about $180/t versus $46.42/t in 2024.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250731-02", "published": "2025-07-31", "title": "Vancouver solid sulfur exports Jan–Jul 2025 rise nearly 5% to 2.04 Mt", "summary": "Port-linked reporting showed Vancouver solid sulfur exports of about 2.04 million tonnes in January–July 2025, up nearly 5% year over year. Destination shifts included Brazil at 122,842 t (nearly threefold YoY), Cuba at 122,467 t (+96,041 t), and Australia at 356,234 t (+5%), while Indonesia slipped 23%. The Argus Vancouver FOB average for Jan–Jul was $238/t, more than triple the $78/t average a year earlier.", "topics": [ "exports", "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Brazil", "Australia", "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media (Port of Vancouver data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2731279-alberta-sulfur-inventories-fall-as-exports-climb", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250815-52", "published": "2025-08-15", "title": "China takes 133,907 t of August Vancouver sulfur; US 51,249 t", "summary": "Port of Vancouver data via Argus showed August 2025 sulfur exports of 304,675 t (−5% YoY) with China 133,907 t and the US 51,249 t (likely Tampa-linked). January–August exports remained ahead YoY at about 2.35 Mt (+3%).", "topics": [ "exports" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "China", "US Gulf" ], "source": "Argus Media (Port of Vancouver data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2738944-vancouver-sulfur-exports-down-on-year-in-aug", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250831-03", "published": "2025-08-31", "title": "August Vancouver sulfur exports fall 5% YoY to 304,675 t", "summary": "Port of Vancouver data showed August 2025 sulfur exports at 304,675 t, down 5% from 320,178 t in August 2024, as buyers resisted elevated prices early in the third quarter. China took 133,907 t and the US 51,249 t (likely Tampa). Jan–Aug exports were still ahead YoY at about 2.35 Mt (+3%).", "topics": [ "exports", "prices" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "China", "US Gulf" ], "source": "Argus Media (Port of Vancouver data)", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2738944-vancouver-sulfur-exports-down-on-year-in-aug", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250901-48", "published": "2025-09-01", "title": "Argus estimates September Vancouver exports near 386 kt; Jan–Sep ~2.73 Mt", "summary": "Argus estimated September 2025 Vancouver exports near 386,000 t, which would lift January–September loadings to about 2.73 Mt (+11% / +267,269 t YoY) as metals demand and fertilizer buying supported elevated FOB prices near $305–310/t in early October.", "topics": [ "exports", "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2738944-vancouver-sulfur-exports-down-on-year-in-aug", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20250912-04", "published": "2025-09-12", "title": "Alberta inventory draw continues as Vancouver margins support remelt", "summary": "Open Argus reporting on AER figures framed Alberta's July stock draw as the start of a broader 2025 remelt cycle: blocked sulfur is excavated, melted, formed, and railed to Vancouver/Port Moody for vessel loading. With Vancouver FOB averages near $238/t through July, producers had incentive to pull inventory despite export process costs above $150/t. Further inventory declines were expected into year-end if prices and outbound liftings held.", "topics": [ "inventory", "freight", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Vancouver" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2731279-alberta-sulfur-inventories-fall-as-exports-climb", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251002-05", "published": "2025-10-02", "title": "Argus Vancouver FOB spot sulfur assessed at $305–310/t", "summary": "Argus Vancouver FOB spot prices reached $305–310/t on 2 October 2025, up about $192.50/t on a midpoint basis from the same period in 2024. Global support came from metals demand (including Indonesian sulfur burners) plus seasonal fertilizer buying. Argus estimated September Vancouver exports near 386,000 t, which would lift Jan–Sep 2025 loadings to about 2.73 Mt (+11% / +267,269 t YoY).", "topics": [ "prices", "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2738944-vancouver-sulfur-exports-down-on-year-in-aug", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251003-06", "published": "2025-10-03", "title": "Brazil triples Vancouver sulfur intake as US tariff risk redirects cargoes", "summary": "Canadian suppliers delivered 122,842 t of sulfur to Brazil from Vancouver in January–August 2025, nearly threefold the prior-year pace. Reporting linked Brazilian preference for Canadian and Middle East origins to reciprocal-tariff risk on US goods. The shift illustrates how West Coast Canadian solid sulfur competes into Atlantic Basin phosphate markets when US Gulf economics or policy change.