Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth & Forecast 2034

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Industry Perspective:

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid market size was worth around USD 14.68 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 21.12 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 3.70% between 2025 and 2034.

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Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Overview

Sulfur and sulfuric acid are critical chemicals with applications in major end-user industries. They are considered integral in the growing agriculture sector. Furthermore, sulfur and sulfuric acid have also shown applications in the production of a wider range of sustainable goods, promoting a greener economy. According to market projections, sulfur demand is expected to exceed 399 million tons by the end of 2040. Sulfur is available in nature. More than 80% of sulfur produced globally is extracted from fossil fuels and further used for producing sulfuric acid. In addition to this, the smelting process of metals is also a leading method of producing sulfuric acid.

During the forecast period, demand for sulfur and sulfuric acid is expected to continue growing due to applications of the chemicals in critical industries such as fertilizers, cosmetics & pharmaceuticals, and battery acid. Additionally, rising focus on sustainable growth in the sulfur and sulfuric acid sector may also aid higher revenue for the industry players. A major drawback expected to impact market revenue is the environmental damage caused by the production and application of sulfur or sulfuric acid.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global sulfur and sulfuric acid market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 3.70% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global sulfur and sulfuric acid market size was valued at around USD 14.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 21.12 billion by 2034.
• The sulfur and sulfuric acid market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the rising applications of the chemicals in the agriculture industry.
• Based on the chemical type, the sulfuric acid segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market, as per industry projections
• Based on the application, the fertilizer industry segment is anticipated to command the largest market share
• Based on region, the Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Growth Drivers

How will the agriculture industry play a pivotal role in driving the sulfur and sulfuric acid market demand?

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid market is expected to witness higher growth due to rising applications of the chemicals in the agriculture industry. According to industry research, sulfur is extensively used in fertilizers and pesticides for controlling pest infestation and fungal diseases in crops. In addition to this, sulfur is a critical micronutrient requirement that improves the quality of crop yield. Sulfur deficiency in plants can lead to chlorosis in younger plants.

Similarly, sulfuric acid has shown exceptional advantages when used in fertilizers. Regular and controlled use of fertilizers containing sulfuric acid assists in soil treatment by maintaining the pH level and overall fertility. The existing agricultural infrastructure worldwide is witnessing increased demand from the consumer end. It has resulted in higher use of chemicals and fertilizers that can increase farming yield without compromising land quality. As global food demand continues to rise, sulfur and sulfuric acid applications are also expected to thrive.

Rising demand for lead-acid batteries to propel market expansion trends in the future

Sulfuric acid is a key ingredient for the production of battery acid. The latter is used as an electrolyte in lead-acid batteries. The growing demand for energy-efficient lead-acid batteries, with applications across various industries, will drive market expansion in the long run. For instance, lead-acid batteries are used in automobiles, industrial backup power solutions, and renewable energy storage systems.

In July 2025, Exide Industries announced its new growth roadmap for the future by leveraging growing demand in the lead-acid battery segment along with the next-generation lithium-ion sector. In February 2025, Luminous Power Technologies, a leading provider of energy solutions, launched a state-of-the-art lead-acid manufacturing facility in the Indian market. Surge in end-user applications of lead-acid batteries will be critical to the overall revenue in the global sulfur and sulfuric-acid market in the coming years.

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Restraints

Environmental and health concerns over the excess use of chemicals affect market revenue

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid industry is projected to be restricted due to the environmental damage caused by chemical production and applications. Sulfur processing results in the release of sulfur dioxide. When released into the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide can lead to acid rain, thus damaging the ecosystem. Sulfuric acid, on the other hand, is a highly corrosive chemical. Exposure to sulfuric acid without safety gear can lead to permanent damage to the skin and respiratory system. Additionally, sulfuric acid spills can cause soil and water damage, subsequently affecting soil quality and the marine ecosystem.

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Opportunities

What expansion policies are sulfur and sulfuric acid market players expected to undertake during the forecast period?

