Stratistics MRC에 따르면, 세계의 원소 유황 시장은 2025년에 65억 1,000만 달러를 차지하고, 예측 기간 중의 CAGR은 4.6%를 나타내 2032년에는 89억 2,000만 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
원소 유황은 화학 기호 S로 표시되며 원자 번호 16의 비금속 원소입니다. 천연적으로 다양한 형태로 존재하며 주로 황색의 결정성 고체입니다. 필수적인 화합물을 형성하고 있습니다. 황은 화산지대에 풍부하게 존재하며, 광물과 일부 생물계에도 포함되어 있습니다.
세계의 비료 전망에 따르면 2020년 인(P2O5) 비료 수요는 4,740만 2,000톤이었고, 2022년에는 4,909만 6,000톤에 이르렀습니다.
신흥국의 산업화 진전
신흥국에서의 산업화의 진전이 시장의 현저한 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 시장은 인도, 중국, 브라질 등의 국가에서 특히 두드러지며, 인프라 개발과 산업 활동에 의해 원소 유황의 필요성이 높아지고 있습니다. 그 결과, 이러한 신흥 시장에서는 유황의 생산과 그 용도가 급증하고 있습니다.
재생 유황과의 경쟁
재활용 유황과의 경쟁은 갓 추출한 유황 수요를 줄이기 위해 시장에 과제를 가져오고 있습니다. 황 생산자, 특히 채굴에 의지하고 있던 생산자는 이익률의 저하와 보다 지속 가능한 관행에의 적응의 필요성에 직면하여 압력이 되고 있습니다.
환경규제
세계의 각국의 정부가 공해와 온실가스 배출을 줄이기 위해 보다 엄격한 정책을 실시하고 있기 때문에 환경규제가 시장에 큰 영향을 미치고 있습니다. 수술을 장려하고 유황 기반의 비료 등 환경 친화적인 용도에서 유황의 사용을 촉진하는 데 중점을 두고 있습니다.
제한된 천연 자원
유황의 천연 공급원이 제한되어 있다는 것은 공급에 제약을 가져오고 시장에 큰 과제를 가져오고 있습니다. 이러한 공급 부족은 가격 변동으로 이어지고, 특히 신흥 경제국에서의 산업 수요 증가에 대응하는 방해가 됩니다.또, 천연 황의 매장량이 부족함으로써, 리사이클에의 의존도가 높아져 시장 경쟁이 더욱 격화할 가능성도 있습니다.
COVID-19의 대유행은 시장에 큰 영향을 주었고 공급망을 혼란스럽게 만들었고, 세계적으로 산업 활동을 낮추었습니다. 운송 제한과 노동력 부족이 유황의 생산과 유통에 지장을 입었습니다.
예측 기간 동안 회수 유황 부문이 최대가 될 전망
회수 황 부문은 예측 기간 동안 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예상됩니다. 물건을 최소화하고 천연 황의 매장량을 절약함으로써 순환형 경제의 실천을 지원합니다.산업계가 지속가능성을 중시하는 가운데, 회수 황 수요는 증가할 것으로 예상되어 황 기반의 제품이나 용도에 비용 효율적이고 환경 친화적인 선택을 제공합니다.
예측 기간 동안 의약품 분야의 CAGR이 가장 높을 것으로 예상됩니다.
예측 기간 동안 의약품 분야가 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. 이와 더불어 유황은 연고, 로션, 치료용 크림의 주성분이기도 합니다.
예측 기간 동안 급속한 산업화로 아시아태평양이 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예상됩니다. 또한 아시아태평양에서는 인프라 정비와 농업의 발전에 힘을 쏟고 있으며, 황의 소비를 더욱 밀어 올리고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미가 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예상됩니다. 또한, 황은 황산의 제조에 필수적인 원료이며, 석유 정제 및 화학 제조 등 다양한 산업 공정에 도움이 되고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Elemental Sulfur Market is accounted for $6.51 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $8.92 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. Elemental sulfur, represented by the chemical symbol S, is a non-metallic element with atomic number 16. It naturally occurs in various forms, primarily as a yellow, crystalline solid. Sulfur plays a vital role in the Earth's biogeochemical cycles, forming compounds like sulfates and sulfides that are essential for life. It is abundant in volcanic regions and can be found in minerals and some biological systems. Industrially, elemental sulfur is widely used in the production of sulfuric acid, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and in vulcanization of rubber, making it a key element in various sectors.
According to, the world fertilizer outlook, demand for phosphorus (P2O5) fertilizer in 2020 was estimated at 47,402 thousand tons, which is expected to reach 49,096 thousand tons in 2022.
