Sulphuric Acid Exports Hit New Highs, Both Domestic and International Markets on the Rise!

According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's sulphuric acid exports in January 2025 were 321,800 mt, up 18.04% YoY and down 38.08% MoM; in February, exports reached 406,600 mt, up 91.68% YoY and up 26.35% MoM. For the period from January to February, cumulative exports amounted to 728,400 mt, up 50.27% YoY, setting a new high for the same period over the past three years.

Overall, from January to February, China's sulphuric acid exports involved 34 countries and regions. Among them, the cumulative imports by Chile, Indonesia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia all exceeded 100,000 mt; Chile's demand was far ahead, with its imports alone accounting for more than one-quarter of the total exports. In terms of YoY growth, Indonesia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia all showed remarkable performance.

From the SMM survey, the current FOB price of domestic smelting acid has reached around $70/mt, with export prices also rising to relatively high levels in recent years, indicating strong overseas demand. Meanwhile, the domestic market for sulphuric acid is equally robust. After entering March, the price of smelting acid has maintained a strong upward trend, currently ranging from 500-700 yuan/mt across the country, at a relatively high level compared to the same period in recent years. According to SMM, both domestic and overseas markets for sulphuric acid are showing strong demand, and the price of raw material sulphur is also providing strong support. Overall, the outlook for the sulphuric acid industry is optimistic, with domestic prices likely to continue rising in the short term, and overseas export prices remaining firm.