Strait of Hormuz closure cuts global sulfur exports by 33 percent

In the first half of 2026, global elementary sulfur exports shrank from 13.5 million to 9 million tons — a 33 percent drop — after the Strait of Hormuz closure virtually halted shipments from the Persian Gulf. The region previously accounted for nearly half of world sulfur trade. The shortages are hurting phosphate fertilizer production, forcing processors from the USA to Brazil to scale back output.

Similar stories

📈 Business Gulf states accelerate infrastructure investment as Iran conflict reshapes trade routes Rzeczpospolita · 21d ago 🌍 World War, drought and trade feuds batter global breadbaskets: food prices under threat NYT World · 27d ago 🌍 World Only four ships passed through Strait of Hormuz; 130 daily before conflict Bankier.pl · 1d ago