Feb 7, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Sulphates (Excluding Those Of Aluminium And Barium) – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The UK sulphates market (excluding aluminium and barium) is forecast for modest growth, with volume projected to reach 214K tons by 2035 at a CAGR of +0.4%, and value to reach $322M at a CAGR of +1.9%. In 2024, consumption dropped sharply to 204K tons, while production was 155K tons. Imports fell dramatically to 56K tons, with Germany as the leading supplier, while average import prices surged by 405% to $1,147 per ton. Exports increased to 6.6K tons, primarily to Germany, Ireland, and Denmark.
Key Findings
Market forecast shows slight volume growth (CAGR +0.4%) to 214K tons by 2035, with stronger value growth (CAGR +1.9%) to $322M2024 consumption fell sharply to 204K tons, a -55.7% decrease from its 2018 peak of 484K tonsImports collapsed by -82.1% in 2024 to 56K tons, but average import price skyrocketed 405% to $1,147 per tonGermany is the dominant import source by volume (59%), while Belgium commands the highest import price at $12,661 per tonExports remain low at 6.6K tons in 2024, with Germany, Ireland, and Denmark as the primary destinationsMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for sulphates in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +0.4% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 214K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.9% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $322M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Sulphates (Excluding Those Of Aluminium And Barium)
In 2024, approx. 204K tons of sulphates (excluding those of aluminium and barium) were consumed in the UK; which is down by -55.7% compared with the previous year’s figure. Overall, consumption recorded a abrupt downturn. Sulphates consumption peaked at 484K tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.
The value of the sulphates market in the UK dropped to $261M in 2024, waning by -5.4% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $275M in 2023, and then contracted in the following year.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Sulphates (Excluding Those Of Aluminium And Barium)
Sulphates production in the UK reduced to 155K tons in 2024, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, production saw a slight setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2023 with an increase of 1.2%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum volume at 182K tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, sulphates production contracted slightly to $207M in 2024 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by 32%. Sulphates production peaked at $213M in 2023, and then fell slightly in the following year.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Sulphates (Excluding Those Of Aluminium And Barium)
In 2024, the amount of sulphates (excluding those of aluminium and barium) imported into the UK declined markedly to 56K tons, waning by -82.1% on the year before. Over the period under review, imports recorded a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 with an increase of 292% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at 332K tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, sulphates imports dropped to $64M in 2024. In general, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 26% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $80M in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Germany (33K tons) constituted the largest supplier of sulphates to the UK, accounting for a 59% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphates imports from Germany exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Spain (11K tons), threefold. China (3.7K tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 6.6% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Germany was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Spain (-19.0% per year) and China (-4.8% per year).
In value terms, the largest sulphates suppliers to the UK were Germany ($14M), China ($9.6M) and Spain ($7.7M), together comprising 48% of total imports. Belgium, Turkey, India, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 24%.
Among the main suppliers, Turkey, with a CAGR of +13.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average sulphates import price amounted to $1,147 per ton, surging by 405% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a prominent increase. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($12,661 per ton), while the price for Germany ($412 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+29.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Sulphates (Excluding Those Of Aluminium And Barium)
In 2024, approx. 6.6K tons of sulphates (excluding those of aluminium and barium) were exported from the UK; with an increase of 23% against the previous year. Overall, exports, however, showed a abrupt downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 24%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of 21K tons. From 2020 to 2024, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, sulphates exports skyrocketed to $9.8M in 2024. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 38% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $17M in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Exports By Country
Germany (2.4K tons), Ireland (1.2K tons) and Denmark (567 tons) were the main destinations of sulphates exports from the UK, with a combined 62% share of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Denmark (with a CAGR of +37.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Germany ($1.5M), Ireland ($1.4M) and Denmark ($1.3M) were the largest markets for sulphates exported from the UK worldwide, with a combined 43% share of total exports.
Among the main countries of destination, Denmark, with a CAGR of +52.0%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
The average sulphates export price stood at $1,485 per ton in 2024, shrinking by -3.7% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded measured growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 69%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $1,541 per ton in 2023, and then fell slightly in the following year.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($5,042 per ton), while the average price for exports to Finland ($328 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Italy (+22.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the sulphates industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the sulphates landscape in the United Kingdom.
Quick navigation
Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageProdcom 20134157 – Sulphates (excluding those of aluminium and barium)Country coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links sulphates demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of sulphates dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the sulphates market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.