Sulfur And Sulfuric Acid Sold Or Used In The United States, By End Use

This dataset provides a detailed breakdown of sulfur and sulfuric acid consumption and sales in the United States, categorized by various industrial end uses. The figures, expressed in thousand metric tons of sulfur content, distinguish between elemental sulfur and sulfuric acid usage, highlighting their respective roles across sectors such as mining, chemical manufacturing, agriculture, and petroleum refining. This information is critical for understanding the economic and industrial significance of sulfur compounds, which are essential raw materials in fertilizer production, metal processing, chemical synthesis, and environmental applications. Tracking these trends helps policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers assess supply chain dynamics, forecast demand, and make informed decisions regarding resource management and industrial planning.

Analysis of the most recent data reveals that the total sulfur and sulfuric acid used or sold in the U.S. slightly decreased from 12,200 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 11,800 thousand metric tons in 2023. Phosphatic fertilizers remain the dominant end use, accounting for 5,430 thousand metric tons of sulfur equivalent in 2023, though this represents a decline from 5,780 thousand metric tons the previous year. Nitrogenous fertilizers also saw a notable reduction, dropping from 185 to 143 thousand metric tons. In contrast, other agricultural chemicals experienced a modest increase from 866 to 903 thousand metric tons. The petroleum refining sector maintained relatively stable sulfur usage, with a slight increase in elemental sulfur from 2,710 to 2,720 thousand metric tons and a marginal decrease in sulfuric acid from 336 to 334 thousand metric tons. Some categories, such as inorganic pigments and synthetic rubber, had withheld data or minimal usage, indicating either proprietary considerations or limited consumption. Overall, these trends suggest a gradual shift in sulfur demand within key industrial sectors, reflecting changes in production practices, regulatory environments, and market conditions.