News Release: July 17, 2025
Thiourea (organosulfur compound) Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
In 2025, the global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) market continues to evolve with noticeable shifts in pricing, production volumes, and international trade. With increasing demand from diverse industries such as pharmaceuticals, textile, and agriculture, the Thiourea (organosulfur compound) price trend and production news .
Thiourea (organosulfur compound) Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements
Over the past five years, the Thiourea (organosulfur compound) price trend has shown fluctuations influenced by several macroeconomic and sector-specific factors. In 2020, the average global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) price was around $890/MT, primarily affected by weak industrial demand and disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand from sectors like agriculture and textile saw a slump during the lockdown phases, leading to excess inventory and a subsequent dip in prices.
In 2021, prices began to recover as industrial activities resumed globally. The average price climbed to $1025/MT. This recovery was driven by increased demand from agrochemical and dye manufacturing industries. Additionally, logistical constraints and a rise in freight charges caused an uptick in the cost of imported Thiourea (organosulfur compound), particularly in South America and Southeast Asia.
The year 2022 experienced a sharp increase in Thiourea (organosulfur compound) price news, peaking at an average of $1170/MT. This surge was attributed to raw material shortages, especially sulfur and ammonia derivatives, due to geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. Supply chains were once again under pressure, with major exporting countries like China curbing exports temporarily to focus on domestic supply.
In 2023, the global market saw a slight correction, with average prices dropping to $1085/MT. This decline came as a result of improved production capabilities in countries like India and South Korea, which helped offset supply shortages. Additionally, increased investments in localized production helped stabilize prices. A mild decline in fertilizer sector demand, particularly from Latin America, also contributed to the softening prices.
In 2024, Thiourea (organosulfur compound) prices hovered around $1115/MT. Prices remained relatively steady despite ongoing fluctuations in the global sulfur market. There was moderate growth in demand from pharmaceutical applications, especially for use in hyperthyroidism treatment drugs and as intermediates in the synthesis of organosulfur compounds. However, raw material price volatility, regulatory tightening in Europe, and emissions control in China all played roles in keeping price volatility high.
Now in 2025, industry analysts estimate that the average global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) price will remain between $1130/MT to $1175/MT for the year. Factors contributing to this prediction include rising demand from eco-friendly herbicide manufacturing, continued inflation in chemical raw materials, and shipping bottlenecks in East Asia due to geopolitical instability in the Taiwan Strait.
Additionally, regional price differences are more prominent than ever. In North America, average prices have stayed slightly above global average, around $1185/MT, due to reliance on imports. Meanwhile, China, being a major producer, has managed to offer Thiourea (organosulfur compound) at as low as $1100/MT domestically. In Europe, energy costs have continued to push prices up to around $1200/MT.
The Thiourea (organosulfur compound) price trend is expected to remain upward unless significant changes in supply chain infrastructure or raw material pricing occur. Environmental regulations are also pushing manufacturers to invest in cleaner production technologies, which may further impact production costs and, consequently, pricing.
Thiourea (organosulfur compound) Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT
The following is a quarterly update on the estimated average global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) prices for 2025:
- Q1 2025: $1135/MT
- Q2 2025: $1150/MT
- Q3 2025: $1160/MT
- Q4 2025: $1175/MT
Quarterly increases are being driven by stronger demand from the agrochemical sector during planting seasons, tighter supply from China in Q3 due to plant maintenance shutdowns, and fluctuations in global shipping costs.
Global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) Import-Export Business Overview
The global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) import-export business in 2025 has been marked by increasing intercontinental trade, evolving regional dominance, and demand shifts influenced by macroeconomic trends. The major players in production continue to be China, India, South Korea, and Germany, while regions like South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia remain highly import-dependent.
In 2024, total global exports of Thiourea (organosulfur compound) were valued at approximately $1.3 billion, with a combined volume of 1.15 million MT. China accounted for over 45% of global exports, exporting roughly 520,000 MT primarily to countries in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production hubs in Shandong and Henan provinces were key contributors.
India emerged as the second-largest exporter with over 180,000 MT, mainly shipped to the Middle East, African nations, and parts of Southeast Asia. Indian companies benefited from policy support through export incentives and lower manufacturing costs, which improved their global competitiveness.
On the import side, Brazil remained the largest importer of Thiourea (organosulfur compound), importing over 120,000 MT in 2024 due to its massive agrochemical sector. The country’s dependence on imported intermediate chemicals makes it particularly vulnerable to price shocks in the international market.
Europe’s import volumes stood at 160,000 MT in 2024, with Germany, France, and Italy being the top consumers. Demand was driven by pharmaceuticals, paper processing, and rubber vulcanization applications. However, stricter EU environmental regulations around sulfur-based compounds have somewhat limited volume growth. Importers have also had to contend with the rising cost of compliance and product certification.
The Thiourea (organosulfur compound) sales volume in the U.S. reached 98,000 MT in 2024, with much of the supply coming from Asia. As domestic production is relatively low, the country has been exploring joint ventures with Indian and Chinese producers to establish regional manufacturing units. This is seen as a strategic move to reduce reliance on imports and increase supply chain resilience.
In Africa, growing industrialization in Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa has led to a noticeable uptick in Thiourea (organosulfur compound) imports. Total African imports were around 60,000 MT in 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year. The primary uses included mining, textiles, and synthetic resin production.
The Middle East presents an interesting case where Saudi Arabia and UAE are exploring backward integration in their chemical sectors. With the region’s access to cheap sulfur feedstock, plans are underway to develop Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production capacity by 2027. Until then, the region remains dependent on Asian and European suppliers.