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand", "policy" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Brazil", "US Gulf" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2738944-vancouver-sulfur-exports-down-on-year-in-aug", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251015-07", "published": "2025-10-15", "title": "USGS: Tampa contract sulfur climbs from $116 to $310/lt through 2025", "summary": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 report that Tampa, FL contract sulfur began 2025 at $116 per long ton, rose to $270/lt in early April, eased to $252/lt in early July, then reached $310/lt in early October 2025. Fourth-quarter 2025 prices were the highest since Q2 2022. Average US elemental sulfur unit value jumped to an estimated $180/t in 2025 from $46.42/t in 2024.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251020-49", "published": "2025-10-20", "title": "China full-year 2025 sulfur imports ~9.61 Mt (−3.5%); avg price ~$274/t", "summary": "SunSirs customs summary put China’s 2025 sulfur imports at 9.6084 Mt (−3.46% YoY) with average import price $274.02/t (+134% YoY). July peaked at 1.094 Mt; December fell to 422,400 t as high overseas prices and phosphate-export pauses chilled buying.", "topics": [ "exports", "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "SunSirs", "source_url": "https://www.sunsirs.com/uk/detail_news-30339.html", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251101-50", "published": "2025-11-01", "title": "Gazprom Astrakhan damage prompts Russian industrial sulfur export ban", "summary": "Industry reporting ties late-2025 Russian industrial sulfur export restrictions to damage at Gazprom’s Astrakhan gas-processing complex. The ban later extended through 2026 and combined with Kazakh transit curbs to remove a major CIS seaborne supply path.", "topics": [ "policy", "exports", "production" ], "geography": [ "Russia", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/07/14/sulphur-market-update/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251115-09", "published": "2025-11-15", "title": "Russia bans industrial sulfur exports after Astrakhan damage", "summary": "Damage to Gazprom's Astrakhan gas-processing complex prompted a Russian industrial sulfur export ban from late 2025 (later extended). Trade press estimate Kazakhstan had been moving about 0.3 Mt/month of sulfur through Russian ports before subsequent transit curbs, with Morocco and Brazil as key 2026 destinations. The ban removed a secondary supply path that phosphate buyers had used when Gulf cargoes tightened.", "topics": [ "policy", "exports", "freight" ], "geography": [ "Russia", "Kazakhstan", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/07/14/sulphur-market-update/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251130-08", "published": "2025-11-30", "title": "Syncrude Fort McMurray sulfur stockpile falls below 10 Mt", "summary": "Industry commentary citing site inventory put Syncrude's Fort McMurray sulfur holdings at just over 9.9 million tonnes at end-November 2025, the first sub-10 Mt print since 2019. Stocks were drawn by nearly 400,000 t between end-2024 and November 2025. Mobilizing incremental Alberta blocks still requires excavate–melt–form–rail logistics, limiting how fast Canadian inventory can replace lost Middle East seaborne supply.", "topics": [ "inventory", "company", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta" ], "source": "CRU/BC Insight-linked industry commentary", "source_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fredagordon_we-have-been-asked-repeatedly-whether-sulphur-activity-7439328375787229184-kfbW", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251212-10", "published": "2025-12-12", "title": "China