economy
May 11, 2026
Middle East conflict causes shortage of global sulfuric acid supplies
A large chunk of the world’s sulfur comes from Persian Gulf oil refineries and gas plants and has been choked off at the Strait of Hormuz
TL;DR
- Sulfuric acid is a key component in producing phosphate fertilizers, metal leaching, pulp production, steel pickling, leather tanning, and rubber vulcanization.
- A significant portion of global sulfur originates from Persian Gulf oil refineries and gas plants, with access choked off at the Strait of Hormuz.
- China's restrictions on sulfuric acid exports, due to its status as the world's largest producer, have increased prices and reduced availability.
- A military operation by the US and Israel against Iran led to Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz to ships associated with those nations and their backers.
- Despite a ceasefire and subsequent talks in Islamabad, the US and Iran have been unable to reach a long-term settlement due to disagreements.
- The US announced an extension of the ceasefire, but Iran stated it would not recognize a unilateral extension and would act in its own interests.