Ammonium sulfate is transitioning from a traditional fertilizer raw material into a globally traded, large‑scale, and higher‑value‑added product. As a fertilizer that supplies both nitrogen and sulfur, its value in boosting grain yields, improving soil health, and reducing agricultural costs is increasingly recognised by overseas markets.
The global ammonium sulfate market was valued at approximately USD 5.75 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 6.81 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% during 2025‑2030. In the first half of 2026, China’s ammonium sulfate exports continued their upward trend, with active overseas demand, particularly from Asia and Latin America – the two core export regions. Exports to RCEP member countries accounted for 40.79% of the total export value, and all major markets recorded double‑digit growth.
I. Overall Export Performance
According to customs data, China’s exports of ammonium sulfate (HS: 31022100) performed strongly in January‑June 2026:
| Indicator | Jan‑Jun 2026 | Year‑on‑Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Export value | USD 2.057 billion | + USD 772 million (+60.10%) |
| Export volume | 10.17 million tonnes | +1.34 million tonnes (+15.18%) |
| Average export price | USD 0.20/kg | +38.99% |
After the first quarter of 2026, geopolitical tensions and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz impacted global supplies of urea, ammonia, and other fertilisers, pushing up ammonium sulfate prices. In addition, as some fertiliser exports faced restrictions, overseas demand further concentrated on ammonium sulfate, contributing to a noticeable rise in China’s export prices.
II. Major Export Markets
In January‑June 2026, the top destinations for China’s ammonium sulfate exports by value were:
| Rank | Destination | Export Value (USD billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 0.388 |
| 2 | India | 0.255 |
| 3 | Australia | 0.171 |
By value tier:
| Value Tier | Number of Markets | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above USD 150 million | 4 | Brazil, India, Australia, Thailand | Account for 47.07% of total export value; high concentration, strong influence of top markets |
| USD 50‑150 million | 6 | Indonesia, Turkey, Vietnam, Mexico, etc. | Spanning Asia, Latin America, and Eurasia; stable demand with ample growth potential |
| Below USD 10 million | Over 80 | Widely distributed | Small scale but help diversify single‑market risk |
Notably, exports to India surged by 403.63% year‑on‑year in H1 2026, driven by pre‑monsoon stockpiling and fertiliser supply security policies. Additionally, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz exacerbated India’s supply pressure for sulphur and related fertilisers, increasing the demand for ammonium sulfate as an alternative source of both nitrogen and sulphur.
In H1 2026, China exported ammonium sulfate to 96 countries and regions – one more than in the same period of 2025. Over 70% of markets recorded positive year‑on‑year growth in export value. Among the top 20 markets, six saw growth exceeding 100%.
III. Export Performance by Continent
Asia and Latin America are the main export destinations for China’s ammonium sulfate, together accounting for 79.09% of total exports. H1 2026 performance by continent:
| Continent | Export Value (USD billion) | Year‑on‑Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 1.036 | +100.16% |
| Latin America | 0.591 | +16.59% |
| Oceania | 0.208 | +180.84% |
| Africa | 0.176 | +27.71% |
| North America | 0.00057 | +102.56% |
| Europe | 0.046 | -5.21% |
Regional divergence is evident:
- Asia more than doubled its already high base, becoming the core engine of overall growth.
- Latin America continued to provide stable support as a traditional major market.
- Oceania recorded the highest growth rate among all continents, emerging as the most prominent new growth market.
- Europe was the only continent with negative growth.
Overall, China’s export geography is shifting towards a structure anchored by Asia and Latin America, with Oceania and Africa as new growth poles.
IV. Exports to RCEP Countries
In H1 2026, China’s ammonium sulfate exports to RCEP member countries reached USD 839 million, up 133.05% year‑on‑year. The largest increase was to Cambodia, with a growth of 802.52%.
RCEP countries accounted for 40.79% of China’s total ammonium sulfate export value, and all member markets recorded double‑digit growth. This indicates that the RCEP bloc has become a vital anchor for China’s exports, with growth spread across multiple countries rather than relying on a single market – reflecting China’s expanding market coverage and supply influence in the Asia‑Pacific region.
V. Major Exporting Provinces/Cities
In January‑June 2026, the top exporting provinces/cities by value were:
| Rank | Province/City | Export Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fujian | 21.71% |
| 2 | Hubei | 15.53% |
| 3 | Shandong | 12.57% |
| 4 | Hebei | 12.05% |
| 5 | Jiangsu | 9.15% |
| 6 | Yunnan | 7.65% |
| 7 | Shanghai | 4.20% |
| 8 | Tianjin | 3.28% |
| 9 | Zhejiang | 1.98% |
| 10 | Anhui | 1.93% |
The top five provinces together accounted for 71.01% of total export value.