Increasing industrialization in emerging economies
The increasing industrialization in emerging economies is driving significant growth in the market. As industries like petrochemicals, agriculture, and manufacturing expand in these regions, the demand for sulfur-based products, such as sulfuric acid and fertilizers, rises. This growth is particularly noticeable in countries like India, China, and Brazil, where infrastructure development and industrial activities create a higher need for elemental sulfur. Consequently, sulfur production and its applications are witnessing a robust surge in these emerging markets.
Competition from recycled sulphur
Competition from recycled sulfur is presenting challenges in the Market, as it reduces demand for freshly extracted sulfur. Recycled sulfur, often sourced from industrial byproducts, offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, lowering prices in the market. This puts pressure on traditional sulfur producers, especially those relying on extraction, as they face reduced profit margins and the need to adapt to more sustainable practices. As recycling gains momentum, it could shift market dynamics, hindering growth for conventional sulfur suppliers.
Environmental regulations
Environmental regulations are significantly influencing the market, as governments worldwide implement stricter policies to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These regulations focus on minimizing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from industrial processes, encouraging cleaner sulfur recovery technologies and promoting the use of sulfur in environmentally friendly applications, such as sulfur-based fertilizers. Compliance with these regulations is driving innovation in sulfur extraction and processing methods, ensuring that sulfur production aligns with sustainable practices while reducing its environmental impact.
Limited natural sources
Limited natural sources of sulfur pose a significant challenge in the market, as it creates supply constraints. Sulfur is primarily obtained from natural gas and oil refining, and as these sources become scarcer or more difficult to access, production costs rise. This scarcity can lead to price volatility and hinder the ability to meet growing industrial demand, especially in emerging economies. The strain on natural sulfur reserves could also prompt increased reliance on recycling, further intensifying market competition.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the market, disrupting supply chains and reducing industrial activity globally. With many industries, including petrochemicals and manufacturing, scaling back operations or temporarily shutting down, sulfur demand declined sharply. Additionally, transportation restrictions and labor shortages hindered sulfur production and distribution. However, as economies began recovering, demand for sulfur in agriculture and industrial sectors rebounded, leading to gradual market stabilization. Still, the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in supply chain resilience.
The recovered sulfur segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The recovered sulfur segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Sourced primarily from industrial byproducts like petroleum refining and natural gas processing, recovered sulfur helps meet growing demand while reducing environmental impact. Its use supports circular economy practices by minimizing waste and conserving natural sulfur reserves. As industries emphasize sustainability, the demand for recovered sulfur is expected to rise, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for sulfur-based products and applications.
The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the pharmaceuticals segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. Sulfur compounds, such as sulfur-based drugs, are used in treating skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and dandruff due to their antimicrobial and keratolytic properties. Additionally, sulfur is a key ingredient in some ointments, lotions, and therapeutic creams. As the demand for dermatological treatments rises globally, the pharmaceutical use of elemental sulfur is expanding, contributing to the market's overall growth and diversification.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to rapid industrialization. The demand for sulfur is driven by industries such as petrochemicals, agriculture, and manufacturing, where it is used in fertilizers, sulfuric acid production, and petroleum refining. Additionally, Asia Pacific's increasing focus on infrastructure development and agricultural advancements further boosts sulfur consumption. As a result, the region is becoming a key player in the market.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. Elemental sulfur is extensively used in manufacturing fertilizers, which are essential for enhancing crop yields. The growing emphasis on sustainable farming practices and soil health management is expected to boost demand. Moreover, sulfur is a critical raw material in the production of sulfuric acid, which serves various industrial processes, including petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing. The petrochemical industry's reliance on sulfur is a significant growth factor.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Elemental Sulfur Market include Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Shell Sulfur Solutions, DuPont, The Mosaic Company, NOVA Chemicals, ExxMobil Chemical Company, Linde plc, BASF SE, Yara International ASA, Vale S.A., PetroChina Company Limited, Chevron Corporation, TotalEnergies SE, Reliance Industries Limited, Formosa Petrochemical Corporation, Dow Inc., LyondellBasell Industries and INEOS Group.
In July 2024, TotalEnergies and Air Products have signed a 15-year agreement for the annual supply in Europe of 70,000 tons of green hydrogen starting in 2030. This first long-term deal follows TotalEnergies' call for tenders for the supply of 500,000 tons per year of green hydrogen to decarbonize TotalEnergies' European refineries. Under the agreement, Air Products will deliver at TotalEnergies' Northern European refineries' doorstep, green hydrogen from Air Products' global supply network.
In June 2024, BASF Stationary Energy Storage, a subsidiary of chemical company BASF, and Japanese ceramics manufacturer NGK Insulators have launched a new version of their sodium-sulfur (NAS) batteries. The containerized NAS MODEL L24 battery jointly developed by the partners, whose cooperation started in 2019, boasts a few technological improvements.