硫磺价格狂飙，下游行业急了

Core Viewpoint - The sulfur price surge has prompted the phosphate fertilizer and sulfuric acid industries to collaborate on supply stabilization and price control in preparation for the upcoming spring farming season [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Response - On December 18, a special meeting was held by the China Sulfuric Acid Industry Association and the China Phosphate Fertilizer Industry Association to stabilize the fertilizer supply chain [2]. - The meeting called for sulfuric acid export companies to reduce export volumes and set export prices no lower than domestic prices [2]. - The meeting was guided by the National Development and Reform Commission and involved all sulfuric acid, sulfur, sulfur iron ore production companies, and phosphate fertilizer producers [2]. Group 2: Price Trends - As of December 11, the domestic prices for sulfuric acid ranged from 850 to 1000 CNY/ton in Central China, 820 to 880 CNY/ton in Southwest China, and 940 to 1010 CNY/ton in East China [2]. - Following the meeting, some sulfuric acid producers began to lower their prices, with Shandong Shenchi Chemical Co. reducing its price by 10 CNY/ton to 913 CNY/ton [3]. - The price of sulfur has recently exceeded 4000 CNY/ton, marking a historical high compared to a low of less than 1000 CNY/ton in the second half of last year [4]. Group 3: Cost Implications - The rising sulfur prices have significantly increased production costs for phosphate fertilizers, with estimates indicating that every 100 CNY/ton increase in sulfur price raises phosphate fertilizer production costs by approximately 45 CNY/ton [8]. - Leading phosphate fertilizer company Yuntianhua reported that the cost of producing one ton of phosphate fertilizer has risen by around 1000 CNY due to the increase in sulfur prices, leading to thin profits or even losses for some companies [8]. Group 4: Supply Chain Dynamics - China relies on imports for over 50% of its sulfur, making domestic prices closely tied to international market trends [7]. - The global supply of sulfur is tightening due to production cuts in major oil-producing regions and a shift of Russia from an exporter to a net importer of sulfur [10]. - The Chinese government is implementing policies to prioritize domestic supply of sulfuric acid to support the phosphate fertilizer industry, which is crucial for agricultural stability [14]. Group 5: Industry Initiatives - Several phosphate fertilizer companies, including Yuntianhua and Xiangyun Co., have initiated supply and price stabilization proposals since December 9 [16]. - The China Agricultural Production Materials Circulation Association and the China Phosphate Fertilizer Industry Association have recommended maintaining high operating rates for phosphate fertilizer producers and have advised against exports until August 2026 [16]. - China accounts for 30% of global phosphate fertilizer production, maintaining its position as the largest producer [16].