China is preparing to halt exports of sulfuric acid as early as May, a move that could further strain global supply chains already under pressure from the ongoing Iran war and disruptions in key raw materials.
According to industry sources, Chinese authorities have informally notified producers about the upcoming export ban, which will primarily affect sulfuric acid generated as a by-product of copper and zinc smelting. The restriction is expected to impact major consuming industries, including metals processing and fertilizers.
The decision comes at a time when global sulfur supply has been severely disrupted due to the Iran conflict, particularly following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical trade route for energy and chemical shipments. The Middle East accounts for a significant portion of global sulfur exports, and the ongoing conflict has sharply reduced availability.
Sulfuric acid, a key industrial chemical derived from sulfur, is essential in copper leaching, fertilizer production, and various manufacturing processes. With supply already tightening, China’s move is expected to push prices higher and create shortages in key markets. Countries such as Chile, which rely heavily on Chinese sulfuric acid imports, are likely to feel immediate pressure.
The export ban also reflects Beijing’s broader strategy of prioritizing domestic industries amid global uncertainty. In recent months, China has introduced similar curbs on fertilizers and fuels to stabilize internal markets and shield its economy from external shocks caused by the war.
Analysts warn that the combination of geopolitical tensions and export restrictions could intensify volatility across commodity markets. Industries dependent on sulfuric acid—especially mining and agriculture—may face rising input costs, potentially impacting food production and metal supply chains worldwide.
As the Iran conflict continues to reshape global trade flows, China’s latest move underscores how resource nationalism and supply chain disruptions are becoming defining features of the current economic landscape.