Elemental Sulfur Market
Elemental Sulfur Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Source (By-Product Sulfur, Recovered Sulfur and Frasch Process Sulfur), Form, Distribution Channel, Application, End User and By Geography
|
Years Covered |
2024-2032 |
|
Estimated Year Value (2025) |
US $6.51 BN |
|
Projected Year Value (2032) |
US $8.92 BN |
|
CAGR (2025-2032) |
4.6% |
|
Regions Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa |
|
Countries Covered |
US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Rest of Asia Pacific, South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and South Africa |
|
Largest Market |
North America |
|
Highest Growing Market |
Asia Pacific |
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Elemental Sulfur Market is accounted for $6.51 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $8.92 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. Elemental sulfur, represented by the chemical symbol S, is a non-metallic element with atomic number 16. It naturally occurs in various forms, primarily as a yellow, crystalline solid. Sulfur plays a vital role in the Earth's biogeochemical cycles, forming compounds like sulfates and sulfides that are essential for life. It is abundant in volcanic regions and can be found in minerals and some biological systems. Industrially, elemental sulfur is widely used in the production of sulfuric acid, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and in vulcanization of rubber, making it a key element in various sectors.
According to, the world fertilizer outlook, demand for phosphorus (P2O5) fertilizer in 2020 was estimated at 47,402 thousand tons, which is expected to reach 49,096 thousand tons in 2022.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Increasing industrialization in emerging economies
The increasing industrialization in emerging economies is driving significant growth in the market. As industries like petrochemicals, agriculture, and manufacturing expand in these regions, the demand for sulfur-based products, such as sulfuric acid and fertilizers, rises. This growth is particularly noticeable in countries like India, China, and Brazil, where infrastructure development and industrial activities create a higher need for elemental sulfur. Consequently, sulfur production and its applications are witnessing a robust surge in these emerging markets.
Restraint:
Competition from recycled sulphur
Competition from recycled sulfur is presenting challenges in the Market, as it reduces demand for freshly extracted sulfur. Recycled sulfur, often sourced from industrial byproducts, offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, lowering prices in the market. This puts pressure on traditional sulfur producers, especially those relying on extraction, as they face reduced profit margins and the need to adapt to more sustainable practices. As recycling gains momentum, it could shift market dynamics, hindering growth for conventional sulfur suppliers.
Opportunity:
Environmental regulations
Environmental regulations are significantly influencing the market, as governments worldwide implement stricter policies to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These regulations focus on minimizing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from industrial processes, encouraging cleaner sulfur recovery technologies and promoting the use of sulfur in environmentally friendly applications, such as sulfur-based fertilizers. Compliance with these regulations is driving innovation in sulfur extraction and processing methods, ensuring that sulfur production aligns with sustainable practices while reducing its environmental impact.
Threat:
Limited natural sources
Limited natural sources of sulfur pose a significant challenge in the market, as it creates supply constraints. Sulfur is primarily obtained from natural gas and oil refining, and as these sources become scarcer or more difficult to access, production costs rise. This scarcity can lead to price volatility and hinder the ability to meet growing industrial demand, especially in emerging economies. The strain on natural sulfur reserves could also prompt increased reliance on recycling, further intensifying market competition.
Covid-19 Impact:
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the market, disrupting supply chains and reducing industrial activity globally. With many industries, including petrochemicals and manufacturing, scaling back operations or temporarily shutting down, sulfur demand declined sharply. Additionally, transportation restrictions and labor shortages hindered sulfur production and distribution. However, as economies began recovering, demand for sulfur in agriculture and industrial sectors rebounded, leading to gradual market stabilization. Still, the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in supply chain resilience.
The recovered sulfur segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The recovered sulfur segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Sourced primarily from industrial byproducts like petroleum refining and natural gas processing, recovered sulfur helps meet growing demand while reducing environmental impact. Its use supports circular economy practices by minimizing waste and conserving natural sulfur reserves. As industries emphasize sustainability, the demand for recovered sulfur is expected to rise, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for sulfur-based products and applications.
