China has announced that it will halt exports of sulfuric acid starting in May 2026, a move expected to tighten global supply and push up prices for fertilizers and several industrial products. The decision, conveyed through official and trade channels on 10 April 2026, is aimed at prioritizing domestic demand, especially for phosphate‑fertilizer production and key downstream industries, as January–February 2026 export volumes were already sharply lower than a year earlier.
Sulfuric acid is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals in the world. It is essential for manufacturing phosphate fertilizers, which are critical for global food production, and also plays a central role in metal processing, oil refining, textile production, battery manufacturing and chemical synthesis. Because of its extreme reactivity and low cost, sulfuric acid sits at the core of many industrial supply chains, meaning disruptions to its availability can quickly affect prices and output in agriculture, energy, automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Under the new policy, Chinese producers will be barred from exporting sulfuric acid once the May cutoff takes effect, with only limited special‑license exceptions. The move follows months of tightening export quotas and broader Chinese controls on phosphate fertilizers and related raw materials, which are already scheduled to remain in place at least through August 2026 in some categories. Global buyers are therefore likely to face tighter supply and higher costs, especially in regions that have relied on Chinese sulfuric acid and phosphate‑linked products.
Key highlights
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China to stop sulfuric acid exports in May.
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Sulfuric acid vital for fertilizer production.
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Used in fertilizers, metals, oil refining.
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Exports to end to secure domestic supply.
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Global industries may face higher costs.