Sulfur is a non-metallic element represented by the symbol S. It is a valuable commodity and a key component of the global economy, used in the production of a wide range of products, including fertilizers, chemicals, paints, rubber, medicines, fibers, sugar, detergents, plastics, paper, and more. Additionally, sulfur is an essential nutrient for crops, animals, and humans.

Sulfur is a naturally occurring element and ranks as the 13th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. While sulfur can be mined in its elemental form, this method has significantly declined in recent years, now accounting for less than 2% of global production. Most elemental sulfur is recovered as a by-product of oil and gas extraction.

Sulfur itself is a single element, but it can form various compounds when combined with other elements. The sulfur mined or recovered from oil and gas production is known as elemental sulfur or brimstone. Sulfur compounds, such as sulfuric acid, are produced as by-products of metal smelting, while others like sulfur dioxide are emitted from petroleum combustion or coal-burning power plants. Plants absorb sulfur from the soil primarily in the form of sulfate.

Elemental sulfur is produced globally, with the highest output occurring in regions where sour gas and oil are processed and refined, including the United States, Canada, the Former Soviet Union, and parts of West Asia.

Yes, sulfur is widely traded on the international market, with over half of global production being exported. China is the largest importer of sulfur, followed by Morocco and the United States. Canada is the leading exporter, followed by Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Sulfur is primarily used to produce sulfuric acid, the world’s most widely used chemical. Additionally, sulfur is used in aiding in production of some fertilizers, non-ferrous metals, pigments, fibers, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, personal care products, cosmetics, rubber, water treatment, and steel pickling.

Sulfur fertilizers are critical for improving crop yield and quality in sulfur-deficient soils. They enhance fertilizer efficiency and can lead to significant economic gains for producers by boosting crop performance.

Sulfur-containing fertilizers generally fall into two categories:

Sulphate-based fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate, single superphosphate (SSP), potassium sulfate, and gypsum, provide sulfur in a readily available form that plants can absorb quickly.

Elemental sulfur fertilizers are highly concentrated, but the sulfur must first be oxidized into sulfate for plants to use. Products like sulfur-bentonite granules improve the usability of elemental sulfur, allowing for easier application and faster conversion to sulfate.