Sulphur Trading Guide
Elemental sulphur is a by-product of natural gas sweetening (Claus process) and crude refining. It trades in four physical forms - granular, prilled, lump and crushed lump - primarily as feedstock for sulphuric acid, phosphate fertilisers (DAP/MAP) and metals leaching.
Pricing benchmark
Argus / Fertecon Middle East FOB benchmark, CFR China, CFR India (Kandla / Vizag)
Commercial grades
| Grade | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granular sulphur | Purity ≥99.8%, 2-6 mm granules, moisture <2% | The premium bulk grade; wet-formed from molten sulphur. |
| Prilled sulphur | Purity ≥99.8%, spherical prills 1-4 mm | Air-cooled tower prills; friable, dustier than granular. |
| Lump sulphur | Purity ≥99.5%, 10-150 mm | Solid-state former; higher moisture and dust. |
| Crushed lump | Purity ≥99.5%, sized product | Legacy grade; discounted vs granular. |
| Refined molten sulphur | Purity ≥99.9% | Pipeline / hot-truck delivery to acid plants. |
Typical technical specifications
| Purity (S content) | ≥99.8% (granular / prilled) |
| Moisture | <2% (granular), <1.5% (prilled) |
| Ash | ≤0.05% |
| Acidity as H2SO4 | ≤0.02% |
| Colour | Bright yellow; grey-brown indicates carbon contamination |
| Loading rate | 10,000 - 20,000 MT/day at Middle East export terminals |
Top exporters
- UAE· ADNOC Ruwais - world's largest sulphur exporter
- Saudi Arabia· Aramco / Ma'aden; Jubail loadings
- Qatar· Qatar Energy sour gas processing
- Canada· Alberta sour gas belt
- Russia· Astrakhan; sanctions-affected
- Kazakhstan· Tengiz - large stockpiles
Calculators to price a cargo
Frequently asked questions
Elemental sulphur (any form) is HS 2503. Sublimed or precipitated sulphur has a separate subheading (2503.00.10 in most tariff books).
Both are dry-formed from molten sulphur to ~99.8% purity. Granular is wet-drum formed (harder, less dusty, premium price). Prilled is air-cooled tower product (spherical, friable, more dust). Fertiliser buyers pay a premium for granular.
Argus and Fertecon publish weekly Middle East FOB, CFR China and CFR India assessments. Contract cargoes settle against monthly averages; spot cargoes at fixed price or index-linked with quality adjustments.
Solid elemental sulphur is IMDG Class 4.1 (flammable solid) UN 1350 for containerised shipment. In bulk it is normally shipped under IMSBC Code Group B with fire-hazard precautions. Molten sulphur is UN 2448 (Class 4.1) and requires heated tanks.
Related guides
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