Sulphuric acid prices due to extend decline in 2027, CRU says

By Reuters News

LONDON, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Prices of sulphuric acid used to process metals such as copper and nickel are expected to extend their decline next year, consultancy CRU said on Tuesday.

  • Sulphuric acid delivered to top copper producer Chile is forecast to fall to $215 a metric ton in the fourth quarter of 2027 from a record of $451 earlier this year, CRU said

  • "There's a bit of relief for those that are more exposed to the spot and contract sulphuric acid markets," analyst Chris Lawson told a seminar during LME Week, an annual gathering of the global metals industry in London

  • Prices, however, will remain above historical averages, he added

  • Lower sulphur and sulphuric acid prices will help treatment charges for copper to recover next year, CRU's Lawson added.

  • Spot copper treatment charges are forecast to be minus $75 per ton in the fourth quarter of 2027, compared to nearly minus $300 currently, he said

  • The copper concentrate market has seen a major shift in pricing, moving to index pricing from long-term contracts, CRU analyst Tom Rutland said

  • In 2024, 52% of buying was done on 12-month fixed contracts, but that has declined to 14% this year, while indexing has grown from 12% to 51% in the same period

  • China resumed sulphuric acid exports to Chile in September after a three-month halt, data showed on Tuesday

  • Supply from Gulf producers has been disrupted by the Iran war

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