Event

Great changes in global sulphur market

The world production of sulphur in 2014 amounted to 58.3 million tonnes, an increase of 5.7%; demand was up 3% to 60 million tonnes. In view of new projects of sulphur recovery in Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, we forecast that world sulphur output will reach 61.9 million tonnes in 2015, an increase of 6.2%. Great changes have been taken place in the global sulphur market landscape: capacity expansion continues in the Middle East; Canadian suppliers try to seek opportunities in other markets due to supply cost pressure; Middle East products are about to shock the China market. What about the prospect of the international sulphur market in 2015? Will changes take place in international suppliers’ pricing system? How would local end users in China do to avert cost risk?

China MAP/DAP market meets a turning point

China sulphur market saw a decline in both output and selling prices in the first half of 2014. The downtrend began to reverse in the second half due to a combination of factors: export growth, demand season and the effects of de-inventory. In the first nine months of the year, China’s exports of MAP and DAP increased by 184% and 28% year-on-year respectively. Fertilizer production is expected to maintain stable growth in 2015. We forecast MAP/DAP output next year in the region of 16.5-17 million tonnes. How long will the uptrend continue? As part of the on-going market reform carried out in China, preferential policies will be called off, VAT system is about to be restored and the administrative control on international trade is likely to be eased. How will these changes affect the fertilizer industry?

Growing demand for sulphur

An IFA report says that by 2015 world sulphur demand will be up 1.3% to 60.7 million tonnes. Industrial demand shows strong growth while fertilizer demand is relatively stable. Beyond that, which downstream sectors will have growing demand for sulphur, modified bitumen, CPL or ore washing?