Sulphuric Acid Prices Stabilised in February 2023, Views on Direction in Short Term

SHANGHAI, Mar 3 (SMM) – In February, prices for sulphuric acid derived from smelters remained stable as a whole, with the exception of the price gains in several regions driven by higher sulphur prices.

 In terms of supply, the production of smelters was stable, and some large-scale equipment maintenance took place in Zhejiang.

In terms of demand, the titanium dioxide market in some areas was improving steadily, while operating rates in the phosphate fertiliser industry did not change much as the downstream buyers had just begun stockpiling for the spring. The monoammonium phosphate market showed signs of weakening. As such, the demand for sulphuric acid has not improved noticeably.

At present, there is support from the supply side in some areas. The downstream titanium dioxide enterprises continue to resume operations, which buoyed the price of sulphuric acid. However, despite stable operations at downstream fertiliser enterprises, the price has dropped slightly, limiting the support from the demand side. It is expected that the price for sulphuric acid obtained from smelters will remain stable in the near term.