industry groups urge phosphate fertilizer export halt through August 2026", "summary": "Bloomberg and state-media reporting said Chinese fertilizer associations, following an NDRC-linked meeting, urged major producers to suspend phosphate fertilizer exports until August 2026 to protect domestic spring planting supply. The signal tightened global phosphate availability into 2026 and raised the strategic value of sulfuric acid and elemental sulfur for Chinese domestic MAP/DAP runs. Subsequent customs measures in March 2026 further limited export declarations for mainstream phosphates.", "topics": [ "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "Bloomberg / China Chemical News via SunSirs", "source_url": "https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-12/china-groups-urge-firms-to-halt-phosphate-exports-until-august", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251215-54", "published": "2025-12-15", "title": "US average elemental sulfur unit value ~$180/t in 2025 vs $46 in 2024", "summary": "USGS MCS 2026 estimates average US elemental sulfur unit value at about $180/t in 2025, up from $46.42/t in 2024, reflecting the Tampa contract climb and global tightness into year-end as Russian export restrictions began.", "topics": [ "prices" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20251231-11", "published": "2025-12-31", "title": "Port of Vancouver sulfur throughput reaches 3.5 MMT in 2025 (+5%)", "summary": "Vancouver Fraser Port Authority statistics show fertilizer cargo through the Port of Vancouver at 14.0 MMT in 2025 (+21% YoY), including potash at a record 10.5 MMT (+28%) and sulphur at 3.5 MMT (+5%). Total port cargo hit a record 170.4 MMT (+8%). Destination markets for fertilizer included Brazil, China, and Indonesia.", "topics": [ "exports" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver", "Brazil", "China", "Indonesia" ], "source": "Vancouver Fraser Port Authority", "source_url": "https://www.portvancouver.com/sites/default/files/2026-03/2025%20Statistics%20overview%20%28En%29.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2025 }, { "id": "sw-20260206-12", "published": "2026-02-06", "title": "USGS: US sulfur production slips to 8.1 Mt in 2025; world output ~84 Mt", "summary": "USGS MCS 2026 estimates US sulfur production (all forms) at 8.1 million tonnes in 2025 (−3% from 8.32 Mt in 2024), with elemental recovered sulfur about 7.6 Mt. Apparent consumption fell to 9.1 Mt. World production was an estimated 84 Mt versus 83.9 Mt in 2024. Canada production is listed at about 5.0 Mt (2025e) after 5.06 Mt reported for 2024.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand", "exports" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Canada", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260206-13", "published": "2026-02-06", "title": "USGS: Canada supplies 53% of US elemental sulfur imports (2021–24)", "summary": "USGS import-source statistics for 2021–24 show Canada provided 53% of US recovered elemental sulfur imports, with Mexico 7%, Iraq 6%, and Kazakhstan 6%. Sulfuric acid imports were led by Canada (54%) and Mexico (22%). Net import reliance for sulfur was estimated at 14% of apparent US consumption in 2025.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026", "source_url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260301-14", "published": "2026-03-01", "title": "TFI: nearly 50% of global sulfur trade exposed to Hormuz disruption", "summary": "The Fertilizer Institute's March 2026 conflict brief states high-risk Gulf exporters (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar) accounted for about 41% of global sulfur exports in 2025, with Iran adding ~4%. Combined with at-risk nearby origins, nearly 50% of global sulfur trade is tied to Strait of Hormuz exposure. US sulfur import reliance on conflict-exposed supply is estimated at 10–20% of domestic supply.", "topics": [ "policy", "freight", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "The Fertilizer Institute", "source_url": "https://www.tfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fertilizer-and-the-Middle-East-Conflict-2.pdf", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260301-35", "published": "2026-03-01", "title": "Canada Action: Canada produced >4.43 Mt sulfur and exported $1.45B in 