Sulfur trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in sulfur was worth $576.6 million in 2024, about 4.84 million tonnes. That is an increase of 110% since 2017, and up 8% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $576.6M | 4.84M t |
| 2023 | $531.6M | 1.04M t |
| 2022 | $732.4M | 3.82M t |
| 2021 | $282.2M | 1.41M t |
| 2020 | $132.0M | 1.50M t |
| 2019 | $194.9M | 1.63M t |
| 2018 | $252.8M | 1.47M t |
| 2017 | $274.9M | 2.49M t |
Top sulfur exporting countries
Exports are led by Saudi Arabia (73%), Canada (13%) and India (3%). 71 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 89%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $419.3M | 73% |
| Canada | $74.8M | 13% |
| India | $19.8M | 3.4% |
| Japan | $12.9M | 2.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $6.9M | 1.2% |
| South Korea | $6.3M | 1.1% |
| Liberia | $3.9M | 0.7% |
| Slovakia | $3.6M | 0.6% |
| Spain | $3.6M | 0.6% |
| Poland | $3.4M | 0.6% |
| Thailand | $3.0M | 0.5% |
| Zambia | $2.5M | 0.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 28% of world imports, ahead of Indonesia and Jordan. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 59% across 138 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $161.3M | 28% |
| Indonesia | $110.5M | 19% |
| Jordan | $70.0M | 12% |
| Morocco | $64.9M | 11% |
| Brazil | $45.6M | 7.9% |
| United States | $22.4M | 3.9% |
| Egypt | $17.0M | 2.9% |
| Australia | $13.6M | 2.4% |
| Taiwan | $10.3M | 1.8% |
| Chile | $9.9M | 1.7% |
| India | $4.1M | 0.7% |
| Czech Republic | $4.0M | 0.7% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Liberia averaged $177.83 per kg and Saudi Arabia $0.10 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2802: Sulphur; sublimed or precipitated, colloidal sulphur. HS 2802 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most sulfur?
Saudi Arabia exported $419.3 million in 2024, 73% of the world total, followed by Canada (13%) and India (3%). In all, 71 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most sulfur?
China imported $161.3 million in 2024, 28% of world imports, ahead of Indonesia (19%) and Jordan (12%). The top three importers together take 59%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in sulfur?
It was worth $576.6 million in 2024, about 4.84 million tonnes. That is an increase of 110% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $732.4 million. 71 countries reported exports and 138 reported imports.
What is the average price of sulfur per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Liberia averaged $177.83 per kg and Saudi Arabia $0.10 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for sulfur?
The HS code for sulfur is heading 2802, in chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2802 page.
How can I find sulfur buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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