US Magnesium Sulphate Prices Surge Amid Increasing Demand and High Production Costs
- 07-Apr-2025 9:30 PM
- Journalist: Yage Kwon
The Magnesium Sulphate price trend showcased bullish movement in the North American market at the end of Q1 2025. In key exporter China, the production rates were impacted by higher sulfuric acid prices, caused by supply shortages, and increased demand from the agrochemical sector. At the same time, the U.S. market is seeing strong demand potential for Magnesium Sulphate from the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The growing use of Magnesium Sulphate in medicines, such as a new oral solution for colon cleansing, and in skincare products may drive up its demand. Additionally, Magnesium Sulphate prices in North America are expected to increase in the first half of Q2, 2025 as higher raw material and shipping costs are expected to push prices further.
Magnesium Sulphate production rates in the key producer and exporter China were affected by the stressed availability of feedstock Sulfuric Acid supplies. Sulfuric Acid prices in China surged significantly throughout March. The rise in raw material Sulphur due to strong demand from the agrochemical sector amid the increased procurement activities for the preparations for the spring applications led to increased upstream cost pressure. At the same time, supply constraints, exacerbated by maintenance shutdowns at several production facilities and some suppliers delaying deliveries, further tightened the market and supported higher prices. This interplay of elevated demand and limited supply, alongside increasing production costs, created a bullish market sentiment and pushed Sulfuric Acid prices upwards. However, supplies were stable to the US, and the White House has confirmed that certain critical minerals and fertilizer products, including Magnesium Sulphate, will be exempt from the latest tariffs as US is dependent on imports from particularly from Asia. It might improve its availability in the market and negatively impact the cost within the country.
Meanwhile, the increased usage of Magnesium Sulphate in medicines kept the demand potential high from Pharma sector. Recently, Camber Pharmaceuticals launched Magnesium Sulphate, Sodium Sulphate, and Potassium Sulphate Oral Solution on April 3, 2025, in Piscataway, NJ, US. This oral solution, containing 1.6g of Magnesium Sulphate alongside sodium and potassium sulfates, acts as an osmotic laxative specifically introduced for colon cleansing prior to colonoscopies in adult patients.
The Magnesium Sulphate prices are anticipated to increase further in the North American market during the first half of Q2, 2025. The high demand for fertilizers, driven by the focus on improving crop yield, is expected to peak, putting upward pressure on prices. Furthermore, potential increases in feedstock prices could elevate production costs, which are likely to be passed on to consumers. Adding to this, higher freight costs due to increased shipping activities amid favorable trade conditions during summer could further contribute to a rise in Magnesium Sulphate prices during this period.