Reports have surfaced of a ban on sulphuric acid exports from China effective in May, worsening a supply squeeze from Gulf conflicts. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blocked since military strikes began on February 28, stalling shipments from a region accounting for a quarter of global production.
A military conflict in the Gulf initially squeezed sulphuric acid supplies, with the effective blockage of the Strait of Hormuz stalling shipments from the region—which accounts for a quarter of global production—since strikes began on February 28. Prices have risen as a result.
Reports then emerged of an export ban on sulphuric acid from China to take effect in May. The country accounted for 45 per cent of the nearly 10 million tonnes shipped from Asia last year and about 23 per cent of global exports.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity data platform, China’s sulphuric acid export value reached US$290 million last year, with main destinations including Chile, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and India. In 2024, the value was US$349 million, with the United States among top importers.
Analysts said the move would have “significant implications” for the chemical’s global supply and prices, showing China has quietly become a “linchpin” in the trade of sulphuric acid and other critical metals and chemicals. Foreign firms fear more halts.
