Sulphur is a by-product of refining oil and processing sour gas. The Arab Gulf, Kazakhstan, Russia, Canada and China produce most of it; phosphate producers in Morocco and China and nickel processors in Indonesia are the largest buyers, using it to make sulphuric acid.
Grades and specifications
| Grade | What it is | Price reference |
|---|---|---|
| Granular (formed) sulphur | Main export form; low dust | FOB Middle East, CFR China assessments |
| Lump and crushed sulphur | Older storage forms | Discount to granular |
| Sulphur powder | Fine grade for agriculture and rubber | Producer quotations |
| Liquid (molten) sulphur | Shipped heated in special tankers | Contract-specific |
Granular sulphur: parameters commonly specified
| Parameter | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| Purity (dry basis) | min 99.5% |
| Moisture | max 0.5–1.0% |
| Ash | max 0.05% |
| Carbon (organic) | max 0.05% |
| Acidity (as H2SO4) | max 0.01% |
| Arsenic, selenium, tellurium | Trace limits to contract |
Specifications vary by origin, buyer and contract. The contract specification, not a generic sheet, is what the inspector tests against.
Typical contract terms
- Incoterms: FOB Gulf ports, CFR destination
- Lot sizes: 30,000–55,000 MT bulk; bagged powder in containers
- Shipping: Solid sulphur is a dangerous good for transport (UN 1350); holds need preparation against corrosion and fire
- Payment: Documentary LC at sight or term contracts
- Inspection: Independent inspection at loading
Documents
Seller provides
- Producer allocation (refinery or gas plant)
- Certificates of quality, weight and origin
- Safety data sheet and dangerous goods declaration
- Bill of lading, invoice, packing list
Buyer provides
- Import permit where required
- Letter of intent with form, quantity, port and laycan
- Bank details for verification
Procedure
- Enquiry and specificationBuyerProduct, grade, quantity, packing, destination, delivery window, Incoterm and payment method, on company letterhead.
- KYC in both directionsBuyerSellerRegistry extracts, ownership, licences and bank details are exchanged and verified. See Documents Checklist.
- Offer and negotiationSellerA firm offer with price basis, validity, quantity tolerance, inspection and payment terms.
- ContractBuyerSellerA sales and purchase agreement on recognised contract terms, with law and arbitration named.
- Payment securityBanksDocumentary letter of credit at sight, confirmed where needed, or another instrument agreed in draft before issue.
- Inspection and loadingSellerInspector samples for purity, moisture, ash, carbon and acidity, and supervises loading and the draft survey.
- Documents and paymentBanksInvoice, clean on-board bill of lading, quality, weight and origin certificates, dangerous goods documents and insurance under CIF.
Price reference
| Benchmark or range | Level | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | ~$200–300/MT | Gulf / China, 14 Aug 2026 |
Most volume is sold by the large producers on monthly price announcements and term contracts. Latest levels are in the Weekly Market Monitor.
Check before you trade
- Large volumes offered by companies with no link to a refinery or gas plant
- Sulphur described without its form or dangerous goods documentation
- Prices far below the Gulf FOB range
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TradeScout24 Trade Desk · Sources: TradeScout24 Weekly Market Monitor, 14 Aug 2026; IMDG/IMSBC classification · General information, not an offer or legal advice · Last reviewed 31 Oct 2026