In December 2025, China's sulfuric acid market exhibited a stark contrast: exports soared while imports contracted significantly.

Export Market: Volume and Price Rise Simultaneously

Customs statistics reveal that sulfuric acid exports reached 525,000 metric tons in December 2025, setting a new monthly record in recent years. This represents a substantial month-on-month increase of 123.40% and a modest year-on-year rise of 1.01%. Export value simultaneously climbed to $35.6772 million, with the average export price maintaining a stable level of $67.96 per metric ton.

This robust performance stemmed from three key factors: First, international demand recovery, driven by industrial activity resurgence in emerging markets like Southeast Asia and South America, boosted demand for basic chemical raw materials. Second, domestic capacity expansion, as maintenance shutdowns concluded in the fourth quarter, restored supply capacity to high levels. Finally, price competitiveness, with Chinese sulfuric acid products maintaining strong value-for-money advantages in the international market.

Import Market: Divergence in Volume and Price

In stark contrast to the robust exports, customs data revealed that sulfuric acid imports in December 2025 totaled only 7,800 metric tons, a sharp month-on-month decline of 67.39%. While the import value reached $962,800, the average import price climbed to a high of $123.95 per ton.

This “volume-down, price-up” phenomenon stems primarily from three factors: First, as domestic sulfuric acid quality improves, import substitution is gradually occurring in certain high-end application sectors. Second, production constraints in major exporting countries have driven up international market prices. Finally, increased logistics costs, fluctuations in ocean freight rates, and exchange rate factors have elevated import expenses.

Trend Outlook

Looking ahead to 2026, the sulfuric acid trade landscape will continue to exhibit a pattern of “high exports and persistently low imports.” The industry should focus on three key areas: the impact of international environmental policies on chemical trade, shifts in sulfuric acid demand structure driven by the rise of the new energy sector, and the potential effects of RMB exchange rate fluctuations on import-export competitiveness.

If you have any inquiries or purchasing needs, please feel free to contact SunSirs with support@sunsirs.com.