China’s ammonium sulfate exports show a high degree of regional concentration, driven by two factors:
- Industrial bases in Hubei, Shandong, Hebei, and Jiangsu provide stable supply sources and scale.
- Trading ports in Fujian, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang facilitate consolidation and export logistics.
- Yunnan leverages its geographical advantage and cross‑border corridors to serve Southeast Asian and South Asian markets.
VI. Key Global Consumer Markets – Characteristics
| Market Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Asia‑Pacific | Largest global consumer market, with China, India, and Southeast Asia dominating due to intensive agriculture; stable demand, fragmented markets, price‑sensitive, diverse crops |
| Latin America | Global growth engine; Brazil has become the world’s most important import and consumption market; large scale, dominated by granular products, concentrated procurement, price‑sensitive |
| North America | Mature, high‑quality market; stable scale, technology‑oriented, high quality requirements, suitable for granular, industrial, and differentiated products |
| Europe | Mature and stable; highly regulated, mature demand with constrained growth; competition based on quality, compliance, stability, and sustainability |
| Africa | Emerging market with significant long‑term growth potential; countries like South Africa and Nigeria show notable demand increases |
VII. Industry Chain Overview
Upstream – Raw materials: Includes ammonia, ammonia gas, sulphuric acid, gypsum, phosphogypsum, etc. Key players: Fujian Shenyuan, Hubei Sanning Chemical, Yuntianhua, Hubei Yihua, Luxi Chemical, Hualu Hengsheng, Xinyangfeng, etc.
Midstream – Manufacturing: Main product forms: crystalline ammonium sulfate and granular ammonium sulfate. Key players: Hubei Sanning, Fujian Shenyuan, Sinopec Baling Petrochemical, China Xuyang Group, etc.
Downstream – Applications: Agriculture is the dominant application, with additional uses in textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, etc.
VIII. Future Trends
1. Export volume to continue growing, but with regional volatility
China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of ammonium sulfate. Total exports are expected to keep rising, but growth will not be linear. International fertiliser prices, freight costs, raw material costs, domestic export policies, and agricultural cycles in importing countries will cause monthly fluctuations in both volume and price.
2. Market concentration alongside diversification
Asia and Latin America will remain core markets, while Africa and the Middle East are likely to become new growth areas. Companies will shift from “heavy concentration on major markets” to a balanced approach of “stabilising core markets + developing emerging ones”.
3. Upgrading export products from low‑cost to high‑quality
With China’s growing capability in extruded granular production, the share of granular products, low‑moisture grades, custom‑sized particles, and products suitable for blending is expected to increase. Exporters will move from selling standard by‑products to offering comprehensive solutions covering “specification + packaging + application advice + logistics”.
4. Growing importance of policy and trade risks
In 2026, the global fertiliser market is affected by geopolitical conflicts, energy prices, sulphur supply, and shipping route changes, increasing uncertainty in international prices and transport costs. At the same time, importing countries are tightening requirements on fertiliser registration, heavy metal limits, labelling, traceability, and environmental standards. Companies will place greater emphasis on balancing volume, profitability, and risk management.
IX. Recommendations for Companies
Based on H1 2026 data, Asia and Latin America together account for over 70% of China’s ammonium sulfate exports.
- For Latin American markets (especially Brazil): Focus on granular product supply. Enhance cost‑performance and connect with large local procurement channels to seize scale opportunities, then replicate the approach to other Latin American countries.
- For Southeast Asia: Continue to consolidate the core Asian advantage, secure export shares, and build a clear, adaptable global market presence.
In addition, South America, Oceania, West Africa, North America, Southern Europe, and North Africa are also important target regions. Companies should select suitable areas based on their product positioning and production capacity to gradually diversify away from over‑reliance on any single market.
Priority target markets include: Brazil, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Nigeria, Malaysia, the Philippines, Uruguay, New Zealand, Ukraine, among others.
Population growth, food security, and the need for agricultural intensification ensure that global fertiliser demand remains fundamentally rigid. China is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of ammonium sulfate, with clear scale advantages. The long‑term fundamentals of its ammonium sulfate export industry remain sound. In the future, the companies that succeed in transitioning from “scale expansion” to “quality and efficiency” will gain the upper hand in industry consolidation.
