Some Chinese sulfuric acid producers have received relevant notifications, planning to halt or significantly restrict sulfuric acid exports starting in May, primarily targeting by-product sulfuric acid from smelting (common sulfuric acid or sulfurous acid generated during copper and zinc smelting processes).
This move is related to recent disruptions in global sulfur supply caused by the Middle East conflict (shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been obstructed), leading to a sustained rise in sulfuric acid prices. As the world's largest producer of sulfuric acid (accounting for over 40% of global output), China prioritizes domestic needs such as phosphate fertilizer production during the spring farming season, preventing resource outflow.
In 2025, China's sulfuric acid export volume was approximately 46 million tons, mainly sold to countries like Chile, Indonesia, and Morocco. This restriction is expected to intensify supply pressures in the global metal smelting (especially hydrometallurgical copper mining) and fertilizer industries, potentially driving up prices of related products.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862337844491401/
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