Three dimensions of sulphuric acid: three-dimensional molecular geometry, its physical state properties, and its chemical, reactive roles. The reactive role of Sulphuric acid is felt in the present day trade deficits reported in many countries. India’s Sulphuric acid production is going through turbulence due to the disruptions in the import of Sulphur.

India faced a trade deficit in sulphur, exporting $94.8M while importing $234M in 2024, marking a net trade gap of roughly -$139M. The import of sulphur is affected in the current scenario of geopolitical conflicts and war tensions.

Sulphuric acid is a common chemical name in the school laboratories as well as the chemical industries. It is used as an electrolyte in Lead acid batteries that power the automobiles and UPS in many segments including households.

Sulfuric acid is a key substance in the chemical industry. It is most commonly used in fertilizer manufacture but is also important in mineral processing, oil refining, wastewater treating, and chemical synthesis. It has a wide range of end applications, including in domestic acidic drain cleaners, as an electrolyte in lead-acid batteries, as a dehydrating compound, and in various cleaning agents.

Indian Sulphur Import and Export

According to OEC data, India exported $94.8M of Sulphur, making it the 12nd largest exporter of Sulphur(out of 107) in the world. During the same year, Sulphur were the 440th most exported product (out of 1,220) in India. In 2024, the main destinations of India’s Sulphur exports were: China ($73.9M), Indonesia ($10.4M), United States ($3.33M), Brazil ($1.92M), and South Africa ($1.09M).

Imports

In 2024, India imported $234M of Sulphur, becoming the 5th largest importer of Sulphur (out of 163) in the world. During the same year, Sulphur were the 296th most imported product (out of 1,211) in India. In 2024, India imported Sulphur primarily from: Qatar ($67.2M), United Arab Emirates ($65.8M), Oman ($48.8M), Saudi Arabia ($21.4M), and Kuwait ($18.4M).

Indian Sulphuric Acid Market

Major sulphuric acid manufacturers in India include large-scale producers like Trident, Bodal Chemicals, IFFCO, GSFC, Hindustan Copper Ltd, and Aarti Industries. These manufacturers serve industrial, fertilizer, and pharmaceutical sectors, offering various grades (industrial, LR/AR). Key production hubs are located in Gujarat, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

Market Positioning in one month

Current Trends in Indian Sulphuric Acid Market

According to Times of India, Industrial bodies have raised alarm over a potential shortage of sulphuric acid in the coming weeks, cautioning that the ongoing conflict in West Asia had disrupted sulphur supply chains from the Middle East that could affect key manufacturing segments like fertilisers, chemicals, metal processing and textiles.

Conclusions

Sulphuric Acid, the common chemical name is entering the highly acidic and corrosive market to yield fluctuations in the manufacturing capacity of Indian industries. There is a great need to enhance the supply chain of sulphur in the Indian market.