Ammonium sulfate

Ammonium Sulfate Market Intelligence Report

I. Price Trends
- Recent Price Movements: Ammonium sulfate prices have exhibited a volatile downward trend recently. On July 7, 2026, the benchmark price stood at RMB 1,150.00 per ton, representing a 6.50% decline from RMB 1,230.00 per ton on July 1, and an 8.48% decrease from RMB 1,256.67 per ton on June 30.
- Regional Price Disparities: Prices vary across regions and grades. For instance, caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate in Shandong Province trades around RMB 1,230 per ton, whereas agricultural-grade ammonium sulfate is priced as low as RMB 850 per ton.

II. Supply-Demand Dynamics
- Supply Situation: Ammonium sulfate supply primarily originates from by-product recovery during caprolactam production and direct chemical synthesis. Recently, several major producers—including Hualu Hengsheng and Shandong Luxi Chemical—have implemented price reductions, reflecting relatively ample market supply.
- Demand Situation: The primary demand for ammonium sulfate stems from the agricultural sector, where it serves as a dual-nutrient (nitrogen and sulfur) fertilizer. However, domestic agricultural demand has been weak recently, compounded by the conclusion of the summer fertilizer season and reduced operating loads at small- and medium-sized fertilizer plants—leading to diminished overall demand.
- Export Performance: Ammonium sulfate export volumes have increased recently, becoming a key supporting factor for domestic prices. In May 2025, China’s ammonium sulfate exports reached 1.6328 million tons, with export value totaling USD 243.6259 million and an average export price of USD 149 per ton. Major export destinations include Brazil, Thailand, and Myanmar.

III. Market Sentiment and Outlook
- Market Sentiment: Overall market sentiment remains weak. Rapid prior price increases triggered heightened resistance to high prices domestically, while international price volatility has further dampened sentiment.
- Outlook Analysis: Given the current supply-demand balance and subdued sentiment, ammonium sulfate prices are expected to remain under downward pressure. Nevertheless, growing international demand and expanding export volumes may provide some price support.

IV. Key Influencing Factors
- International Market Prices: Fluctuations in global ammonium sulfate prices significantly impact the domestic market. Recently, CFR Brazil (caprolactam-grade) prices rose to USD 189.5–194.5 per ton—a 28% increase since the beginning of the year—creating a pronounced price premium that has stimulated export enthusiasm among domestic producers.
- Substitute Fertilizer Prices: As a substitute nitrogen fertilizer, urea’s price movements also affect the ammonium sulfate market. Recent urea price increases have strengthened the relative value proposition of ammonium sulfate, thereby expanding its substitution-driven demand.
- Policy and Environmental Regulations: Adjustments in agricultural and environmental policies worldwide continue to shape the ammonium sulfate market. For example, heightened emphasis on food security, advancement of agricultural intensification, and rising demand for sulfur-containing fertilizers are key drivers shaping long-term market development.

V. Forward Outlook
- Short-Term Forecast: In the near term, ammonium sulfate prices are expected to remain weak. However, increasing international demand and higher export volumes may help stabilize prices gradually.
- Long-Term Forecast: Looking ahead, the global ammonium sulfate market is projected to sustain growth. By 2035, the global ammonium sulfate market size is forecast to reach USD 5.7 billion, representing a cumulative increment of USD 1.2 billion over the next decade—a growth rate of 26.7%. This trajectory presents substantial development opportunities and potential for the ammonium sulfate industry.