硫磺市场后续走势，是先跌后涨还是单边上行？

Core Viewpoint - Sulfur prices have surged dramatically, reaching new highs and breaking historical records, driven by strong external market influences and increased demand from the downstream phosphate fertilizer industry [1][2][4]. Group 1: Price Trends - As of December 5, 2025, sulfur prices have more than doubled compared to the beginning of the year, with major producers like Shandong Shenchi and Dongming Petrochemical raising prices to 4180 CNY/ton and 4350 CNY/ton respectively [3][4]. - The price increase is attributed to strong external market performance, with Qatar's sulfur contract price rising significantly, leading to higher import costs for China [4]. - Despite high port inventories of 2.2028 million tons, the market sentiment remains bullish, with 71% of surveyed participants expecting further price increases [4][5]. Group 2: Demand and Supply Dynamics - The phosphate fertilizer sector is recovering, with production capacity utilization rates for monoammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate improving, providing support for sulfur prices [6]. - However, rising sulfur prices are squeezing profit margins for major fertilizer companies like Yuntianhua, which reported a 21.88% decline in revenue due to increased production costs [7]. - The market is expected to maintain high price levels through early 2026, driven by seasonal demand for spring planting and limited supply growth [9]. Group 3: Market Outlook - Analysts predict that while there may be short-term price corrections due to year-end inventory adjustments, the long-term outlook for sulfur prices remains bullish, with potential peaks as high as 5000 CNY/ton [6][9]. - The market is characterized by a cautious approach from end-users and traders, who may refrain from aggressive purchasing at record high prices [8]. - The supply side is expected to remain tight, with no new domestic production facilities and limited import growth due to cost pressures [9].