The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the pharmaceuticals segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. Sulfur compounds, such as sulfur-based drugs, are used in treating skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and dandruff due to their antimicrobial and keratolytic properties. Additionally, sulfur is a key ingredient in some ointments, lotions, and therapeutic creams. As the demand for dermatological treatments rises globally, the pharmaceutical use of elemental sulfur is expanding, contributing to the market's overall growth and diversification.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to rapid industrialization. The demand for sulfur is driven by industries such as petrochemicals, agriculture, and manufacturing, where it is used in fertilizers, sulfuric acid production, and petroleum refining. Additionally, Asia Pacific's increasing focus on infrastructure development and agricultural advancements further boosts sulfur consumption. As a result, the region is becoming a key player in the market.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. Elemental sulfur is extensively used in manufacturing fertilizers, which are essential for enhancing crop yields. The growing emphasis on sustainable farming practices and soil health management is expected to boost demand. Moreover, sulfur is a critical raw material in the production of sulfuric acid, which serves various industrial processes, including petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing. The petrochemical industry's reliance on sulfur is a significant growth factor.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Elemental Sulfur Market include Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Shell Sulfur Solutions, DuPont, The Mosaic Company, NOVA Chemicals, ExxMobil Chemical Company, Linde plc, BASF SE, Yara International ASA, Vale S.A., PetroChina Company Limited, Chevron Corporation, TotalEnergies SE, Reliance Industries Limited, Formosa Petrochemical Corporation, Dow Inc., LyondellBasell Industries and INEOS Group.
Key Developments:
In July 2024, TotalEnergies and Air Products have signed a 15-year agreement for the annual supply in Europe of 70,000 tons of green hydrogen starting in 2030. This first long-term deal follows TotalEnergies’ call for tenders for the supply of 500,000 tons per year of green hydrogen to decarbonize TotalEnergies’ European refineries. Under the agreement, Air Products will deliver at TotalEnergies’ Northern European refineries’ doorstep, green hydrogen from Air Products’ global supply network.
In June 2024, BASF Stationary Energy Storage, a subsidiary of chemical company BASF, and Japanese ceramics manufacturer NGK Insulators have launched a new version of their sodium-sulfur (NAS) batteries. The containerized NAS MODEL L24 battery jointly developed by the partners, whose cooperation started in 2019, boasts a few technological improvements.
Sources Covered:
• By-Product Sulfur
• Recovered Sulfur
• Frasch Process Sulfur
Forms Covered:
• Powder
• Granular
• Liquid
• Lump
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Direct Sales
• Distributors/Wholesalers
• Online Platforms
Applications Covered:
