Buyer interest is returning to the global sulphuric acid market following an unplanned outage in Indonesia and ongoing Middle Eastern sulphur supply constraints linked to the Hormuz situation. With spot trading recently subdued, a fresh wave of tender activity and updated price benchmarks are providing much-needed market direction.
Key Commercial & Tender Activity:
- Pupuk Indonesia: Closed tender on 11 Aug for 32,000t (Sept–Oct arrival, Lhokseumawe).
- FACT (India): Tender closing 17 Aug for 10,000–14,000t (late Sept–early Oct arrival, Kochi).
- Petro Jordan Abadi (PJA): Tender closing 18 Aug for 20,000t (late Aug–early Sept delivery, Gresik).
- Maaden: Inquiry for 40,000t (early Oct delivery, Yanbu).
- Bunge: Tender closing 14 Aug for 18,000t (mid-to-late Oct delivery, Argentina).
Key Weekly Price Assessments (6 August 2026):
Spot Prices – FOB ($/t):
- NW Europe Export: $320–340
- Mediterranean: $310–340
- South Korea / Japan: $310–330
- China: $310–330
Spot Prices – CFR ($/t):
- Chile: $430–440 | Brazil: $390–410
- SE US Vessel Import: $370–380 | Saudi Arabia: $358–398
- India: $360–370 | SE Asia: $350–360 | North Africa: $342–372
2026 Contract Prices – CFR:
- Chile ($/t | Full Year): $162–175
- NW Europe Smelter (€/t | H2 2026): €184–219
- NW Europe Smelter (€/t | Q3 2026): €220–230
- NW Europe Sulphur (€/t | Q3 2026): €383–430
Active Spot Freight Routes:
- NW Europe: to US Gulf, North Africa, Brazil, Chile
- Mediterranean: to US Gulf, North Africa
- South Korea / Japan: to EC India, SE Asia, Chile, US Gulf, Saudi Arabia
- China: to EC India, SE Asia, Saudi Arabia, Chile
- Saudi Arabia: to WC India
30–60 Day Outlook: Upcoming tender results will clarify whether prices have reached a solid floor or if this demand surge can shift the broader market from bearish to bullish.