2025", "summary": "Canada Action's public sulfur fact sheet cites 2025 Canadian sulfur production above 4.43 Mt (monthly averages 314,000–420,000 t) and export value of $1.45 billion, ranking sulfur the 76th most exported Canadian product. Port of Vancouver moved 3.5 Mt of sulfur in 2025. Figures align directionally with USGS/BC Insight production-export ranges and reinforce Canada's role as a swing solid-sulfur supplier via Vancouver.", "topics": [ "exports", "prices" ], "geography": [ "Canada", "Vancouver", "Alberta" ], "source": "Canada Action (StatCan/Statista citations)", "source_url": "https://www.canadaaction.ca/sulphur-canada-facts", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260314-18", "published": "2026-03-14", "title": "China customs halt phosphate fertilizer export declarations through August", "summary": "Trade press reported that from mid-March 2026 Chinese customs stopped accepting export declarations for mainstream MAP/DAP and related phosphates through August, implementing the December industry consensus. Leading producers including Yuntianhua, Xingfa, and Xinyangfeng halted outbound phosphate fertilizer shipments. Non-fertilizer phosphorus chemicals (e.g. purified phosphoric acid, iron phosphate) were described as outside the fertilizer suspension.", "topics": [ "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "ChemNet / industry press", "source_url": "https://news.chemnet.com/news-3305.html", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260315-17", "published": "2026-03-15", "title": "Port of Vancouver publishes 2023–2025 cargo statistics overview", "summary": "VFPA released its three-year statistics overview tabulating Port of Vancouver throughput by commodity for 2023–2025, including fertilizer/sulphur lines used by trade media for the 3.5 MMT 2025 sulfur figure. The public PDF is the primary open source for annual Vancouver sulfur tonnage and YoY fertilizer growth (+21% to 14.0 MMT). It anchors Canadian West Coast export intelligence for Sulfur Wire backfills.", "topics": [ "exports" ], "geography": [ "Vancouver" ], "source": "Vancouver Fraser Port Authority", "source_url": "https://www.portvancouver.com/sites/default/files/2026-03/2025%20Statistics%20overview%20%28En%29.pdf", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260323-15", "published": "2026-03-23", "title": "Hormuz closure shock: ~45% of seaborne sulfur must transit the strait", "summary": "BC Insight notes that around 45% of the roughly 39 million tonnes of sulfur transported internationally each year must traverse the Strait of Hormuz. Pre-conflict tightness (Russian export ban, Tengizchevroil outage) had already lifted prices toward 2008 levels; Hormuz force majeures and production cuts in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia then spiked Brazil to $560–590/t CFR and the Mediterranean to $580–590/t CFR in March reporting.", "topics": [ "freight", "policy", "prices" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Brazil", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/03/23/dire-straits/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260323-16", "published": "2026-03-23", "title": "Canada oil sands sulfur ~3.0 Mt in 2025; inventory remelt cycle underway", "summary": "BC Insight estimates Canada produced about 4.7 Mt of sulfur in 2025 (sixth globally) and exported about 4.57 Mt (third behind UAE and Saudi Arabia). Oil sands contributed ~3.0 Mt, or 63% of Canadian output. High prices drove inventory declines through 2025, with ~1.5 Mt of Canadian blocked sulfur expected to be remelted and sold across 2025–2030 as additional remelt capacity commissions by end-2026.", "topics": [ "inventory", "exports", "company" ], "geography": [ "Alberta", "Canada", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/03/23/oil-sands-sulphur/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260501-19", "published": "2026-05-01", "title": "China imposes near-total sulfuric acid export halt from May 2026", "summary": "Market reports and CRU analysis describe China moving from acid export quotas (about 700,000 t Jan–Apr 2026 vs ~1.3 Mt a year earlier) to a near-total export halt from early May. China had exported about 4.65 Mt of sulfuric acid in 2025 (+73% YoY); H1 2026 exports fell to ~0.78 Mt (−64%), with June collapsing to ~980 t. The exit removes a key seaborne acid source for