• Fertilizers
• Soil conditioners
• Sulfuric Acid Production
• Thiochemicals Production
• Vulcanization
• Ore Flotation
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Agriculture
• Chemical
• Rubber
• Mining
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Preface
2.1 Abstract
2.2 Stake Holders
2.3 Research Scope
2.4 Research Methodology
2.4.1 Data Mining
2.4.2 Data Analysis
2.4.3 Data Validation
2.4.4 Research Approach
2.5 Research Sources
2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
2.5.3 Assumptions
3 Market Trend Analysis
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Drivers
3.3 Restraints
3.4 Opportunities
3.5 Threats
3.6 Application Analysis
3.7 End User Analysis
3.8 Emerging Markets
3.9 Impact of Covid-19
4 Porters Five Force Analysis
4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
4.3 Threat of substitutes
4.4 Threat of new entrants
4.5 Competitive rivalry
5 Global Elemental Sulfur Market, By Source
5.1 Introduction
5.2 By-Product Sulfur
5.3 Recovered Sulfur
5.4 Frasch Process Sulfur
6 Global Elemental Sulfur Market, By Form
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Powder
6.3 Granular
6.4 Liquid
6.5 Lump
7 Global Elemental Sulfur Market, By Distribution Channel
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Direct Sales
7.3 Distributors/Wholesalers
7.4 Online Platforms
8 Global Elemental Sulfur Market, By Application
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Fertilizers
8.3 Soil conditioners
8.4 Sulfuric Acid Production
8.5 Thiochemicals Production
8.6 Vulcanization
8.7 Ore Flotation
8.8 Other Applications
9 Global Elemental Sulfur Market, By End User
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Agriculture
9.3 Chemical
9.4 Rubber
9.5 Mining
9.6 Pharmaceuticals
9.7 Electronics
9.8 Other End Users
10 Global Elemental Sulfur Market, By Geography
10.1 Introduction
10.2 North America
10.2.1 US
10.2.2 Canada
10.2.3 Mexico
10.3 Europe
10.3.1 Germany
10.3.2 UK
10.3.3 Italy
10.3.4 France
10.3.5 Spain
10.3.6 Rest of Europe
10.4 Asia Pacific
10.4.1 Japan
10.4.2 China
10.4.3 India
10.4.4 Australia
10.4.5 New Zealand
10.4.6 South Korea
10.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.5 South America
10.5.1 Argentina
10.5.2 Brazil
10.5.3 Chile
10.5.4 Rest of South America
10.6 Middle East & Africa
10.6.1 Saudi Arabia
10.6.2 UAE
10.6.3 Qatar
10.6.4 South Africa
10.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
11 Key Developments
11.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
11.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
11.3 New Product Launch
11.4 Expansions
11.5 Other Key Strategies
12 Company Profiling
12.1 Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
12.2 Shell Sulfur Solutions
12.3 DuPont
12.4 The Mosaic Company
12.5 NOVA Chemicals
12.6 ExxMobil Chemical Company
12.7 Linde plc
12.8 BASF SE
12.9 Yara International ASA
12.10 Vale S.A.
12.11 PetroChina Company Limited
12.12 Chevron Corporation
12.13 TotalEnergies SE
12.14 Reliance Industries Limited
12.15 Formosa Petrochemical Corporation
12.16 Dow Inc.
12.17 LyondellBasell Industries
12.18 INEOS Group
List of Tables
1 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Region (2024-2032) ($MN)
2 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Source (2024-2032) ($MN)
3 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By By-Product Sulfur (2024-2032) ($MN)
4 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Recovered Sulfur (2024-2032) ($MN)
5 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Frasch Process Sulfur (2024-2032) ($MN)
6 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Form (2024-2032) ($MN)
7 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Powder (2024-2032) ($MN)
8 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Granular (2024-2032) ($MN)
9 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Liquid (2024-2032) ($MN)
10 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Lump (2024-2032) ($MN)
11 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Distribution Channel (2024-2032) ($MN)
12 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Direct Sales (2024-2032) ($MN)
13 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Distributors/Wholesalers (2024-2032) ($MN)
14 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Online Platforms (2024-2032) ($MN)
15 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Application (2024-2032) ($MN)
16 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Fertilizers (2024-2032) ($MN)
17 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Soil conditioners (2024-2032) ($MN)
18 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Sulfuric Acid Production (2024-2032) ($MN)
19 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Thiochemicals Production (2024-2032) ($MN)
20 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Vulcanization (2024-2032) ($MN)
21 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Ore Flotation (2024-2032) ($MN)
22 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Other Applications (2024-2032) ($MN)
23 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By End User (2024-2032) ($MN)
24 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Agriculture (2024-2032) ($MN)
25 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Chemical (2024-2032) ($MN)
26 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Rubber (2024-2032) ($MN)
27 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Mining (2024-2032) ($MN)
28 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Pharmaceuticals (2024-2032) ($MN)
29 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Electronics (2024-2032) ($MN)
30 Global Elemental Sulfur Market Outlook, By Other End Users (2024-2032) ($MN)
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
List of Figures
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
We at ‘Stratistics’ opt for an extensive research approach which involves data mining, data validation, and data analysis. The various research sources include in-house repository, secondary research, competitor’s sources, social media research, client internal data, and primary research.
Our team of analysts prefers the most reliable and authenticated data sources in order to perform the comprehensive literature search. With access to most of the authenticated data bases our team highly considers the best mix of information through various sources to obtain extensive and accurate analysis.
Each report takes an average time of a month and a team of 4 industry analysts. The time may vary depending on the scope and data availability of the desired market report. The various parameters used in the market assessment are standardized in order to enhance the data accuracy.
Data Mining
The data is collected from several authenticated, reliable, paid and unpaid sources and is filtered depending on the scope & objective of the research. Our reports repository acts as an added advantage in this procedure. Data gathering from the raw material suppliers, distributors and the manufacturers is performed on a regular basis, this helps in the comprehensive understanding of the products value chain. Apart from the above mentioned sources the data is also collected from the industry consultants to ensure the objective of the study is in the right direction.
Market trends such as technological advancements, regulatory affairs, market dynamics (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges) are obtained from scientific journals, market related national & international associations and organizations.
Data Analysis
From the data that is collected depending on the scope & objective of the research the data is subjected for the analysis. The critical steps that we follow for the data analysis include:
- Product Lifecycle Analysis
- Competitor analysis
- Risk analysis
- Porters Analysis
- PESTEL Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
The data engineering is performed by the core industry experts considering both the Marketing Mix Modeling and the Demand Forecasting. The marketing mix modeling makes use of multiple-regression techniques to predict the optimal mix of marketing variables. Regression factor is based on a number of variables and how they relate to an outcome such as sales or profits.
Data Validation
The data validation is performed by the exhaustive primary research from the expert interviews. This includes telephonic interviews, focus groups, face to face interviews, and questionnaires to validate our research from all aspects. The industry experts we approach come from the leading firms, involved in the supply chain ranging from the suppliers, distributors to the manufacturers and consumers so as to ensure an unbiased analysis.
We are in touch with more than 15,000 industry experts with the right mix of consultants, CEO's, presidents, vice presidents, managers, experts from both supply side and demand side, executives and so on.
The data validation involves the primary research from the industry experts belonging to:
- Leading Companies
- Suppliers & Distributors
- Manufacturers
- Consumers
- Industry/Strategic Consultants
Apart from the data validation the primary research also helps in performing the fill gap research, i.e. providing solutions for the unmet needs of the research which helps in enhancing the reports quality.
For more details about research methodology, kindly write to us at info@strategymrc.com
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