The United Arab Emirates was the largest exporter with 24% of the world total, and Morocco was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Sulfur recovered from oil and gas refining or mined, sold in lumps, pastilles or powder. Fertiliser makers and chemical plants use it mainly to make sulfuric acid.
Typical segments
- Molten sulfur
- Pastilles and granules
- Powder sulfur
- Agricultural sulfur
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 25% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Qatar is gaining ground: its exports rose 99% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of sulphur of all kinds (HS 250300), the trade category that includes elemental sulfur, were worth $4.67 billion in 2024. | 4.67 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 25% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($3.74 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +25 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| The United Arab Emirates was the largest exporter in 2024, with 24% of world exports ($1.10 billion). | 24 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, shipped 46% of world exports in 2024. | 46 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Morocco was the largest importer in 2024, buying $1.13 billion, or 24% of world imports. | 24 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 58 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 58 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $0.11 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 0.11 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 41.79 million tonnes of this product in 2024. | 41.79 million tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Qatar grew fastest, with exports up 99% from 2019 to 2024. | +99 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Fertiliser makers
- Sulfuric acid producers
- Rubber and chemical firms
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global elemental sulfur market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 250300 reached $4.67 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most elemental sulfur?
The United Arab Emirates led world exports in 2024 with 24% of the total, followed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan.
Which countries import the most elemental sulfur?
Morocco was the largest importer in 2024, followed by China, Indonesia and Brazil.
Is world trade in elemental sulfur growing?
World exports were 25% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of elemental sulfur?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $0.11 per kilogram in 2024.
Free sample
Get a free sample of this report
We send the table of contents, two sample chapters and the method note, usually within one working day. It is free to ask.
- Full table of contents
- Two sample chapters
- Method note and data outline