India sulfur export ban deepens critical global shortage as imports fall 26%

India has suspended sulfur exports to protect domestic fertilizer production, further tightening a seaborne market already constrained by the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The India sulfur export ban has not been formalized in any published decree, but market participants widely understand that Indian refiners cannot ship the material abroad until further notice, according to Argus Media.

The practical effect on global availability should be modest. Indian export activity had already slowed sharply from April, when the outbreak of the US-Iran war disrupted Gulf shipping. India is a net importer of the nutrient rather than a significant exporter, drawing 2.25 million metric tons in 2025 with roughly 84% sourced from the Middle East. Those imports fell 26% year on year to 698,200 metric tons over January to May.

Pressure for restrictions built through the spring. The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry pressed the chemicals and fertilizers ministry in April for a minimum six-month ban on elemental sulfur exports, and a meeting with major industry players followed.

Sulfur is the critical feedstock for phosphoric acid and therefore for DAP and single superphosphate output. Tampa contract prices hit a record $705 per metric ton in July as the shortage bit. Exporters of sulfuric acid are now watching for any extension of the restrictions, though no official notice or proposal has surfaced.

Source: World Fertilizer