Sulfur Dioxide Global Market Report 2025

The sulfur dioxide market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $5.89 billion in 2024 to $6.08 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increasing demand for fertilizers, the growth of the chemical industry, particularly in the production of detergents and soaps, rise in demand for food preservation and packaging, growth of the textile industry, particularly in the production of synthetic fibers, and increasing demand for sulfur dioxide as a byproduct of crude oil refining and natural gas processing.

The sulfur dioxide market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.07 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for sustainable fertilizers, growing need for food security and food preservation, rise of the electric vehicle industry, growing demand from biotechnology industry, increasing demand for renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and growing demand for personal care products. Major trends in the forecast period include adoption of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, adoption of sustainable production methods, emergence of new applications, such as the use of sulfur dioxide in fuel cells and hydrogen production, and development of new technologies, such as membrane separation and electrochemical reduction.

The forecast of 3.9% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.6% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by disrupting chemical manufacturing and food preservation industries, as tariffs on Canadian and Chilean supplies reduce availability and increase prices. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The sulfur dioxide market is anticipated to experience growth due to the increasing demand for fertilizer. Fertilizer plays a crucial role in providing essential nutrients to soil for optimal plant growth and development. With urbanization and a decline in agricultural labor, there is a growing need for more efficient farming practices, including the heightened use of fertilizers to enhance crop yields. Fertilizers containing sulfuric acid are particularly effective in supplying plants with sulfur, a vital nutrient, and in acidifying alkaline soils to improve nutrient availability and promote plant health. For instance, a report from the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) projected a 3% increase in global fertilizer consumption (N + P2O5 + K2O) to 191.5 million metric tons (Mt) in fiscal year 2023, with a further 2% rise to 195.4 Mt expected in FY 2024. Therefore, the rising demand for fertilizers is driving the sulfur dioxide market.

Leading companies in the sulfur dioxide market are prioritizing the development of innovative technologies, such as cloud-connected gas detection solutions, to enhance monitoring capabilities, ensure data accuracy, and streamline regulatory compliance efforts. These solutions detect sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas in the air and transmit data to a cloud-based platform for monitoring and analysis. For example, Drägerwerk AG & Co. launched the X-am 2800 in September 2022, a mobile gas detector that integrates with Dräger's Gas Detection Connect cloud solution to improve safety in the tunneling industry. The device, equipped with a robust CatEX sensor, is designed for use in explosive gas environments and features integrated Bluetooth connectivity for real-time data transfer to the cloud platform.

In May 2022, WeylChem International GmbH acquired INEOS sulfur Chemicals Spain S.L.U. from INEOS Enterprises, aiming to strengthen its position as a leading provider of advanced intermediates and reagents across Europe. This acquisition combines manufacturing expertise and technical reliability to enhance production capabilities. INEOS sulfur Chemicals Spain S.L.U. is a Spain-based provider of sulfur products, including sulfuric acid, oleum, and sulfur dioxide.

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a chemical compound comprising one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms. It exists as a colorless gas with a sharp, pungent odor and exhibits high solubility in water. Naturally, SO₂ is emitted by volcanic activity, while industrial processes, notably the combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels and the smelting of sulfide ores, also contribute to its production.

The primary forms of sulfur dioxide are gases and liquids. In its gaseous state, sulfur dioxide is a colorless, toxic gas with a pungent odor, commonly generated by volcanic eruptions and industrial activities such as fossil fuel combustion and ore smelting. Its applications encompass a wide range, including use as preservatives, in winemaking, as reducing agents, refrigerants, bleaching agents, food additives, and others. These applications cater to various industries such as chemicals, textiles, food and beverages, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, among others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The escalating U.S. tariffs and rising trade tensions in spring 2025 are expected to significantly affect the chemicals sector, which is facing a disproportionate impact - particularly from tariffs on petrochemicals and intermediates, where affordable domestic alternatives are limited. Specialty chemical producers, who rely heavily on Chinese raw materials, are encountering production disruptions. Meanwhile, fertilizer manufacturers are seeing their profit margins squeezed due to tariffs on phosphate imports. In response, companies are increasing investments in R&D for bio-based alternatives, forming procurement alliances to strengthen purchasing power, and relocating production to tariff-neutral countries like Saudi Arabia.

The sulfur dioxide market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides sulfur dioxide market statistics, including sulfur dioxide industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an sulfur dioxide market share, detailed sulfur dioxide market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the sulfur dioxide industry. This sulfur dioxide market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Major companies operating in the sulfur dioxide market are Royal Dutch Shell plc, BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Nutrien Ltd., Linde plc, Air Liquide S.A., INEOS Group, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Andersons Inc, Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Arkema SA, Israel Chemicals Limited, LANXESS AG, Tosoh Corporation, Agilent Technologies Inc., Solvay SA, PerkinElmer Inc., Sigma Aldrich Chemicals Pvt Ltd., Shimadzu Corporation, Hydrite Chemical Co., PVS Chemicals Solutions Inc., Thatcher Chemical Co., Calibration Technologies, LLC, Toshniwal Systems And Instruments Pvt Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the sulfur dioxide market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the sulfur dioxide market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the sulfur dioxide market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The sulfur dioxide market consists of sales of sulfuric acid, sodium bisulfite, and sulfites. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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