Insoluble Sulfur Market Insoluble Sulfur Market By Type (Non-Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur, Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur), By Application (Tires, Industrial Rubber Products, Footwear, Hoses & Belts, Others), By Grade (High Dispersion Grade, High Thermal Stability Grade, Regular Grade), By End-Use Industry (Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace, Construction, Others), Global Market Size, Segmental Analysis, Regional Overview, Company Share Analysis, Leading Company Profiles and Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

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Industry Outlook

The Insoluble Sulfur Market accounted for USD 1.79 Billion in 2024 and USD 1.93 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 4.1 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 7.9% between 2025 and 2035. The Insoluble Sulfur Market focuses on Insoluble sulfur, which is a unique type of sulfur more consumed in the rubber and tire-making sector. Insoluble sulfur is prone to the early vulcanization of rubber compounds during processing, whereas regular sulfur dissolves in rubber and hence prevents premature vulcanization. This turns out to be a necessary property in the production of high-performance tires, particularly in the production of radial tires, where uniformity and strength are paramount.

Inert sulfur increases the heat resistance, elasticity, and strength of rubber, and as such, it is very essential in automotive, industrial, and aircraft tires. Improved adhesion between the rubber and steel cords is also another area where the compound is useful, especially where tire reinforcements are concerned. One of the prime factors driving this market is the demand for high-quality, performance-oriented tires. 

Industry Experts Opinion

“The completion of our new insoluble sulfur facility at the Marugame Plant marks a significant milestone in our strategic growth. This expansion enhances our ability to supply high-performance vulcanization agents to meet the evolving needs of tire manufacturers, especially in the context of EV tires and sustainable rubber solutions.”

• Mr. Hiroshi Tanaka, Executive Director of Production Operations at Shikoku Chemicals Corporation.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Insoluble sulfur is essential in radial tire vulcanization to prevent blooming.

Insoluble sulfur is a very important component used in the vulcanization of radial tires, and this is an extremely important factor in the Insoluble Sulfur Market. It also avoids the blooming effect in which soluble sulfur is brought to the surface during the processing of rubber, thereby weakening the tire, bonding effect and consistency. Insoluble sulfur results in uniform distribution and consistency in the vulcanizing process and is a key requirement in the manufacture of high-performance radial tires applicable in passenger and commercial automobiles.

The necessity of tire manufacturers to use insoluble sulfur in the process of producing tires has been increasing, and it continues to do so because of the global demand of tire producers to have fuel-saving, resilient, and high-traction tires. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that in the U.S, in 2006, petroleum was consumed more than 66 percent in the transport sector, which means that tires that are effective in fuel savings are needed. This creates a stable demand for radial tires, which directly contributes to the growth of the insoluble sulfur market.

Increasing vehicle production in China, India, and ASEAN countries boosts demand.

The rising trend of vehicle production in Southeast Asian countries, China, and India considerably contributes to the growth of the Insoluble Sulfur Market, as tires require insoluble sulfur as one of the main ingredients in the production process. It is applied in making the tire during the vulcanization process to make it resistant to heat-resistant, a bonding agent to the steel cords, and not to bloat, in radial tires. The demand for passenger and commercial vehicles constantly grows as these quickly developing economies begin to be characterized by industry growth, urbanization, and growing per capita income. This, in turn, increases the production of tires, which directly affects the use of insoluble sulfur.

As per the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China, China manufactures more than 30 million vehicles annually in 2023, which makes it the global leading automaker. Similarly, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reported that India manufactured more than 25 million vehicles in the FY 202223 as the domestic and export demand were high. Other countries like Thailand and Indonesia in the ASEAN region are also increasing their automotive production. Such trends are directly fueling the increased development of the Insoluble Sulfur Market, particularly in the region of Asia-Pacific.

Fluctuations in sulfur and petrochemical derivatives affect pricing stability.

