The insoluble sulfur market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.07 billion in 2024 to $1.13 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to demand from tire manufacturing, automotive industry growth, focus on rubber quality, global economic trends, raw material availability.
The insoluble sulfur market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.41 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to green initiatives in rubber industry, rise in automotive production, advancements in vulcanization processes, shift towards high-performance rubber products, stringent environmental regulations. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand in end-use industries, technological advancements in production, global economic factors, market consolidation and strategic alliances, fluctuations in raw material prices.
The insoluble sulfur market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.35 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to green initiatives within the rubber industry, an increase in automotive production, advancements in vulcanization processes, a shift towards high-performance rubber products, and the enforcement of stringent environmental regulations. Major trends expected in this period include rising demand in end-use industries, technological advancements in production processes, the influence of global economic factors, market consolidation, strategic alliances, and fluctuations in raw material prices.
The growing number of on-road vehicles is anticipated to drive the growth of the insoluble sulfur market in the future. On-road vehicles refer to self-propelled automobiles designed for road use. Insoluble sulfur is a crucial raw material in tire manufacturing, as it enhances tire quality, durability, and resistance to aging and fatigue. Consequently, the rising number of on-road vehicles is expected to fuel the demand for insoluble sulfur. For example, in June 2023, the UK’s Department for Transport reported that by the end of December 2022, there were over 1.1 million licensed plug-in vehicles on the road, comprising 2.8% of all vehicles. Additionally, the UK had 40.7 million licensed vehicles in total, reflecting a 1% increase from December 2021. Thus, the growing number of on-road vehicles is driving the insoluble sulfur market forward.
The rising demand from the tire industry is anticipated to drive the growth of the insoluble sulfur market in the coming years. The tire industry encompasses the design, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of tires for a range of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and specialty vehicles. Insoluble sulfur is used in the tire industry to enhance the durability and performance of rubber compounds, improving resistance to heat, aging, and weathering in tires. For example, in August 2023, Tire Grades, a U.S.-based website offering information on automotive tires, reported that 300 million tires are sold annually in the U.S. Therefore, the increasing demand from the tire industry is expected to propel the growth of the insoluble sulfur market.
Leading companies in the insoluble sulfur market are focusing on establishing new production facilities to meet the rising demand from the rubber and tire manufacturing sectors, where insoluble sulfur plays a crucial role in enhancing the strength, durability, and heat resistance of rubber products. This additive is vital in the rubber industry, improving the performance of rubber-based items such as tires, belts, and hoses by boosting vulcanization efficiency and minimizing blooming during storage. For example, in October 2022, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Ltd., a Singapore-based company, initiated two major projects: the Continuous Production of High-Quality MBT (Phase 1 Project) and the Insoluble Sulfur (Phase 2 Project), each with a 60,000-ton annual production capacity. The MBT project aims to provide a key intermediate for various rubber accelerators, supporting more efficient and sustainable rubber manufacturing, especially in tire production. The Insoluble Sulfur Phase 2 Project will deliver essential vulcanization agents to enhance the strength, durability, and heat resistance of rubber products, extending the lifespan and performance of tires and other industrial applications like adhesives, sealants, and coatings.
Leading companies in the insoluble sulfur market are advancing their production facilities to improve product quality, boost output, and meet the growing demand from the tire and rubber industries. These specialized facilities incorporate several critical processes to ensure that insoluble sulfur meets the necessary quality, stability, and performance standards for industrial use, particularly in rubber and tire applications. For example, in July 2022, Shikoku Chemicals Corporation, a Japan-based chemical company, invested $32.8 million to establish new insoluble sulfur production facilities. These facilities are anticipated to considerably expand Shikoku's production capacity of insoluble sulfur, a key component in enhancing tire durability and performance through the vulcanization process. Production is set to commence in December 2024.
In May 2022, WeylChem International GmbH, a Germany-based chemical manufacturer, acquired INEOS Sulfur Chemicals Spain SLU from Ineos Group Limited for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables WeylChem to strengthen its sulfur chemicals portfolio by incorporating Spain's largest dedicated manufacturer of sulfuric acid and oleum into its operations. INEOS Sulfur Chemicals Spain SLU, based in Spain, specializes in the production of sulfuric acid and oleum. Ineos Group Limited, headquartered in the UK, is a chemical company that supplies oil-filled sulfur.
