Moroccan fertilizer producer OCP received 8.3mn t of sulphur last year, marking the first time yearly imported volumes have risen above 7.2mn t and reflecting OCP's growing sulphur demand.
OCP's sulphur requirements have risen on the back of additional sulphur burning capacity coming on line. OCP started ramping up its newest burner in December, which is expected to consume 550,000 t/yr of sulphur at capacity. OCP also launched a 417,000 t/yr burner in the second quarter of 2024.
- Overall imports in 2024 climbed by 1.83mn t on the year with Kazakh deliveries accounting for just under half of the market share, against 33pc of the market share a year earlier.
- Kazakh receipts totalled 4.1mn t, nearly doubling on the previous year, latest GTT data show. The surge in Kazakh shipments reflects a change in trade flows. OCP favoured Kazakh sulphur because of the shorter sailing time as Middle East origin cargoes were diverted from the Red Sea route, often needing to sail via the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, which boosted freight costs. Additionally, the Brazilian market has drawn in less Kazakh sulphur in recent years, leaving north Africa as the main market.
- Saudi receipts were up by 58pc at 915,000t, as OCP imported more crushed lump and granular combination cargoes last year to cut down on material costs.
- The UAE remained a key supplier for Morocco, shipping 2.5mn t and accounting for 31pc of the market share.
- In contrast, Polish deliveries dropped by 219,700t to just over 100,000t imported over the year, as growing demand from European consumers drew in more Polish sulphur.
- Deliveries from the US dipped by 212,000t on the previous year, with more US product remaining onshore as sulphur production has been constrained by lighter slates and refinery closures.
Moroccan sulphur demand is expected to be higher again this year, with the latest sulphur burner still in ramp-up phase. A turn toward receiving more Middle East product could also be possible to feed growing demand.
| Moroccan sulphur imports | '000t | ||
| Country | Dec-24 | Jan-Dec 24 | Jan-Dec 23 |
| UAE | 281 | 2,541 | 2,541 |
| Kazakhstan | 172 | 4,058 | 2,130 |
| Saudi Arabia | 148 | 915 | 580 |
| Poland | 0 | 100 | 320 |
| US | 38 | 38 | 250 |
| Qatar | 53 | 208 | 263 |
| Kuwait | 53 | 231 | 153 |
| Spain | 0 | 148 | 145 |
| Other | 0 | 52 | 70 |
| Total | 744 | 8,290 | 6,452 |
| — customs data | |||