Price instability of sulfur and petrochemical derivatives, which are essential raw materials in producing insoluble sulfur, is one of the major limiting factors in the Insoluble Sulfur Market. Insoluble sulfur is usually produced in a controlled way by using elemental sulfur, obtained by refining crude oil and natural gas, among other ways. Because of that, it is extremely responsive to the world energy rates and volatility of the crude oil market. Upset in the oil supply chain, geopolitical pressures, or adjustments in refinery capacity can provoke a price rise, directly affecting the cost of production of insoluble sulfur manufacturers.

These changes in the cost have made it difficult to keep the prices down, especially in industries that are sensitive to price, such as tire manufacturers. To illustrate, profit margins can be squeezed because when sulfur feedstock prices rise suddenly, long-term supply contracts may be disrupted. Also, the market dependency on inputs that are petroleum-oriented exposes the market to regulations that are directed towards lessening the use of fossil fuels. This volatility of prices may disrupt investment, postpone expansion schemes, as well as restrain the general competitiveness of the insoluble sulfur market.

Rising demand for sustainable rubber manufacturing.

The increased attention on the sustainable production of rubber creates a huge opportunity for the Insoluble Sulfur Market. Due to increasing environmental concerns and the pressure of the regulations that are currently being experienced the world over, tire and rubber product manufacturers are increasingly leaning towards environmentally friendly and favorable production processes. Insoluble sulfur fits the trend perfectly and allows cleaner vulcanization processes; it stops sulfur blooming, minimizes waste, and leaves room to streamline the process. In addition, insoluble forms of sulfur filled with oil minimize the production of dust, thus safer to the worker and more comfortable with the occupational health guidelines.

Organizations are currently venturing into low-emission and energy-efficient formulations, and insoluble sulfur can be designed to suit these demands, hence gaining its popularity. This is enabled by the pressure on the use of green tires, tires with low rolling resistance and longer life span, which in turn need to be vulcanized using stable and good quality vulcanizing agents. With sustainability as a driving purchasing and compliance component in global supply chains, insoluble sulfur producers who make innovations using environmentally responsible grades will gain the advantages of new market segments and customer relationships.

EV-specific tires need high durability and performance-enhancing sulfur agents.

The insoluble sulfur market has a strong opportunity in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, which is currently experiencing rapid growth, especially in the manufacture of tires specific to EVs. Such tires are required to operate in the presence of more torque, weight in the form of battery packs in the vehicle, and a better life span with reduced rolling resistance to make the most of battery use. To satisfy such needs, manufacturers require high-performance rubber compounds that are more bonded and heat, and strength-resistant characteristics that insoluble sulfur has been able to enhance in the vulcanization process.

As an essential compound used in the production of tires ready to meet EVs, insoluble sulfur enhances radial tire uniformity and strength. With the increasing rate of EV consumption in the world due to the emission standards and consumer pressure, tire makers are making corresponding changes in their product formulation. That leaves a widening market segment of high-performance, thermally stable, insoluble grades of sulfur to fit the demand of electric mobility. The opportunity is exceptionally strong in markets such as Europe, the U.S., and China, which have the strictest EV incentives and tire performance requirements, thereby creating new opportunities in the insoluble sulfur industry.

Segment Analysis

Based on the product type, the Insoluble Sulfur Market has been classified into Non-Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur, Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur. The Insoluble Sulfur Market has the Oil Filled Insoluble Sulfur segment that is the most dominant. This form of the rubber and tire industry is characterized by its excellent dispersion characteristics, thermal and processing, and handling under high temperatures.

The oil content can contribute to the reduction of the dust production, increase the flow, and guarantee the homogenous mixing with the rubber compounds, which is very important in the production of high-performing radial tires. It is being exploited in the current manufacture of tires, particularly of passenger and commercial vehicles, since it is used in preventing premature vulcanization (blooming). Due to increasing quality standards of tires and other products being produced worldwide, oil-insoluble sulfur is being filled with oil, which is in increasing demand in major automobile-producing regions.

