Zambia announces sulphuric acid export controls

Market: Fertilizers
01/04/26

Zambia has introduced sulphuric acid export controls to protect domestic industries.

The commerce, trade and industry ministry introduced a permit system on 27 March to manage sulphuric acid exports after prices in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo surged.

The ministry says the permits will address "a critical market imbalance" in sulphuric acid availability and protect Zambian downstream industries that use the acid as an input.

Sulphur and sulphuric acid prices in the region have risen sharply since the effective closure of the strait of Hormuz, with DRC buyers paying the highest prices. Prices for acid were indicated at around $330/t ex-works in Zambia this week, but at least $550/t ex-works in the DRC.

Mining companies are scrambling to secure sulphuric acid to remain operational, pushing up prices.

Zambia enforced a ban on sulphuric acid exports at the start of September 2025 for several weeks, with certain companies transporting sulphuric acid from South Africa through Zambia to supply the DRC, incurring significant transport costs.

Given the near-doubling of diesel prices and signs of shortages this trade is now likely to be even more challenging.

The permit system may also be an attempt to keep trucks in Zambia, where they will use fuel for domestic deliveries, market participants said.

By Fenella Rhodes

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