The escalating conflict in the Middle East is directly impacting China's access to sulphur, a critical raw material for fertiliser production, just as the country enters its vital spring planting season. With China sourcing a large portion of its sulphur from the Persian Gulf, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is already driving up prices and tightening supplies, posing risks for global fertiliser and chemical buyers.
Supply-chain impact
China relies on imports for 47% of its sulphur supply, according to a December report by Guosen Securities. More than half of those imports come from six Persian Gulf nations, which ship goods through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's declaration of the waterway as closed to commercial shipping amid its war with the United States and Israel has sent freight costs soaring, directly squeezing China's sulphur availability.
Fertiliser price signals
Allan Pickett, executive director for fertilisers research at S&P Global Energy, noted that the price of fertiliser delivered in mainland China averaged US$520 per tonne in January and February. Prices were already rising as the northern hemisphere's main planting season began, and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could drive them even higher, he added.
What buyers should watch
Overseas importers and distributors of sulphur, phosphate fertilisers, and related chemicals should monitor China's spot purchasing activity closely. As Chinese buyers scramble for alternative sources, global sulphur prices may face upward pressure. Buyers reliant on Persian Gulf supply routes should assess inventory buffers and explore alternative sourcing from Canada, Russia, or Kazakhstan to mitigate disruption risks.
China sourcing context
China is the world's largest grain producer, consuming vast quantities of fertilisers and agrichemicals each year. Sulphur is a key ingredient in phosphate fertilisers and pesticides, as well as a range of other chemical products. The current disruption underscores China's vulnerability to Middle East supply routes and may accelerate its push for supply diversification.
Source: Read the original report | Published: March 08, 2026