Saint Petersburg State University of Economics
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sulfur, as a key element of the global chemical and agrochemical industries, plays an important role in the global economy, especially in the production of fertilizers that ensure food security. Russia, as one of the leading sulfur producers, faces challenges in supply logistics in the context of sanctions pressure that began in 2022. This necessitates an analysis of the factors affecting the production, consumption, pricing and logistics of sulfur, as well as an assessment of Russia's role in the global market. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of sanctions pressure on sulfur logistics, including an assessment of the restructuring of export routes and their economic consequences. Key factors influencing sulfur production (hydrocarbon production volumes, environmental standards, processing technologies) and consumption (demand for fertilizers, metallurgy, chemical industry) are identified. Pricing factors are identified, including dependence on prices for phosphate fertilizers, the cost of hydrocarbons and logistics. The economic efficiency of sulfur supplies will be determined by the balance between transportation costs and the selling price of sulfur in target markets. During periods of low world prices, while logistics costs remain high, many companies will be forced to optimize production volumes or seek domestic sales outlets to avoid accumulation of surpluses.
sulfur, supply logistics, sanctions pressure, world market, sulfur production, sulfur export
1. Current state of production and use of sulfur in Russia / D. A. Skripunov, O. E. Filatova, M. N. Alekhina, N. E. Vlasova // Chemical industry today. – 2014. – No. 12. – P. 6-14. – EDN TFUBQX.
2. Aula L. et al. World sulfur use efficiency for cereal crops //Agronomy Journal. – 2019. –V. 111. – No. 5. – P. 2485-2492. – DOI https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2019.02.0095
3. Mudahar M. Fertilizer sulfur and food production. – Springer Science & Business Media, 2013.
4. Voloshina, O. A. Sulfur production and market in the CIS countries / O. A. Voloshina // Mineral resources of Russia. Economy and management. – 2011. – No. 4. – P. 68-73. – EDN OBVCGP.
5. Mining encyclopedia. Sulfur industry. [Electronic resource]. - Access mode: http://mining-enc.ru/s/sernaya-promyshlennost/ (date of access: 01/05/2025)
6. Review of the sulfur market in Russia, the EAEU and the world [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: http://infomine/ru/download.php?url=/upload/iblock/9d3 (date of access: 01/05/2025)
7. Kutney G. Sulfur: history, technology, applications and industry. – Elsevier, 2023.
8. Global demand for sulfur will grow steadily until 2036 – Argus [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: https://www.finmarket.ru/news/5941439 (date of access: 01/05/2025)
9. Official website of Argus Sulfur Analytics [Electronic resource]. - argusmedia.ru – Access mode https://www.argusmedia.com/ru/solutions/products/argus-processed-phosphates-analytics (date of access: 01/05/2025)
10. Parfenov M.V. Trends in the global sulfur market and the possibility of strengthening Russia's position: specialty 08.00.14 "World Economy": dissertation for the degree of candidate of economic sciences. – Moscow, 2000. – 248 p. – EDN NLSRHX.
11. McKay H. BHP’s economic and commodity outlook. – 2021.
12. Argus Processed Phosphates Analytics. Review of raw materials markets: website. [Electronic resource]. – Access mode https:// https://www.argusmedia.com/ru/solutions/products/argus-sulphur-analytics (date of access: 05.01.2025)
13. Zaprudskaya A.A. Export deliveries of gas sulfur from Astrakhan deposits and their transport support // Transport Bulletin. – 2016. – No. 11. – P. 34-36. – EDN WYQHVT.
14. Analiticheskiy obzor Rossiyskiy rynok sery v 2017 -2033 godah. [Elektronnyy resurs].– Rezhim dostupa: http://rupec/ru/download.php?url=/upload/iblock/9d3 (data obrascheniya: 06.01.2025)
15. Chernosova N.V. Restructuring of logistics activities in the context of sanctions // Economy: yesterday, today, tomorrow. – 2022. – Vol. 12, No. 10-1. – P. 270-276. – DOIhttps://doi.org/10.34670/AR.2022.32.64.030. – EDN TJDJFY.
16. Analytical review Russian sulfur market in 2017-2033. [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: http://rupec/ru/download.php?url=/upload/iblock/9d3 (date accessed: 06.01.2025)
