Morocco’s sulfuric acid imports in 2024 hit their highest level in three years, with the country bringing in up to 2.01 million tons from various suppliers, according to a report from the Attaqa platform.
The increase in Morocco’s sulfuric acid imports in 2024 coincided with a boost in sulfur-burning facilities at the Jorf Lasfar site, operated by the OCP Group, to meet growing demand.
Two sulfur-burning units at the site became operational, and OCP Group’s upgrade of its facilities with new equipment aimed to secure the necessary supplies for sulfuric acid consumption, highlighted the report.
It mentioned that China and several countries around the Mediterranean and Black Seas supplied Morocco with about 50% of its total imports in 2024, citing data from Argus Media.
The breakdown of last year’s imports showcased that China supplied 424,000 tons, which was similar to 2023.
Italy provided 264,000 tons, up from 19,000 tons due to a long-term supply agreement. Bulgaria supplied 227,000 tons, an increase from 19,000 tons. Turkey exported 207,400 tons, up from 37,000 tons.
It also highlighted that Spain sent 198,000 tons, the highest import level since 2021, while Northwest Europe accounted for 430,000 tons, more than double the imports from 2023.
The report added that the increase in Morocco’s sulfuric acid imports is attributed to the rising demand for phosphate fertilizers, as the acid is used in their production.
But sulfuric acid consumption is expected to decrease this year, it added, with estimates ranging between 1 and 1.1 million tons–half of last year’s imports—as the OCP Group operates new burning facilities.
It said that this move indicates a shift toward importing raw sulfur and processing it locally, rather than purchasing sulfuric acid, as the country’s phosphate reserves approach 50 billion tons.
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