International sulfur prices have surged as an unexpected "side effect" of the US-Israel war against Iran

The United States has discovered that the Middle East war has also triggered an unexpected "side effect" on the economic level. Due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, not only have the oil and natural gas exports of Persian Gulf countries plummeted, but sulfur trade has also suffered serious damage. Sulfur is a byproduct of processing hydrocarbon raw materials (natural gas and oil), and several large refineries in the Middle East have reduced production or completely shut down, causing sulfur production to drop by at least 60%.

With the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sulfur exports face serious threats. Industries such as semiconductors, electronics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals may be affected. Take sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as an example; this compound, known as "insulating gas," is widely used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry for high-quality surface treatment of semiconductor materials.

Experts predict that the sharp decline in sulfur exports from the Middle East will lead to a raw material shortage crisis in the semiconductor industries of many countries within one to two weeks. The first to be hit are East Asian and Southeast Asian countries (regions) - Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore, which were already struggling due to soaring energy prices, may face even more severe impacts. Therefore, if these countries cannot fill the sulfur supply gap, they will be forced to cut production, leading to a surge in prices of electronic products, medicines, and chemical products.

As of 2025, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have joined the ranks of the world's top five sulfur producers with annual outputs of 6 million tons and 8 million tons, respectively. Another Middle Eastern country, Qatar, ranks tenth globally with an annual output of 3 million tons. The top three sulfur-producing countries globally are China, the United States, and Russia. China's annual output is about 18 million tons, while the United States and Russia each produce about 9 million tons.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859501782409226/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.