Based on the application, the Insoluble Sulfur Market has been classified into Tires, Industrial Rubber Products, Footwear, Hoses & Belts, and Others. The most powerful application in the Insoluble Sulfur Market is the Tires segment. In manufacturing tires, insoluble sulfur is considered a very important vulcanizing agent due to the uniform dispersion of sulfur and the avoidance of early vulcanization of the tire.

This is particularly crucial to radial tires, which demand an exact chemical stability and long life. The supplement elevates the adhesion between rubber and the steel wires, leading the tires to have better structural support and performance. As the automobile industry and high-performance/long-life tires industry developed throughout the world, and there is an ever-increasing demand for tires, the share of insoluble sulfur consumption in tires continues to grow.

Regional Analysis

The North American Insoluble Sulfur Market is denoted by stable demand led by the developed automaker and tire manufacturing industries in Mexico and the U.S. High-performance insoluble sulfur is the main material used in the region in making radial tires, which is useful for the long-haul transportation and commercial vehicle industries. Large corporations such as Eastman Chemical Company, based in the U.S.A., are major contributors of insoluble sulfur at advanced levels with high thermal stability.

Despite domestic production, North America has found some quantities to import goods from Asia in order to satisfy its production. Particularly, Asian products are used in cost-effective productions in the industry. Strict environmental regulations affect the market of the region as they promote the application of non-blooming, cleaner sulfur formulation in the rubber compounding.

The Asia-Pacific Insoluble Sulfur Market is most prevailing across the world due to the recent phenomenal growth of the automotive, tire, and industrial rubber manufacturing industries in major regions (such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea). The region has a good production base, cheap labor, and also has high domestic demand, especially the OEMs and replacement markets.

The largest producer and consumer is China, with companies such as China Sunshine Chemical Holdings and Yanggu Huatai Chemical as the largest producers and suppliers. India too contributes to a great extent, especially with companies like Oriental Carbon & Chemicals Ltd, extending production to domestic as well as export. Asian-Pacific firms provide competitive prices, and this continues to make the area a destination for multinational tire companies that need insoluble sulfur.  

Competitive Landscape

The rivalry in the Insoluble Sulfur Market is also a medium-level consolidation of both global and regional key players jostling to achieve a market share. The technological proficiency, the robust R&D capabilities, and well-established worldwide distribution chains of firms such as the Eastman Chemical Company or Lanxess AG help to take the lead in the market. These players specialize in the provision of high-quality grades of insoluble sulphur in quality tire services.

In Asia-Pacific, firms like China Sunshine Chemical Holdings, Oriental Carbon and Chemicals Ltd., and Yanggu Huatai Chemical climb to the top in terms of production in Asia-Pacific because of the low cost of manufacturing and proximity to the production centres of tires. This group of firms provides the heavy volume demands of the regional automotive and industrial market.

Insoluble Sulfur Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In December 2024, Shikoku Chemicals Corporation announced the successful completion of its new insoluble sulfur production facility at the Marugame Plant in Japan. This strategic expansion is aimed at significantly increasing the company's regional production capacity to meet the rising demand from tire and rubber manufacturers across Asia and global markets.

Report Coverage:

By Type

• Non-Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur
• Oil-Filled Insoluble Sulfur

By Application

• Tires
• Industrial Rubber Products
• Footwear
• Hoses & Belts
• Other

By Grade

• High Dispersion Grade
• High Thermal Stability Grade
• Regular Grade

By End-user

• Automotive
• Industrial
• Aerospace
• Construction
• Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Eastman Chemical Company
• Lanxess AG
• Shikoku Chemicals Corporation
• Grupa Azoty S.A.
• China Sunshine Chemical Holdings Ltd.
• Nynas AB
• Henan Kailun Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Weifang Jiahong Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Sunsine Chemical Holdings Ltd.
• Oriental Carbon & Chemicals Ltd.
• Yanggu Huatai Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Yasho Industries Ltd.
• Nantong Jinlong Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Sennics Co., Ltd.
• OCI Company Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)