The Sulphuric Acid Price Trend changed sharply in the second quarter of 2026, with prices moving significantly higher across several major markets. During Q2 2026, global sulphuric acid prices increased by roughly 79% to 139% compared with the previous quarter. The main reasons behind this strong rise were higher sulphur feedstock costs, limited export availability, firm demand from downstream industries, and increasing freight and shipping uncertainty. Sulphuric acid is widely used in fertilizer production, chemical manufacturing, metal processing, mining, titanium dioxide production, and several other industrial applications, so changes in its raw material costs and availability can quickly affect the market.
Global Sulphuric Acid Price Trend in Q2 2026
The second quarter of 2026 was a particularly strong period for the sulphuric acid market. In simple terms, buyers were dealing with a combination of higher production costs and tighter availability. At the same time, demand from important consuming industries remained healthy.
One of the biggest factors behind the increase in Sulphuric Acid Prices was the sharp rise in sulphur costs. Sulphur is an important feedstock for sulphuric acid production, so when sulphur becomes more expensive, producers generally face higher operating and production costs. These higher costs can eventually move through the supply chain and appear in acid prices.
Supply conditions also played an important role. Export availability was limited in several markets, making it harder for buyers to source material at previous price levels. When supply is tight while demand remains steady, suppliers generally have greater room to maintain or increase their offers.
Another important factor during the quarter was geopolitical uncertainty related to the USA-Israel versus Iran conflict. The situation created concerns around shipping routes, freight expenses, delivery schedules, and export risks. These concerns added another layer of uncertainty to an already tight market.
As a result, the global Sulphuric Acid Price Chart showed substantial gains during Q2 2026. The Sulphuric Acid Price Index also remained supported by high feedstock costs and constrained availability.
By June 2026, prices continued to move upward, rising by approximately 11% to 28% across the markets covered. This showed that the market remained firm even toward the end of the quarter.
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China Sulphuric Acid Prices
China recorded one of the strongest movements in the regional market. Sulphuric acid export prices for industrial-grade 98% material on an FOB Qingdao basis increased by approximately 116.4% in Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter.
The main support came from higher sulphur feedstock costs and healthy demand. Phosphate fertilizer producers, titanium dioxide manufacturers, and chemical companies continued to require sulphuric acid, keeping the downstream market active.
Export availability was also relatively tight. This helped suppliers maintain firm quotations despite the large increase already seen during the quarter.
Geopolitical uncertainty also affected the export market by increasing concerns over freight and international shipping. For exporters, higher logistics risks can influence selling prices because transportation costs and delivery uncertainty become part of the overall transaction.
In June 2026, Chinese sulphuric acid prices increased by around 16%. The monthly rise reflected continued feedstock pressure, limited export availability, and steady demand.
South Korea Sulphuric Acid Prices
South Korea experienced the largest quarterly increase among the markets discussed. Industrial-grade 98% sulphuric acid export prices on an FOB Busan basis rose by approximately 138.7% in Q2 2026 compared with Q1.
The market remained firm because export availability was constrained while demand from fertilizer and industrial chemical sectors stayed strong. This combination created a favorable pricing environment for suppliers.
Freight costs and shipping uncertainty added further pressure. Because South Korea is an important export-oriented market, changes in international logistics can have a direct effect on export quotations.
The Sulphuric Acid Price Trend in South Korea therefore remained strongly upward during the quarter. In June alone, prices increased by approximately 28.1%, reflecting strong export demand and limited market availability.
Japan Sulphuric Acid Prices
Japan also recorded a significant increase during Q2 2026. Industrial-grade 98% sulphuric acid export prices on an FOB Tokyo basis increased by approximately 128.5% compared with the previous quarter.
Higher sulphur costs were a major factor behind the increase. At the same time, export demand remained healthy, allowing suppliers to maintain firm offers.
Shipping uncertainty connected with the wider geopolitical situation also contributed to market pressure. For buyers and sellers, uncertainty around transportation can make pricing less predictable and encourage suppliers to include additional cost protection in their offers.
The Sulphuric Acid Price Chart for Japan consequently showed a strong upward movement during Q2. In June 2026, prices increased by around 27.6%, supported by strong export demand and tight supply.
Mexico Sulphuric Acid Prices
Mexico recorded a quarterly increase of approximately 98.3% in Q2 2026 for industrial-grade sulphuric acid export prices on an FOB Nogales basis.
The market was supported by higher sulphur feedstock costs and healthy demand from mining and fertilizer industries. These sectors are important users of sulphuric acid, which meant that consumption remained supportive even as prices moved higher.
Global freight costs also increased market pressure. Higher transportation expenses can make imported or exported material more expensive, especially when supply is already limited.
During June 2026, Mexican sulphuric acid prices increased by around 25.9%. Tight supply and firm downstream demand remained important factors behind the monthly increase.
Spain Sulphuric Acid Prices
Spain saw sulphuric acid export prices rise by approximately 107.2% in Q2 2026 compared with the previous quarter. The prices considered were for industrial-grade 98% material on an FOB Barcelona basis.