Major companies operating in the insoluble sulfur market include Eastman Chemical Company, Grupa Azoty S.A., KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Limited, Nynas AB, Rongcheng Chemical General Factory, Willing New Materials Technology Co. Ltd., Oriental Carbon and Chemicals Limited, Henan Kailun Chemical Co. Ltd., Shikoku Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Lions Industries s.r.o, Tianjin Kemai Chemical Co. Ltd., Hubei Xiangyun (Group) Chemical Co. Ltd., Zhengzhou Double Vigour Chemical Product Co. Ltd., Ningbo Actmix Rubber Chemicals Co. Ltd., Shanghai Shangyi Chemical Technology Company, Sennics Co. Ltd., Eastar Chemical Corporation, Luoyang Sunrise Industrial Co. Ltd., Weifang Jiahong Chemical Co. Ltd., Changde Dingyuan Chemical Industrial Limited, Leader Technologies Co. Ltd, Kemai Chemical Co. Ltd., Puyang Willing Chemicals Co. Ltd., Jiangxi Shengchang Technology Co. Ltd., Hebi Hengli Chemical Co. Ltd., Jingcheng Chemical (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Chongqing Huayi Chemical Co. Ltd., Jining Fortune Biotech Co. Ltd., Wuhan Jiehong International Trading Co. L.
Insoluble sulfur is a type of sulfur that does not dissolve in carbon disulfide. It improves the adhesion of rubber, prevents it from breaking apart, and enhances its resistance to heat and wear in tires.
The primary products of insoluble sulfur are non-oil-filled insoluble sulfur and oil-filled insoluble sulfur, available in regular grades, high dispersion grades, high stability grades, and special grades for various applications including tire manufacturing, footwear, industrial applications, cable and wire, pipes, and others. These products are utilized by industries such as automotive, medical, consumer goods, and others.
The insoluble sulfur market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.02 billion in 2023 to $1.08 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to demand from tire manufacturing, automotive industry growth, focus on rubber quality, global economic trends, raw material availability.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the insoluble sulfur market in 2024. The regions covered in the insoluble sulfur market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the insoluble sulfur market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The insoluble sulfur market consists of sales of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and lead sulfate (PbSO4). Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
The insoluble sulfur market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.41 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to green initiatives in rubber industry, rise in automotive production, advancements in vulcanization processes, shift towards high-performance rubber products, stringent environmental regulations. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand in end-use industries, technological advancements in production, global economic factors, market consolidation and strategic alliances, fluctuations in raw material prices.
The insoluble sulfur market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.35 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to green initiatives within the rubber industry, an increase in automotive production, advancements in vulcanization processes, a shift towards high-performance rubber products, and the enforcement of stringent environmental regulations. Major trends expected in this period include rising demand in end-use industries, technological advancements in production processes, the influence of global economic factors, market consolidation, strategic alliances, and fluctuations in raw material prices.
The growing number of on-road vehicles is anticipated to drive the growth of the insoluble sulfur market in the future. On-road vehicles refer to self-propelled automobiles designed for road use. Insoluble sulfur is a crucial raw material in tire manufacturing, as it enhances tire quality, durability, and resistance to aging and fatigue. Consequently, the rising number of on-road vehicles is expected to fuel the demand for insoluble sulfur. For example, in June 2023, the UK’s Department for Transport reported that by the end of December 2022, there were over 1.1 million licensed plug-in vehicles on the road, comprising 2.8% of all vehicles. Additionally, the UK had 40.7 million licensed vehicles in total, reflecting a 1% increase from December 2021. Thus, the growing number of on-road vehicles is driving the insoluble sulfur market forward.
The rising demand from the tire industry is anticipated to drive the growth of the insoluble sulfur market in the coming years. The tire industry encompasses the design, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of tires for a range of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and specialty vehicles. Insoluble sulfur is used in the tire industry to enhance the durability and performance of rubber compounds, improving resistance to heat, aging, and weathering in tires. For example, in August 2023, Tire Grades, a U.S.-based website offering information on automotive tires, reported that 300 million tires are sold annually in the U.S. Therefore, the increasing demand from the tire industry is expected to propel the growth of the insoluble sulfur market.
