Global Sulfur Market 2017-2021

Overview of the global sulfur market

The automotive industry is the major contributor to the growth of Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPVs) market and the industry uses this material for various applications. Technavio’s market research analysts have identified the increased adoption of TPV in the automotive industry as one of the primary factors that will fuel the growth of the sulfur market in the coming years. The adoption of TPV offers manufacturers various benefits in terms of design flexibility, long-term weather resistance, and reduced cost that are not available with the traditional counterparts such as rubber and EPDM. As a result, it finds its application various automotive components including instrumental panels, airbag covers, dashboard coverings, mudguards, weather seals, and door trim skin. This will drive the demand for sulfur since TPV is manufactured using the dynamic vulcanization process and sulfur is used as an accelerator and curative in the vulcanization process. Technavio’s market research analysts predict that this global market will grow at a CAGR of almost 4% by 2021.

The growing applications of sulfur in the medical and healthcare sector will be one of the key trends that will gain traction in the sulfur market during the next few years. Owing to its low toxicological profile and promising therapeutic effects, sulfur finds applications in the healthcare and medical sectors and in therapeutic applications. Various sulfur compounds such as taurine, dimethyl sulfoxide, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine are already being used in clinical applications such as congestive heart failure, cancer, diabetes, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Competitive landscape and key vendors

Owing to the presence of several international, regional and local vendors, the sulfur market is highly competitive. This market is dominated by the established players and these vendors have a huge geographical presence. Innovation, product differentiation, technology, and product pricing are some of the factors the major players in the sulfur market usually compete among themselves.

The leading vendors in the market are-

• Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
• Chemtrade Logistics
• China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)
• Enersul Limited Partnership
• Gazprom

The other vendors covered in the report are Marathon Petroleum Corporation, National Est. for Agricultural & Industrial Sulphur, Oxbow Corporation, and Royal Dutch Shell.

Segmentation by end-use and analysis of the sulfur market

• Agro-chemicals
• Chemicals and petrochemical refining
• Metal processing

During 2016, the agro-chemicals segment accounted for the major shares of the sulfur market. The application of sulfur in the production of phosphate-based fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides, is the major factors contributing to the growth of this market segment.

Segmentation by geography and analysis of the sulfur market

• APAC
• Europe
• North America
• ROW

This market study estimates that in terms of geographic regions, APAC will be the major revenue contributor to the sulfur element market throughout the forecast period. China is the dominant player in this region and the country is focusing on the development of its chemical industry. The presence of major agricultural markets such as India, China, Japan, Australia, and Japan that account for a considerable share of the total sulfur production will drive the market’s growth prospects in this region.

Key questions answered in the report include

• What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2021?
• What are the key factors driving the global sulfur market?
• What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global sulfur market?
• What are the challenges to global sulfur market growth?
• Who are the key vendors in the market?
• What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global sulfur market?
• Trending factors influencing the market shares of APAC, Europe, North America, and ROW.
• What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global sulfur market? 

Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.