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid market leaders are expected to seek expansion opportunities in the long run to ensure optimal business results. According to industry reviews, players are investing in expanding production volume as end-consumer demand continues to surge. For instance, in April 2025, BASF, one of the world’s leading chemicals producers, announced the expansion of its semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid production capacity with the launch of a new unit in Germany.

Additionally, industry drivers are also expanding geographically, especially in emerging markets such as Africa and the Asia-Pacific. Geographical expansion will allow companies to mitigate challenges that may arise due to geopolitical conflicts and changing trade relationships.

Focusing on sustainable industry development may prove beneficial for the industry in the future

Sulfur and sulfuric acid producers are actively investing in integrating sustainable production practices in business operations, encouraged by strict regulatory guidelines and changing consumer demand. In July 2025, Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Joint Stock Company launched Sulfur Pastilles. The move is considered a significant milestone concerning the production of by-products from the petrochemical and refining process. The company has installed a sulfur pastillation and packaging system at the Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) for improved results.

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Challenges

Supply chain volatility and geopolitical uncertainty are expected to challenge industry expansion

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid industry is expected to be challenged by supply chain volatility concerning raw materials as well as final goods. For instance, the impact on crude oil production will affect sulfur availability, further impacting sulfuric acid processing. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainty and the growing trade war between economies will affect business decisions during the projection duration.

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Report Scope

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Segmentation

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid market is segmented based on chemical type, application, and region.

Based on chemical type, the global market is divided into sulfur and sulfuric acid. In 2024, the highest growth was listed in the sulfuric acid segment. The extensive application of the acid in fertilizer production as well as the manufacturing of lead-acid batteries is fueling segmental demand. Additionally, concentrated sulfuric acid with 98% content has wider industrial applications, propelling segmental revenue. Increasing sulfur production will emerge as a considerable revenue generator for the market.

Based on application, the global market segments are the rubber industry, fertilizer industry, metallurgy, petroleum refining, battery acid, pharmaceutical & cosmetics, and others. In 2024, the fertilizer industry dominated nearly 55% of the global revenue. Rising global food demand is propelling applications of effective fertilizers and pesticides that can prevent crop infestation and improve agricultural yield. During the projection period, the fertilizer industry will continue to dominate industry revenue.

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Regional Analysis

Which country will emerge as the critical driver for growth in the sulfur and sulfuric acid market in Asia-Pacific?

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid market is projected to be led by Asia-Pacific during the projection period. China is expected to emerge as the leading regional revenue generator, driven by the presence of robust chemical manufacturing infrastructure in the region. China is the world’s leading supplier of sulfur and sulfuric acid, catering to global clients. India is the second-highest revenue propeller for Asia-Pacific and will continue to witness increased revenue during the forecast period.

In March 2025, Coromandel International Limited, a leading agri-solutions provider in the Indian market, launched its second Sulphur manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh state.

North America is another thriving region in the sulfur and sulfuric acid industry, and it is expected to emerge as a crucial revenue provider during the forecast period. The US will lead regional expansion, driven by the growing applications of sulfur and sulfuric acid across various industries.

In February 2025, Lyten, a leading producer of lithium-sulfur batteries, announced an agreement with California Sulphur Company to procure domestically supplied industrial-grade sulfur for its production facilities in the country. The growing production and geographical expansion strategies adopted by regional players shape North America’s growth trajectory in the future.

Sulphur And Sulfuric Acid Market: Competitive Analysis

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid market is led by players like:

• PhosAgro Group
• Nutrien Ltd.
• BASF SE
• Boliden Group
• IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative)
• INEOS Group (INEOS Enterprises)
• KANTO KAGAKU (Japan)
• Amal Ltd (India)
• OCP Group
• The Mosaic Company
• Lifosa (AB Lifosa
• Lithuania / EuroChem)
• Jiangxi Copper Corporation
• Trident Limited (India)
• Aurubis AG
• PVS Chemicals Inc.

The global sulfur and sulfuric acid market is segmented as follows:

By Chemical Type

• Sulfur
• Sulfuric Acid

By Application

• Rubber Industry
• Fertilizer Industry
• Metallurgy
• Petroleum Refining
• Battery Acid
• Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics
• Others

By Region

• North America

  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa