China halts sulphuric acid exports in reported May ban
Updated
Updated · The Star Online · May 2
China halts sulphuric acid exports in reported May ban
14 articles · Updated · The Star Online · May 2
The move could remove at least 3 million tonnes from seaborne supply after China, which accounts for about 23% of global exports, already cut January-March shipments by 50% year on year.
Analysts say buyers in fertiliser, battery manufacturing and mining are struggling to replace Chinese supply as Gulf war disruption and the Strait of Hormuz blockage have already tightened the market and lifted prices.
Spot prices have climbed to nearly 1,800 yuan a tonne from below 1,000 in January, and the restriction may last through end-2026 as Beijing prioritises fertiliser output, strategic materials and domestic stockpiles.
As China weaponizes a key chemical, how will Western nations secure their industrial and food supply chains?
With China's acid ban crippling metal supplies, what can prevent a collapse of the global EV and battery industries?
Global Supply Shock: China’s May 2026 Sulphuric Acid Export Ban and Its Impact on Copper, Fertilizers, and Food Security
Overview
In May 2026, China banned exports of smelter-derived sulphuric acid, removing 3 million tonnes from the global market amid a sulfur supply disruption caused by the US-Israel-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. This ban prioritized China's domestic food security and battery mineral processing needs but triggered a severe shortage impacting Chile's copper mining, global fertilizer production, and battery materials like nickel and silver. Prices surged sharply worldwide, deepening food security risks and forcing countries to seek costly alternative supplies. The crisis accelerated industry adaptation through recycling and supply diversification, driving a lasting shift toward more regionalized and resilient global supply chains.