Granular sulphur is priced per metric tonne, and the price depends mostly on where it loads, where it goes and when. In 2024, average export customs values ranged from about $64 per tonne for Kazakh sulphur to around $100 per tonne for Canadian and US cargoes. Buyers reported paying roughly $130 to $140 per tonne for Gulf sulphur on an imported basis. Prices can change sharply within months.
This guide explains what moves the granular sulphur price, how to read different price bases and how to compare offers fairly. For the product itself, see our sulfur granular page.
Average values by origin, 2024
| Origin | Basis | Average value, US$ per tonne |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | Exporter-reported | About 64 |
| South Korea | Exporter-reported | About 78 |
| Japan | Exporter-reported | About 78 |
| Canada | Exporter-reported | About 99 |
| Qatar | Exporter-reported | About 103 |
| United States | Exporter-reported | About 106 |
| Saudi Arabia | Importer-reported (partner data) | About 130 |
| UAE | Importer-reported (partner data) | About 138 |
The gap between origins reflects freight distance, quality and the markets each origin serves. Kazakh sulphur, for example, moves largely by rail to nearby markets, while Gulf sulphur ships worldwide.
What drives the granular sulphur price
Supply comes from oil and gas
Sulphur is a by-product. Refineries and gas plants produce it whether or not anyone wants it, so supply follows refining runs and gas output, not sulphur demand. New gas projects in the Gulf or Central Asia can add large volumes at once.
Demand comes from fertilizers and metals
Most sulphur becomes sulphuric acid. When phosphate fertilizer demand is strong, sulphur demand and prices rise. Metal leaching, especially nickel processing in Indonesia and copper and cobalt in Central Africa, has become a second major driver. Our guide to granular sulfur uses covers each market.
Freight and logistics
Sulphur is low in value per tonne, so freight is a large share of the delivered price. A change in bulk freight rates can move the delivered cost noticeably even when FOB prices are stable.
Seasonality and tenders
Large buyers, such as phosphate producers, buy through contracts and tenders. Their timing can move spot prices in the months around each purchase.
Price bases: FOB, CFR and CIF
- FOB (Free On Board): the price at the loading port. You arrange and pay the vessel.
- CFR (Cost and Freight): includes freight to your port. You arrange insurance.
- CIF: as CFR, plus minimum insurance paid by the seller.
Always compare offers on the same basis. To compare an FOB offer with a CFR offer, add current freight for the same route and vessel size. Our guide to Incoterms for fertilizer applies equally to sulphur.
How to compare granular sulphur offers
- Check the specification: purity, moisture, ash, acidity and granule size. Lower purity or higher moisture lowers the real value.
- Check the basis and port: FOB loading port or CFR/CIF destination.
- Check quantity and period: spot cargo or a monthly contract.
- Check packaging: bulk or big bags; big bags add cost.
- Check inspection: independent quality and weight inspection at loading.
- Check payment terms: documentary letter of credit or SBLC.
Price per ton vs price per kg
International trade prices sulphur per metric tonne (1,000 kg). Small retail packs sold per kilogram for gardens or laboratories are priced very differently and are not comparable with bulk granular sulphur.
Getting a granular sulphur price from Agromer
Agromer supplies sulfur granular to corporate direct buyers with an LOI only. Send a recent LOI on your company letterhead with the quantity, specification, destination port and Incoterm, and we reply with an offer based on current market conditions. Payment is by documentary letter of credit or SBLC.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of granular sulphur per ton?
It varies by origin, destination and timing. In 2024, average customs values ranged from about $64 per tonne (Kazakhstan, export) to about $130 to $140 per tonne (Gulf sulphur, as reported by importers).
Why are sulphur prices so volatile?
Supply comes from oil and gas processing and does not respond to sulphur demand, while demand from fertilizer and metal producers can change quickly.
Is the price FOB or CFR?
Either. Always check the basis. FOB is at the loading port; CFR includes freight to your port.
Does granule size affect the price?
It affects handling and quality. Buyers usually specify a size range and maximum fines, and off-specification cargoes can be discounted.
How do I get a current granular sulphur price?
Send Agromer an LOI on company letterhead with quantity, specification, destination port and Incoterm. Offers are made to corporate direct buyers only.
What is the price of sulfur granules per kg?
Bulk granular sulphur is traded per tonne. Dividing a bulk tonne price by 1,000 gives a per-kilogram figure, but small retail packs cost much more per kilogram.