HS Code:
Ammonium sulfate, along with double salts and mixtures of ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate (HS Code: 3102.21 and 3102.29), are key nitrogenous fertilizers widely used in agriculture to provide essential nutrients to crops. Ammonium sulfate offers both nitrogen and sulfur, making it particularly valuable for crops that require these elements, such as rice, wheat, and certain vegetables. These products are also used in industrial applications, including water treatment and as a component in fire extinguishers. Global trade in this category is driven by agricultural demand, soil nutrient deficiencies, and regional production capacities.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $3.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$900 million USD
25.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$600 million USD
17.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$450 million USD
12.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$300 million USD
8.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$250 million USD
7.1% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic fertilizer industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand for sulfur-containing fertilizers
Increased trade volumes as sulfur-deficient soils become more prevalent globally due to reduced industrial emissions and intensive farming practices.
2020-2022
Shift towards sustainable agriculture
Growing preference for ammonium sulfate over other nitrogen fertilizers due to lower environmental impact and dual nutrient supply, boosting exports from major producers.
2021-2023
Geopolitical disruptions affecting supply chains
Sanctions on Russia and Belarus, key fertilizer exporters, have led to supply shortages and price volatility, redirecting trade flows to alternative suppliers like China.
2022-2023
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 10-15% on ammonium sulfate imports from China to protect domestic producers from underpriced competition.
June 2023
Expected to reduce Chinese exports to the EU, potentially increasing market share for Russian and US suppliers in the short term.
Ongoing conflict has led to reduced exports of ammonium sulfate and related products from Russia, a major global supplier, causing price spikes and supply chain reconfigurations.
February 2022 - Ongoing
Increased costs for importing countries, with some turning to alternative suppliers in Asia and North America.
Vietnam and Indonesia have ramped up domestic production of ammonium sulfate to meet regional agricultural demand, reducing reliance on imports from China.
January 2023
Likely to shift trade patterns in Asia, with reduced import volumes from traditional exporters in the region.