fertilizer and metals consumers in Asia and beyond.", "topics": [ "policy", "exports", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China", "Global" ], "source": "CRU / SMM / Exiger", "source_url": "https://www.crugroup.com/en/communities/thought-leadership/2026/chinas-export-halt-reinforces-bullish-sulphuric-acid-sentiment/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260522-20", "published": "2026-05-22", "title": "CRU: Middle East supplied 76–93% of sulfur imports for key Asian/African buyers in 2025", "summary": "BC Insight notes 2025 dependence on Middle East sulfur at 76% for Indonesia, 84% for India, and 93% for southern Africa. Policy and geopolitical shocks therefore dominate sulfur and phosphate price discovery over seasonal fertilizer fundamentals. When Hormuz flows impair, buyers cannot always solve shortages by paying up because cargo availability itself is rationed.", "topics": [ "demand", "freight", "policy" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "India", "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/05/22/the-impact-of-fertilizer-policies-on-sulphur-markets/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260526-21", "published": "2026-05-26", "title": "Russia halts rail transit of Kazakh sulfur to Russian ports", "summary": "Russia's Federal Agency for Railway Transport (Roszheldor) ordered a temporary cessation, effective 26 May 2026, of rail loading/movement of Kazakh-origin sulfur destined for Russian seaports and border checkpoints. Kazakhstan had relied on Russian Baltic/Black Sea gateways for roughly 0.3 Mt/month of sulfur exports. The order effectively closes the main logistics path even where third-country transit had been nominally allowed under Russia's own export ban.", "topics": [ "policy", "freight", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Russia", "Kazakhstan", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Roszheldor reporting", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/07/13/russia-bans-rail-transport-of-kazakh-sulphur/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260531-22", "published": "2026-05-31", "title": "China May 2026 sulfur imports fall 66% YoY to 268,300 t; avg price ~$799/t", "summary": "SunSirs customs-linked figures put China's May 2026 sulfur imports at 268,300 t (−66.41% YoY), the second-lowest monthly volume in nearly 20 years, with average import price about $798.96/t. Cumulative Jan–May imports were 2.1154 Mt (−51.44% YoY). Phosphate fertilizer utilization reportedly fell toward ~40% for MAP and ~30% for DAP as sulfur costs soared as a share of production cost.", "topics": [ "exports", "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "China" ], "source": "SunSirs", "source_url": "https://www.sunsirs.com/uk/detail_news-34347.html", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260615-28", "published": "2026-06-15", "title": "Alberta wildfire risk eases near ~3 Mt/a oil sands sulfur capacity belt", "summary": "BC Insight reported early-June rainfall helped hold Lac la Biche-area wildfires that had prompted evacuation alerts near Cenovus, CNRL, and ConocoPhillips in-situ sites. The broader Alberta oil sands/upgrader belt has nearly 3 Mt/a of sulfur production capacity, including ~2.2 Mt/a near Fort McMurray (Suncor, Syncrude, CNRL Horizon) and ~700,000 t/a around Edmonton (Shell Scotford ~580,000 t/a; Redwater ~130,000 t/a).", "topics": [ "company", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Alberta" ], "source": "BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/03/23/oil-sands-sulphur/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260621-23", "published": "2026-06-21", "title": "Cartagena Refinery commissions 1,000 t/d sulfur pelletising plant", "summary": "Ecopetrol's Cartagena Refinery said it entered the solid sulfur market with a new pelletising plant rated at 1,000 t/d, dispatching a first 260 t domestic shipment. The company targets Colombian fertilizer, chemical, and mining demand plus exports to Brazil, Peru, and Africa. The project adds a small but concrete new Atlantic Basin solid-sulfur origin amid Middle East logistics stress.", "topics": [ "company", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Global", "Brazil" ], "source": "BC Insight (company