2025 Price Trend
According to data from Business Society, the average market price of ammonium sulfate was 826 RMB/ton on January 1 and 1046 RMB/ton on December 31, representing a yearly increase of 26.61% in domestic ammonium sulfate prices for 2025. The annual high was 1343 RMB/ton on June 24, while the annual low was 826 RMB/ton on January 1.

2025 Market Analysis
The domestic ammonium sulfate market in 2025 experienced a fluctuating upward trend, initially rising before declining. In the first half of 2025, the market showed a predominantly upward trajectory. Prices increased in January and February due to rising demand from downstream compound fertilizer enterprises, active restocking by granular factories, and a warming market atmosphere. The significant rise in urea prices also positively influenced the domestic ammonium sulfate market.

In March, ammonium sulfate prices declined due to weak domestic demand, reduced new orders, and insufficient downstream purchasing interest. Additionally, decreased international demand for ammonium sulfate contributed to negative market factors.

Prices rebounded in April as some caprolactam units underwent maintenance, reducing market supply. Downstream granular factories increased their purchasing activity, boosting market demand.

In May, ammonium sulfate prices weakened and declined due to limited demand and sluggish transactions.

June saw a sharp increase in ammonium sulfate prices, exceeding 20%. This was driven by geopolitical events that led to urea production halts or restrictions in some countries, reducing global nitrogen fertilizer supply. The significant rise in international urea prices indirectly benefited the ammonium sulfate market, leading to a substantial increase in domestic ammonium sulfate prices.

In the second half of 2025, the ammonium sulfate market initially declined before recovering. From July to September, prices continued to fall due to ample market supply, reduced downstream inquiries, weakened purchasing enthusiasm, and a subdued transaction atmosphere. Poor export market conditions and pressure on enterprise shipments further contributed to the market’s weak performance.

From October to November, ammonium sulfate prices strengthened and rose. Reduced operating rates at caprolactam plants led to a decrease in caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate supply. Manufacturers maintained firm pricing, pushing prices upward.

In December, the ammonium sulfate market retreated as transaction activity weakened, with downstream buyers restocking based on demand and showing resistance to high prices.

Based on the 2025 monthly K-bar chart, the largest monthly increase occurred in June, with a rise of 20.97%, while the largest monthly decline occurred in December, with a drop of 10.79%.

2026 Outlook
Supply Situation
In recent years, China’s ammonium sulfate production capacity and output have maintained a growth trend. In 2025, total ammonium sulfate production capacity is expected to reach approximately 30.5 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 12.17%. Total output in 2025 is projected to reach 27.924 million tons, rising to 34.622 million tons by 2027. This growth is primarily driven by the commissioning of large-scale caprolactam units and the rapid expansion of by-product capacity.

From 2023 to 2025, China has approximately 34 planned ammonium sulfate units with a total capacity of 4.4 million tons per year, of which caprolactam-grade accounts for 88%. This expansion is driven by agricultural demand growth, industrial application expansion, and environmental policy incentives.

The global ammonium sulfate production market is expected to maintain steady growth, with developing markets experiencing more rapid expansion. It is anticipated that China’s ammonium sulfate production capacity and output will continue to increase in 2026. Over the next five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to be 4.40%, slightly slower than the previous five years.

Environmental policies and the "dual-carbon" goals will accelerate the phase-out of small and medium-sized production capacities, strengthening the advantages of leading enterprises. Caprolactam by-product ammonium sulfate will become the primary supply source, with its share of total capacity expected to further increase by 2030.

Export Situation
From January to November 2025, China’s total ammonium sulfate exports reached 19.36 million tons, an increase of 4.01 million tons compared to the same period last year, representing a year-on-year growth of 26.1%. Total export value reached 2.995 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 31%. Full-year exports are expected to reach 21 million tons.

From January to November 2025, China’s main export destinations for ammonium sulfate were Brazil, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Turkey, with South America and Southeast Asia being the primary export regions. Exports to Brazil accounted for the largest share at 36.62% of total exports.

As a major global supplier of ammonium sulfate, China’s market share and influence continue to grow. With the ongoing expansion of China’s ammonium sulfate production capacity, exports are expected to maintain growth in 2026, albeit at a slightly slower pace.

Soil sulfur deficiency in the Americas is expected to sustain demand for ammonium sulfate, with Brazil likely to remain the largest export destination. The maturation of extrusion granulation technology will also support ammonium sulfate exports.

Demand Situation
In 2025, China’s ammonium sulfate demand is projected to reach 10.564 million tons, with agricultural compound fertilizers and industrial applications being the primary growth drivers.

• Agricultural Sector: Accounting for 65%–70% of total demand, ammonium sulfate use in economic crops such as tobacco and tea is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.5%–4.2%.
• Industrial Sector: Its share is expected to increase from 22% to 30%, driven by strong demand from new energy batteries (lithium battery cathode materials) and rare earth mining.

In 2026, China’s ammonium sulfate demand is expected to grow steadily, with both agricultural and industrial sectors serving as key drivers.

• Agricultural Demand: Increased grain production will drive nitrogen fertilizer demand, directly boosting ammonium sulfate consumption.
• Industrial Demand: Expanding applications across multiple industries, including rising demand in antibiotic and vitamin production, will drive ammonium sulfate use in the pharmaceutical sector, along with growing demand from new energy batteries and rare earth mining.

Summary and Outlook
In summary, the ammonium sulfate market performed well overall in 2025, with ample supply, strong agricultural demand, and significant growth in industrial applications. Technologically, green production methods and high-purity products are emerging trends. Policy-wise, environmental standards are tightening, but agricultural subsidies may continue.

The ammonium sulfate market is expected to remain optimistic in 2026, with supply likely to be ample and exports continuing as a key growth driver. However, prices may fluctuate due to environmental policies. Ammonium sulfate production capacity is projected to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace, largely influenced by the commissioning schedule of caprolactam units. Leading enterprises will strengthen their advantages, while small and medium-sized enterprises may compete through technological upgrades.

Overall, the ammonium sulfate market is shifting from scale expansion to quality and efficiency, with exports remaining a core growth driver.