Demand from fertilizer, chemical manufacturing, and metal processing industries provided strong support to the market. These applications make sulphuric acid an important industrial input, so consistent consumption helped maintain firm pricing.
European logistics also faced uncertainty during the quarter. Higher freight expenses and concerns around regional supply contributed to firm export quotations.
In June, sulphuric acid prices in Spain increased by around 28.4%. The monthly movement reflected tight export availability together with stronger downstream demand.
India Sulphuric Acid Price Trend
India recorded a comparatively lower, but still very substantial, increase during Q2 2026. Industrial-grade sulphuric acid prices on an ex-West India basis increased by approximately 79.4% compared with the previous quarter.
The Indian market was supported by several important consuming sectors, including fertilizer production, phosphate chemicals, metal processing, and industrial manufacturing. Demand from these industries remained healthy throughout the quarter.
Higher sulphur feedstock costs were one of the major reasons behind the increase. Limited import availability also played a role. When imports are less readily available, domestic buyers can become more dependent on local supply, which can support higher domestic prices.
Freight costs and geopolitical uncertainty added to the pressure. Higher international logistics costs can increase the cost of bringing material into the country, while uncertainty can make buyers more cautious about future supply.
In June 2026, Indian sulphuric acid prices increased by approximately 11.3%. The monthly increase was supported by steady downstream demand, high feedstock costs, and constrained supply.
What Drove Sulphuric Acid Prices Higher?
Looking across all the markets, several common factors explain the Q2 2026 increase.
First, sulphur costs increased sharply. Since sulphur is a key feedstock for sulphuric acid production, higher sulphur prices raised the cost base for producers.
Second, supply was limited. Tight export availability meant that buyers had fewer sourcing options in some markets.
Third, downstream demand remained healthy. Fertilizer, phosphate chemicals, mining, metal processing, titanium dioxide, chemical manufacturing, and industrial applications continued to consume sulphuric acid.
Fourth, logistics became more expensive and uncertain. Geopolitical tensions increased freight costs and created concerns about international shipping and delivery.
These factors worked together rather than separately. A market with higher production costs, limited supply, healthy demand, and more expensive transportation naturally faced strong upward pricing pressure.
Sulphuric Acid Price Chart and Price Index
The Sulphuric Acid Price Chart for Q2 2026 presents a clear picture of a strong market. China, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and India all recorded substantial quarterly increases, although the size of the increase differed by location.
The Sulphuric Acid Price Index remained elevated because the key cost and supply fundamentals were still supportive. The index can be useful for buyers, sellers, manufacturers, and procurement teams because it helps them understand the broader direction of the market rather than focusing on one individual transaction.
It is also important to remember that sulphuric acid prices can vary from one location to another. Freight, local production capacity, import dependence, export availability, product specifications, and downstream demand can all influence the final price.
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Sulphuric Acid Price Forecast: What to Watch Next
Looking ahead, the future direction of the sulphuric acid market will depend heavily on several factors.
The first is sulphur feedstock pricing. If sulphur costs remain elevated, producers are likely to continue facing strong cost pressure. If feedstock prices ease significantly, some of that pressure could eventually reduce.
Supply will be another key factor. An improvement in export availability could help reduce some of the tightness seen during Q2. On the other hand, continued supply restrictions could keep prices firm.
Demand from fertilizers, chemicals, mining, metal processing, and other industrial sectors will also remain important. Strong consumption can provide continued support, while weaker industrial activity could reduce purchasing pressure.
Freight and geopolitical conditions should also be watched closely. Any improvement in shipping conditions could reduce some logistics-related pressure. Continued uncertainty, however, could keep transportation costs and risk premiums elevated.
For buyers, the Q2 2026 experience highlights the importance of monitoring feedstock costs, supply availability, freight conditions, and downstream demand together rather than looking at any single factor in isolation.
The Sulphuric Acid Price Trend during Q2 2026 was strongly upward across the major markets covered. Global prices increased by approximately 79% to 139% from the previous quarter, with South Korea, Japan, China, Spain, Mexico, and India all experiencing substantial gains.
Higher sulphur costs were a central driver of the increase, while tight supply and healthy demand provided additional support. Fertilizer, chemical, mining, metal processing, titanium dioxide, and industrial sectors continued to play an important role in maintaining consumption.
Geopolitical uncertainty also affected the market by increasing freight costs and creating additional shipping and export risks. By June 2026, prices were still rising across the covered markets, showing that the market had not yet returned to a more balanced pricing environment.
Overall, the Q2 2026 Sulphuric Acid Prices, Sulphuric Acid Price Chart, and Sulphuric Acid Price Index all pointed toward a market facing strong cost pressure and constrained availability. Going forward, sulphur feedstock costs, supply conditions, industrial demand, and international logistics will remain the main factors to watch when assessing the next phase of the sulphuric acid market.
About Price-Watch™
Price Watch™ is an India-based, independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends, and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics. The Price Watch™ platform empowers manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals to make faster, smarter decisions. Leveraging AI-powered forecasting and over a decade of historical data, Price Watch™ transforms market volatility into actionable opportunity.
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