International Sulfur Market Overview for October 15, 2026

Sulfur Prices Continue to Slide

In the latest round of spot transactions, sulfur CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) prices have continued to weaken.

Demand for cargoes scheduled for shipment this month remains sluggish, forcing suppliers to accept lower bids from buyers in an effort to clear their existing inventory.

Market reports indicate that Vancouver-origin cargoes were offered to Indonesia at a CFR price of USD 880/ton, pulling down buyer sentiment levels. Both Vancouver-based and Middle Eastern suppliers have simultaneously lowered their offers, seeking outlets for shipments with near-term arrival dates in Asia.

Downstream demand from fertilizer producers in North Africa, Brazil, China, and other regions has softened significantly, leading to reduced plant operating rates. Even nickel smelters in Indonesia are operating below last year’s levels. With demand contracting sharply, spot prices are under continuous downward pressure.

Although rising global fuel costs have pushed up ocean freight rates, fourth-quarter contract negotiations are being concluded amid a prevailing trend of substantial price reductions.

Key Market Drivers:

• Vancouver-origin cargoes traded at lower CIF prices, with transaction ranges in Indonesia and India settling between USD 880–894/ton CFR.
• Buyer bids in China and Indonesia have dropped to USD 850/ton CFR.
• Middle Eastern suppliers are accepting lower CIF prices to maintain competitiveness; several vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz last week, with some cargoes still awaiting downstream buyers.

Outlook for the Next 30–60 Days: Further Weakness Followed by Stabilization

Suppliers will likely need to accept even lower prices to clear spot cargoes scheduled for shipment in October and November. The root cause lies in persistently high raw material costs, which have kept downstream plant operating rates at low levels.