statement)", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/07/14/sulphur-market-update/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260625-24", "published": "2026-06-25", "title": "Russia extends industrial sulfur export ban to 31 December 2026", "summary": "SMM reported Russian Decree No. 785 (25 June 2026) extending the industrial sulfur export ban covering liquid, granular, and lump sulfur to 31 December 2026. Officials framed the extension as prioritizing domestic fertilizer production and food security. Combined with the May Kazakh rail transit halt, CIS sulfur availability for Morocco/Brazil routes remained constrained into H2.", "topics": [ "policy", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Russia", "Global" ], "source": "Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)", "source_url": "https://news.metal.com/newscontent/103978838-smm-flash-kazakhstan-follows-russia-in-full-suspension-of-sulfur-exports", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260627-25", "published": "2026-06-27", "title": "Kazakhstan suspends sulfur exports until further notice", "summary": "Kazakhstan Ministry of Energy Order No. 1363 (26 June) fully suspended sulfur exports from 27 June 2026 until further notice, covering liquid, granular, and lump sulfur, with an exception for shipments to Russian railway stations. Coming one day after Russia's ban extension, the dual CIS restrictions further reduced seaborne alternatives for phosphate producers already short Middle East cargoes.", "topics": [ "policy", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Kazakhstan", "Russia", "Global" ], "source": "Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)", "source_url": "https://news.metal.com/newscontent/103978838-smm-flash-kazakhstan-follows-russia-in-full-suspension-of-sulfur-exports", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260630-26", "published": "2026-06-30", "title": "China H1 2026 sulfur imports ~2.26 Mt (−57.7%); source mix shifts to Korea/Oman/Canada", "summary": "SMM customs analysis puts China Jan–Jun 2026 sulfur imports at about 2.26 Mt, down 57.7% from ~5.34 Mt a year earlier, with the monthly average falling from ~0.80 Mt to ~0.38 Mt. Full-year 2025 imports were ~9.61 Mt. Gulf-4 share of China's import mix roughly halved (~35% to ~20%), while South Korea, Oman, and Canada rose to a combined ~58%. June imports of ~0.147 Mt marked a multi-year low.", "topics": [ "exports", "demand", "policy" ], "geography": [ "China", "Canada", "Middle East" ], "source": "Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)", "source_url": "https://news.metal.com/newscontent/104014208-smm-analysis-three-charts-illustrating-chinas-sulphur-and-sulphuric-acid-customs-import-and-export-in-h1-2026", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260630-27", "published": "2026-06-30", "title": "Nickel Industries starts ENC HPAL sulfuric acid plant in Sulawesi", "summary": "Nickel Industries announced startup of the sulfuric acid plant at its Excelsior Nickel Cobalt (ENC) HPAL project at IMIP, Central Sulawesi, in the final week of June 2026. At capacity the project targets roughly 72,000 t/a contained nickel equivalent as MHP, sulfate, and cathode. New HPAL acid demand in Indonesia remains a structural pull on sulfur/acid markets even when phosphate affordability weakens.", "topics": [ "demand", "company" ], "geography": [ "Indonesia", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/07/14/sulphur-market-update/", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260708-29", "published": "2026-07-08", "title": "Middle East sulfur: ~2.3 Mt production loss; exports −1 Mt+/month since March", "summary": "CRU/BC Insight mid-year update estimates Middle East sulfur production loss around 2.3 Mt since conflict onset, with monthly exports down more than 1.0 Mt/month since March 2026. The region contributed over 45% of seaborne sulfur trade in 2025. Spot FOB prices climbed from roughly $500/t pre-conflict to $1,100–1,200/t by late June 2026, exceeding 2008 and 2022 peaks and forcing phosphate capacity cuts at OCP, Mosaic, and Chinese plants.", "topics": [ "exports", "prices", "freight", "policy" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/07/14/sulphur-market-update/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260709-30", "published": "2026-07-09", "title": "US Gulf spot sulfur export assessed at $1,100–1,150/t FOB", "summary": "Argus