How does sulfur feedstock volatility transmit into sulfuric acid pricing in China?

How does sulfur feedstock volatility transmit into sulfuric acid pricing in China?
Sulfuric acid made from sulfur sits at the end of a feedstock chain that has turned extremely volatile. Sulfur is a byproduct of oil, gas and coal-chemical desulfurization, so output tracks refinery and gas-plant run rates rather than acid demand. China's sulfur capacity reached about 19.29 million tons in 2025 with output near 10.74 million tons and utilization around 55.7 percent. When imported sulfur tightens, as during Middle East disruptions, port stocks fall and prices spike, feeding directly into smelter and sulfur-burning acid costs. Downstream fertilizer, metal processing, paper and fiber demand then absorbs the pass-through.