According to the latest Indonesian customs data, Indonesia's sulphur and sulphuric acid trade in June 2026 showed significant divergence. Sulphur imports declined year-on-year but recovered month-on-month, while sulphuric acid imports surged sharply both year-on-year and month-on-month. Sulphur exports increased substantially month-on-month, while sulphuric acid exports remained at zero.
Summary:
- Sulphur imports: 336,900 tonnes, up 21% month-on-month, down 26% year-on-year. Major suppliers: Canada, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan (China), Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines.
- Sulphur exports: 54,800 tonnes, up sharply both month-on-month and year-on-year. Major destinations: Malaysia, China, Timor-Leste, and Germany.
- Sulphuric acid imports: 111,200 tonnes, up 101% month-on-month and 150% year-on-year. Major suppliers: South Korea, Japan, and China.
- Sulphuric acid exports: Zero.
I. Sulphur Imports: Down 26% YoY, Up 21% MoM
In June, Indonesia's sulphur imports (including both natural and refined sulphur) totalled approximately 334,700 tonnes, down 26% from 454,800 tonnes in the same month last year, but up 21% from 277,800 tonnes in May 2026. Key receiving ports, ranked by volume:
- OBI Island: The largest receiving hub, with approximately 177,600 tonnes, mainly sourced from Canada, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan (China).
- MOROWALI: Approximately 76,400 tonnes, mainly sourced from Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore.
- TANJUNG PERAK: Approximately 19,300 tonnes, mainly sourced from South Korea, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- TANJUNG PRIOK: Approximately 9,927 tonnes, mainly sourced from China, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.
- FUTONG TERMINAL: Approximately 8,003 tonnes, all from Vietnam.
- MERAK: Approximately 2,450 tonnes, all from Japan.
- BELAWAN: Approximately 397 tonnes, mainly sourced from China, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan (China), and Turkey.
By source country, the major suppliers were: Canada (approximately 132,000 tonnes, the largest supplier for the month), Saudi Arabia (approximately 108,670 tonnes, ranked second), Kazakhstan (approximately 39,944 tonnes), Singapore (approximately 10,701 tonnes), Malaysia (approximately 10,768 tonnes), Taiwan (China) (approximately 10,051 tonnes), Japan (approximately 8,869 tonnes), Vietnam (approximately 8,013 tonnes), South Korea (approximately 3,575 tonnes), and the Philippines (approximately 2,100 tonnes). China's sulphur exports to Indonesia in June were only about 257 tonnes, a sharp contraction compared to previous months.
II. Sulphuric Acid Imports: Up 150% YoY, Up 101% MoM
In June, Indonesia's sulphuric acid imports (>80% concentration) totalled approximately 111,200 tonnes, up 150% from 44,500 tonnes in the same month last year, and up 101% from 55,300 tonnes in May 2026. The imports were primarily directed to nickel smelting project hubs, ranked by volume:
- OBI Island: Approximately 47,300 tonnes, mainly sourced from Japan and South Korea.
- WEDA: Approximately 42,900 tonnes, mainly sourced from China and South Korea.
- GRESIK: Approximately 10,500 tonnes, all from Japan.
- LHOK SEUMAWE: Approximately 10,500 tonnes, all from Japan.
- TANJUNG PRIOK: Approximately 1 tonne.
By source country, South Korea was the largest supplier of sulphuric acid to Indonesia in June (approximately 52,900 tonnes), followed by Japan (approximately 39,300 tonnes) and China (approximately 19,000 tonnes).
III. Sulphur Exports: Up Sharply YoY, Up Substantially MoM
In June, Indonesia's sulphur exports totalled approximately 54.8 tonnes, up sharply from just 1 tonne in the same month last year and up substantially from 24 tonnes in May 2026.
- Malaysia was the largest destination, receiving approximately 44 tonnes, accounting for about 80% of total exports.
- China was the second-largest destination, receiving approximately 10.5 tonnes, accounting for about 19%.
- Small volumes of refined sulphur were shipped to Timor-Leste (285 kgs) and Germany (6.12 kgs).
In addition, Indonesia recorded zero sulphuric acid exports in June, consistent with the trend seen in the same period last year and in May this year.
IV. Summary
In June 2026, Indonesia's sulphur imports reached 334,700 tonnes, down 26% year-on-year but up 21% month-on-month, with Canada and Saudi Arabia as the two largest source countries. Sulphuric acid imports surged 150% year-on-year and 101% month-on-month to 111,200 tonnes, with South Korea as the largest supplier and OBI Island and WEDA as the two key receiving hubs. Sulphur exports rose substantially month-on-month to 54.8 tonnes, mainly destined for Malaysia and China, while sulphuric acid exports remained at zero for several consecutive months.
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