assessed US Gulf refinery spot sulfur exports at $1,100–1,150/t FOB on 9 July 2026, well above the Tampa domestic liquid contract. Q2 cargoes reached unusual destinations including North Africa (fertilizer) and East Africa (copper belt) as Middle East flows dwindled. Some US Gulf producers lack solid-export infrastructure and remain dependent on domestic molten consumers, raising demand-destruction risk if phosphate runs stay curtailed.", "topics": [ "prices", "exports" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2851577-tampa-3q-liquid-sulphur-price-hits-record-705-lt", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260713-31", "published": "2026-07-13", "title": "Tampa Q3 2026 molten sulfur contract hits record $705/lt", "summary": "Third-quarter Tampa delivered molten sulfur contracts settled at a record $705/long tonne, up $50/lt (8%) from $655/lt in Q2 2026, after Q2 had already surpassed the prior 2008 peak. The settlement reflects persistent global tightness while still moderating versus Gulf spot exports above $1,100/t amid phosphate affordability concerns. Mosaic/Nutrien domestic contract negotiations remain the US Gulf liquid benchmark for phosphate feedstock costs.", "topics": [ "prices", "demand" ], "geography": [ "US Gulf" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2851577-tampa-3q-liquid-sulphur-price-hits-record-705-lt", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260714-32", "published": "2026-07-14", "title": "Hormuz sulfur backlog: >0.5 Mt loaded vessels stranded; >1.0 Mt onshore stocks", "summary": "CRU estimates more than 0.5 Mt of sulfur is loaded and stranded inside the Strait, with onshore Gulf inventory thought to exceed 1.0 Mt and regional production at 60–70% of pre-conflict rates. Even with de-escalation signals, bringing exports back above 1 Mt/month may take until August–September 2026 because of vessel capacity bottlenecks and restart risk (including a fatal explosion at Qatar's Barzan facility during restart).", "topics": [ "freight", "inventory", "exports" ], "geography": [ "Middle East", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / CRU", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/07/14/sulphur-market-update/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260714-33", "published": "2026-07-14", "title": "OCP phosphate runs cut up to 50% in Q2 on sulfur shortage", "summary": "CRU reports OCP cut Moroccan phosphate capacity by up to 50% through Q2 2026 as sulfur availability and prices deteriorated; Mosaic also curtailed at three US/Brazil locations. Separate Argus reporting in mid-July said OCP had been operating near 50% in June on sulfur shortage but theoretically had enough sulfur to run at full rates in July–August if logistics held. Sulfur rationing, not only price, is now the binding constraint for several phosphate majors.", "topics": [ "demand", "company", "prices" ], "geography": [ "Morocco", "US Gulf", "Brazil", "Global" ], "source": "BC Insight / Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.bcinsight.crugroup.com/2026/07/14/sulphur-market-update/", "relevance": "high", "data_type": "industry_estimate", "year": 2026 }, { "id": "sw-20260717-34", "published": "2026-07-17", "title": "OCP sells 50% of JFC 1 unit to Koch; JV phosphate capacity to 2.5 Mt/yr", "summary": "Argus reported OCP Nutricrops sold a 50% stake in Jorf Fertilizers Company 1 (1.2 Mt/yr nameplate phosphate fertilizers) to Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, lifting OCP–Koch JV capacity to 2.5 Mt/yr with the existing Kofert venture. The deal follows a US suspension of countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphates for eight months. Sulfur feedstock security remains a near-term operating constraint for Jorf complex utilization.", "topics": [ "company", "policy", "demand" ], "geography": [ "Morocco", "US Gulf", "Global" ], "source": "Argus Media", "source_url": "https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2731279-alberta-sulfur-inventories-fall-as-exports-climb", "relevance": "medium", "data_type": "verified_public", "year": 2026 } ], "notes": "Public/open sulfur market intelligence archive for Sulfur Wire. Expands data/research/intel-feed.json across 2021-01–2026-07. Never paste licensed Argus/Platts assessment text into public pages; headlines and openly published figures only." }