Pune, India -- October 2, 2026 -- The global sulfur market reached USD 6.56 billion in 2025 and is forecast to climb to USD 9.34 billion by 2034, a 4% compound annual growth rate, according to Maximize Market Research.
Fertilizer demand consumes more than half of recovered sulfur output
Agricultural use absorbs over 55% of recovered sulfur, primarily through phosphate fertilizer and sulfuric acid production. Nearly 98.5% of global elemental sulfur originates as a byproduct of petroleum refining, natural gas processing, coking, and metallurgical operations, tying supply directly to energy-sector output.
India adds sulfur supply and sulfuric acid capacity in 2026
Numaligarh Refinery signed a commercial agreement covering 52,500 metric tons of annual sulfur supply. Madhya Bharat Agro Products commissioned 165,000 metric tons per year of new sulfuric acid capacity and separately secured approval for a 396,000-tonne-per-year expansion at its Dhule site.
Amarak Chemicals opens 60,000-tonne sulfur plant in Dubai
Amarak Chemicals FZC started operations in February 2026 at a fully automated 60,000-tonne-per-year sulfur facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone, producing sulfur bentonite and related products. The project strengthens Middle East fertilizer supply and positions the UAE for expanded sulfur-based exports.
Fertilizers hold over 55% of end-use demand, Pharmaceutical Grade grows fastest
By end-use industry, fertilizers account for more than 55% of the market, with chemical processing, metal manufacturing, and petroleum refining also contributing significant volumes. Among product grades, Pharmaceutical Grade sulfur is projected to post the highest CAGR through 2034, while Industrial Grade continues to serve bulk fertilizer and refining applications.
Asia Pacific leads regional demand on China and India fertilizer output
China operates as both a major sulfur producer and importer, while rising agricultural output across the region sustains demand for phosphate fertilizers. North America and Europe maintain steady consumption through chemical processing, metal extraction, and refining, while South America and the Middle East & Africa are expanding through new fertilizer and refining investment.
Energy majors and fertilizer producers compete on supply security
Nutrien, Yara International, The Mosaic Company, K+S, ICL, and EuroChem serve fertilizer and industrial demand, while Shell, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Sinopec, CNPC, Aramco, and ADNOC supply sulfur recovered from refining and gas-processing operations. Competitive activity is shifting toward downstream processing, sulfuric acid capacity, and regional distribution networks as companies respond to the Numaligarh, Madhya Bharat, and Amarak project announcements.