Sulfur supply disruption from Strait of Hormuz threatens global phosphate fertilizer production

Iran's claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz has likely halted sulfur shipments that previously accounted for 24% of global supply, driving Middle East sulfur prices from $500 to over $800 per metric ton and pushing Canadian-origin sulfur above $1,000. This disrupts sulfuric acid production, which is essential for phosphate fertilizer manufacturing, with 50% of sulfuric acid used for fertilizers.

Why it matters. Reduced sulfur availability threatens worldwide phosphate fertilizer supplies, which are critical for high-yield industrial agriculture and global food production.