April market forecast for sulfuric acid

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In March, the domestic sulfuric acid market showed improvement, with growth in industries such as fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals. The increase in production across these industries heightened the demand for sulfuric acid; the average ex-plant price for 98% sulfuric acid in China was 450 yuan per ton. Productivity improved. In March, the load rate of domestic sulfuric acid production facilities was 45%, up from February’s level, but it remained at a low level. Demand for sulfuric acid is showing an upward trend, and product inventories are declining. Although sulfuric acid production remained at a low level in March, it is now showing signs of stability. Except that small manufacturing enterprises remain shut down, some large and medium-sized enterprises have begun to increase production slightly. The recovery in production in the fertilizer and pesticide industries plays an important role in the sulfuric acid industry. Raw material situation: In March, the situation regarding sulfuric acid raw materials stabilized. The average price of 30% pyrite is 200 yuan per ton, while the average price of 40% pyrite is 330 yuan per ton. The average ex-factory price of sulfur has risen to 650 yuan per ton; in the southern regions, the average ex-factory price is 700–750 yuan per ton, while in the northern regions it is 400–450 yuan per ton. Market conditions: In March, industries such as domestic fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, and textiles showed a slight recovery, which drove up demand for sulfuric acid. Inventory pressures decreased and sales conditions improved, but the slow collection of payment amounts continued to affect the normal operations of these enterprises. Sulfuric acid production and market conditions by region: In the Central China region, the operating rate of sulfuric acid production facilities remains low, with most companies using the product for their own needs. The ex-factory price of 93% sulfuric acid at Hunan Yongli Chemical is 350 yuan per ton, while the ex-factory price of 98% sulfuric acid is 390 yuan per ton. At Henan Zhongyuan, the ex-plant price for 93% sulfuric acid is 280 yuan per ton, while the ex-plant price for 98% sulfuric acid is 330 yuan per ton. In South China, the operation rate of facilities has seen a slight recovery. The ex-plant price of 93% sulfuric acid at the Shaoguan Smelting Plant in Guangdong is 300 yuan per ton, while the ex-plant price of 98% sulfuric acid is 350 yuan per ton. In North China, the equipment operation rate is 50%. Langfang Jianlong’s factory prices for sulfuric acid: the price for 93% sulfuric acid is 300 yuan per ton, 98% sulfuric acid costs 350 yuan per ton, and 105% sulfuric acid is priced at 450 yuan per ton. Northeast China: Huludao Zinc Factory in Liaoning – train transportation cost: the factory price for 93% sulfuric acid is 300 yuan per ton, while that for 98% sulfuric acid is 400 yuan per ton. Truck transportation cost: the factory price for 93% sulfuric acid is 350 yuan per ton, and for 98% sulfuric acid it is 450 yuan per ton. In the East China region, half of the enterprises in Shandong still use parking spaces for parking their vehicles or for internal use; the average price is 400 yuan per ton, with some enterprises seeing higher prices. The ex-plant price of 93% sulfuric acid at Yantai Penghui Copper Industry is 180 yuan per ton, while the ex-plant price of 98% sulfuric acid is 250 yuan per ton. In the southwest region, enterprises generally produce based on sales demand; production shutdowns have improved and prices have risen. The ex-plant price of 98% sulfuric acid produced by Guangxi Liuzhou Non-ferrous Metals is 400 yuan per ton. In the Northwest region, price changes are minimal, and prices remain at low levels; Gansu Jinchuan Group’s ex-plant price for 93% sulfuric acid is 100–150 yuan per ton, while that for 98% sulfuric acid is 130–160 yuan per ton. Market outlook: The world economy is continuing to deteriorate, with the global economy still sliding toward a bottom. Although countries around the world are trying to address the ongoing economic decline, improvement is not possible in the short term. In April, industries in China such as fertilizers, textiles, non-ferrous metals, and chemicals are likely to see a slight improvement overall, with increased production, which will be favorable for sulfuric acid production. Market demand will rise, and prices will shift from falling to a more stable level.