China halts sulphuric acid exports, markets scramble for supply

China’s export ban on sulphuric acid, effective from the start of May, has slashed outbound volumes to roughly 700,000 tonnes between January and April 2026—about half of the 1.3 million tonnes shipped in the same period a year earlier【2】. The move immediately raised alarm in fertiliser, mining and energy markets that rely on the chemical for copper, nickel, phosphate fertiliser and other industrial processes.

Near‑total export shutdown

The ban follows a gradual tightening of Chinese export quotas that had already reduced shipments by about 46 % year‑on‑year. Market reports indicate the restriction was not a surprise to industry observers, but the speed of the final shutdown caught many off‑guard. The timing coincides with heightened geopolitical risk in the Gulf, where the Strait of Hormuz— a key route for sulphur‑related cargoes—has been disrupted by the US‑Israeli conflict in Iran. Higher freight and insurance costs have already strained supply chains, and the Chinese curtailment adds a fresh layer of scarcity.

Compounding global constraints

China is not the only player tightening supplies. Russia, another major sulphur exporter, has extended its own export controls through June, further tightening global availability【2】. Together, the Chinese ban and Russian restrictions create a “perfect storm” for industries that depend on sulphuric acid as a feedstock. The chemical is essential for producing phosphate fertilisers, extracting copper, nickel, cobalt and uranium, and for various water‑treatment and refining processes. Any disruption quickly ripples through these sectors, potentially inflating input costs and squeezing profit margins.

Market reaction and price outlook

While the sources do not provide a specific price for sulphuric acid, the abrupt supply shock has already prompted price spikes in related commodities, notably copper and fertiliser products. Analysts expect continued upward pressure on prices until alternative supply routes or production capacity can be mobilised. The lack of a clear substitute for sulphuric acid means that short‑term shortages are likely to persist, especially as shipping disruptions in the Gulf remain unresolved.

What to watch

• Export volume trends – Monitor weekly Chinese export data for any sign of easing restrictions.
• Shipping route stability – Track developments in the Strait of Hormuz that could restore or further impede cargo flows.
• Russian policy updates – Watch for announcements on the extension or relaxation of Russia’s sulphur export controls.

The broader significance lies in how a single industrial chemical, normally hidden from public view, can become a flashpoint for global supply‑chain risk, especially when geopolitical tensions intersect with key export economies. The unfolding situation will test the resilience of sectors that depend on sulphuric acid and may reshape trade patterns for the commodity in the months ahead.