Leading companies in the insoluble sulfur market are focusing on establishing new production facilities to meet the rising demand from the rubber and tire manufacturing sectors, where insoluble sulfur plays a crucial role in enhancing the strength, durability, and heat resistance of rubber products. This additive is vital in the rubber industry, improving the performance of rubber-based items such as tires, belts, and hoses by boosting vulcanization efficiency and minimizing blooming during storage. For example, in October 2022, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Ltd., a Singapore-based company, initiated two major projects: the Continuous Production of High-Quality MBT (Phase 1 Project) and the Insoluble Sulfur (Phase 2 Project), each with a 60,000-ton annual production capacity. The MBT project aims to provide a key intermediate for various rubber accelerators, supporting more efficient and sustainable rubber manufacturing, especially in tire production. The Insoluble Sulfur Phase 2 Project will deliver essential vulcanization agents to enhance the strength, durability, and heat resistance of rubber products, extending the lifespan and performance of tires and other industrial applications like adhesives, sealants, and coatings.
Leading companies in the insoluble sulfur market are advancing their production facilities to improve product quality, boost output, and meet the growing demand from the tire and rubber industries. These specialized facilities incorporate several critical processes to ensure that insoluble sulfur meets the necessary quality, stability, and performance standards for industrial use, particularly in rubber and tire applications. For example, in July 2022, Shikoku Chemicals Corporation, a Japan-based chemical company, invested $32.8 million to establish new insoluble sulfur production facilities. These facilities are anticipated to considerably expand Shikoku's production capacity of insoluble sulfur, a key component in enhancing tire durability and performance through the vulcanization process. Production is set to commence in December 2024.
In May 2022, WeylChem International GmbH, a Germany-based chemical manufacturer, acquired INEOS Sulfur Chemicals Spain SLU from Ineos Group Limited for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables WeylChem to strengthen its sulfur chemicals portfolio by incorporating Spain's largest dedicated manufacturer of sulfuric acid and oleum into its operations. INEOS Sulfur Chemicals Spain SLU, based in Spain, specializes in the production of sulfuric acid and oleum. Ineos Group Limited, headquartered in the UK, is a chemical company that supplies oil-filled sulfur.
Major companies operating in the insoluble sulfur market include Eastman Chemical Company, Grupa Azoty S.A., KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL, China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Limited, Nynas AB, Rongcheng Chemical General Factory, Willing New Materials Technology Co. Ltd., Oriental Carbon and Chemicals Limited, Henan Kailun Chemical Co. Ltd., Shikoku Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Lions Industries s.r.o, Tianjin Kemai Chemical Co. Ltd., Hubei Xiangyun (Group) Chemical Co. Ltd., Zhengzhou Double Vigour Chemical Product Co. Ltd., Ningbo Actmix Rubber Chemicals Co. Ltd., Shanghai Shangyi Chemical Technology Company, Sennics Co. Ltd., Eastar Chemical Corporation, Luoyang Sunrise Industrial Co. Ltd., Weifang Jiahong Chemical Co. Ltd., Changde Dingyuan Chemical Industrial Limited, Leader Technologies Co. Ltd, Kemai Chemical Co. Ltd., Puyang Willing Chemicals Co. Ltd., Jiangxi Shengchang Technology Co. Ltd., Hebi Hengli Chemical Co. Ltd., Jingcheng Chemical (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Chongqing Huayi Chemical Co. Ltd., Jining Fortune Biotech Co. Ltd., Wuhan Jiehong International Trading Co. L.
Insoluble sulfur is a type of sulfur that does not dissolve in carbon disulfide. It improves the adhesion of rubber, prevents it from breaking apart, and enhances its resistance to heat and wear in tires.
The primary products of insoluble sulfur are non-oil-filled insoluble sulfur and oil-filled insoluble sulfur, available in regular grades, high dispersion grades, high stability grades, and special grades for various applications including tire manufacturing, footwear, industrial applications, cable and wire, pipes, and others. These products are utilized by industries such as automotive, medical, consumer goods, and others.
