Sulfur exports drop 33% amid Strait of Hormuz closure

Global sulfur exports fell by 33 percent in the first half of 2026, dropping from 13.5 million to 9 million tons. This decline has severely disrupted the production of phosphoric acid, a critical component in the fertilizer industry.

The shortage is largely attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which halted shipments from the Persian Gulf. Exports from the United Arab Emirates fell by 41 percent, while shipments from Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait each decreased by more than half.

Major industry players are responding to rising costs and limited availability by scaling back operations. Mosaic has suspended parts of its production at facilities in Louisiana and reduced output in Florida. Similarly, the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has lowered its 2026 phosphate production forecast and withdrawn its ammonia forecast due to supply and transport disruptions.