Japanese Media: China to Halt Sulfuric Acid Exports from May, Prioritizing Domestic Use
Multiple Japanese and South Korean media outlets reported on April 17: Due to concerns over potential supply shortages caused by the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, China is expected to suspend sulfuric acid exports starting in May. Sulfuric acid is crucial for copper and phosphate fertilizer production.
It has been reported that Chinese sulfuric acid manufacturers and exporters have received notices to halt exports.
Sulfuric acid is a key raw material in copper mining and phosphate fertilizer production, and is widely used in industries such as oil refining and battery manufacturing. China may be attempting to stockpile sulfuric acid before the planting season to produce phosphate fertilizers.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in this conflict has severely disrupted sulfuric acid supplies originating from the Middle East. The Middle East accounts for one-third of global sulfur supply. In this region, sulfuric acid is produced during crude oil refining.
In contrast to the Middle East, China's sulfuric acid is produced from sulfur dioxide (SO₂) generated during the refining processes of copper and zinc.
Due to the war in the Middle East, the supply of sulfur needed for sulfuric acid production has also become scarce, making it difficult to secure alternative sources.
China’s restrictions on sulfuric acid exports could impact major copper-producing countries such as Chile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. Notably, Chile, the world’s largest copper producer, imports over 1 million tons of sulfuric acid annually from China. Sarah Malo, analyst at Argus, a raw materials market research firm, stated: “If China suspends sulfuric acid exports for the entire year, prices in Chile will rise further.”
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1862702035833034/
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