The insoluble sulfur market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.02 billion in 2023 to $1.08 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to demand from tire manufacturing, automotive industry growth, focus on rubber quality, global economic trends, raw material availability.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the insoluble sulfur market in 2024. The regions covered in the insoluble sulfur market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the insoluble sulfur market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The insoluble sulfur market consists of sales of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and lead sulfate (PbSO4). Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary2. Insoluble Sulfur Market Characteristics3. Insoluble Sulfur Market Trends and Strategies4. Insoluble Sulfur Market - Macro Economic Scenario Macro Economic Scenario Including the Impact of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics and Covid and Recovery on the Market32. Global Insoluble Sulfur Market Competitive Benchmarking and Dashboard33. Key Mergers and Acquisitions in the Insoluble Sulfur Market34. Recent Developments in the Insoluble Sulfur Market
5. Global Insoluble Sulfur Growth Analysis and Strategic Analysis Framework
6. Insoluble Sulfur Market Segmentation
7. Insoluble Sulfur Market Regional and Country Analysis
8. Asia-Pacific Insoluble Sulfur Market
9. China Insoluble Sulfur Market
10. India Insoluble Sulfur Market
11. Japan Insoluble Sulfur Market
12. Australia Insoluble Sulfur Market
13. Indonesia Insoluble Sulfur Market
14. South Korea Insoluble Sulfur Market
15. Western Europe Insoluble Sulfur Market
16. UK Insoluble Sulfur Market
17. Germany Insoluble Sulfur Market
18. France Insoluble Sulfur Market
19. Italy Insoluble Sulfur Market
20. Spain Insoluble Sulfur Market
21. Eastern Europe Insoluble Sulfur Market
22. Russia Insoluble Sulfur Market
23. North America Insoluble Sulfur Market
24. USA Insoluble Sulfur Market
25. Canada Insoluble Sulfur Market
26. South America Insoluble Sulfur Market
27. Brazil Insoluble Sulfur Market
28. Middle East Insoluble Sulfur Market
29. Africa Insoluble Sulfur Market
30. Insoluble Sulfur Market Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles
31. Insoluble Sulfur Market Other Major and Innovative Companies
35. Insoluble Sulfur Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
36. Appendix
Executive Summary
Insoluble Sulfur Global Market Report 2025 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses on insoluble sulfur market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Description
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for insoluble sulfur? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The insoluble sulfur market global report answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
- The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
- The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Scope
Markets Covered:
1) By Product: Non-Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur; Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur2) By Grade: Regular Grades; High Dispersion Grades; High Stability Grades; Special Grades
3) By Application: Tire Manufacturing; Footwear; Industrial Application; Cable and Wire; Pipe; Other Applications
4) By End-User: Automotive; Medical; Consumer Goods; Other End-Users
Subsegments:
1) By Non-Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur: Precipitated Non-Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur; Granular Non-Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur2) By Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur: Precipitated Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur; Granular Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur
Key Companies Mentioned: Eastman Chemical Company; Grupa Azoty S.A.; KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL; China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Limited; Nynas AB
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.
Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.
Companies Mentioned
- Eastman Chemical Company
- Grupa Azoty S.A.
- KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL
- China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Limited
- Nynas AB
- Rongcheng Chemical General Factory
- Willing New Materials Technology Co. Ltd.
- Oriental Carbon and Chemicals Limited
- Henan Kailun Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Shikoku Chemical Industry Co. Ltd.
- Lions Industries s.r.o
- Tianjin Kemai Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Hubei Xiangyun (Group) Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Zhengzhou Double Vigour Chemical Product Co. Ltd.
- Ningbo Actmix Rubber Chemicals Co. Ltd.
- Shanghai Shangyi Chemical Technology Company
- Sennics Co. Ltd.
- Eastar Chemical Corporation
- Luoyang Sunrise Industrial Co. Ltd.
- Weifang Jiahong Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Changde Dingyuan Chemical Industrial Limited
- Leader Technologies Co. Ltd
- Kemai Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Puyang Willing Chemicals Co. Ltd.
- Jiangxi Shengchang Technology Co. Ltd.
- Hebi Hengli Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Jingcheng Chemical (Dalian) Co. Ltd.
- Chongqing Huayi Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Jining Fortune Biotech Co. Ltd.
- Wuhan Jiehong International Trading Co. L
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 175 |
| Published | March 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2029 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 1.13 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 1.41 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 5.5% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 30 |