Japan and South Korea, though advanced in chemical production, also import Thiourea (organosulfur compound) due to domestic production limitations. In 2024, Japan imported around 45,000 MT, while South Korea imported 38,000 MT. However, both countries are investing heavily in R&D to develop alternative synthesis methods that are more environmentally sustainable.
Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have shown consistent year-on-year growth in Thiourea (organosulfur compound) sales volume, driven by rising demand in agriculture and plastic additives. Combined imports for these nations exceeded 90,000 MT in 2024, with growth forecasted to continue into 2026.
Notably, the global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production capacity in 2024 reached approximately 1.6 million MT. This is expected to expand by another 100,000 MT in 2025, thanks to planned capacity expansions in China and India. Innovations in process optimization and raw material efficiency are expected to further improve production economics.
In terms of logistics and trade routes, the Suez Canal remains a vital corridor for European and African shipments. In early 2025, delays at the canal due to regional conflict led to shipment rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, causing an average price increase of $35/MT during Q1 and Q2. The situation highlighted the fragility of global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) price news in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.
The Thiourea (organosulfur compound) price trend is now closely watched by multinational corporations and commodity traders alike. Trade agreements between ASEAN nations and India are also being negotiated to streamline tariffs and facilitate easier cross-border movement of chemical goods.
As the year progresses, the international trade in Thiourea (organosulfur compound) will continue to be shaped by environmental policies, transportation logistics, regional production capacity, and emerging market demand.
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Thiourea (organosulfur compound) Production Trends by Geography
The global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production landscape is diverse, with several countries and regions dominating the supply side. The distribution of production is largely driven by access to raw materials, established chemical infrastructure, labor costs, and proximity to end-user industries. As of 2025, China, India, South Korea, Germany, and the United States are the key countries contributing to Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production, with emerging production activities seen in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
China
China remains the world’s largest producer of Thiourea (organosulfur compound). Accounting for over 50% of the global output, China benefits from abundant sulfur resources, low manufacturing costs, and integrated chemical parks that support mass-scale production. Provinces such as Shandong, Henan, and Hebei are central to production due to their proximity to raw material sources and logistical hubs. China’s production also supports major export markets, including Southeast Asia, South America, and parts of Europe. Domestic demand from textile, agrochemical, and metallurgy industries further strengthens the production base. However, increasing environmental regulations have forced many smaller producers to shut down or consolidate, leading to a more organized and compliant manufacturing sector.
India
India is the second-largest producer of Thiourea (organosulfur compound), with production plants located in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The Indian market has seen rapid expansion over the past five years, driven by the growing agricultural sector, demand for chemical intermediates, and a favorable policy environment. The government’s Make-in-India initiative and export subsidies have helped local companies increase output and improve production efficiencies. India’s strategic geographical position allows it to serve both domestic and export markets efficiently, especially the Middle East and Africa.
South Korea
South Korea is a technologically advanced producer with a strong emphasis on high-purity Thiourea (organosulfur compound) for pharmaceutical and electronics applications. The country’s production is focused more on value-added derivatives than bulk commodity-grade Thiourea. South Korean manufacturers invest heavily in research and development to produce tailored chemical products for niche markets. Despite limited raw material resources, South Korea imports sulfur-based intermediates and uses advanced synthesis methods to produce Thiourea. Key industrial zones near Ulsan and Busan support chemical manufacturing clusters.
Germany
Germany leads production in Europe, with well-established chemical facilities operating under strict environmental norms. The production of Thiourea (organosulfur compound) in Germany is more refined and focuses on high-grade output for use in rubber vulcanization, specialty coatings, and pharmaceutical intermediates. German manufacturers benefit from skilled labor, innovation, and compliance with European standards. However, high energy and labor costs limit large-scale production. Most of the output is consumed domestically or within the EU, with limited exports outside the region.
United States
In the United States, Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production is relatively small but growing. The focus is primarily on customized production for industrial and research purposes. A lack of large-scale local manufacturers has kept production volumes modest. However, recent interest from the agrochemical and mining industries has spurred investment in expanding local production. There are ongoing efforts to develop domestic capabilities to reduce reliance on imports from Asia.
Southeast Asia
Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are not major producers but are gradually building up capabilities due to demand from agriculture and plastics industries. Joint ventures with Chinese and Indian firms have enabled some local production, particularly in Thailand. These countries are also focusing on manufacturing Thiourea-based derivatives that serve specific industrial uses, such as flame retardants and additives.
Middle East
While the Middle East currently imports most of its Thiourea (organosulfur compound) requirements, the region has begun investing in production capabilities. With abundant sulfur as a by-product of petroleum refining, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are planning to backward integrate and produce sulfur-based chemicals, including Thiourea. This move is part of broader diversification strategies to reduce dependence on oil revenues.
Africa and Latin America
Both Africa and Latin America are currently reliant on imports. However, with increasing industrialization and agricultural expansion in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, and Egypt, there is interest in establishing localized Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production facilities. Brazil is exploring local partnerships to produce Thiourea for agrochemical applications. These developments are in the early stages, with production expected to ramp up post-2026.
In conclusion, Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production trends show a strong concentration in Asia, with China and India as dominant players. Other regions are working towards developing production capabilities, either through technological upgrades or strategic investments. This trend is expected to lead to a more balanced global supply chain in the future.
Thiourea (organosulfur compound) Market Segmentation
Key Segments of the Thiourea (organosulfur compound) Market:
- By Application
- By End-Use Industry
- By Purity Level
- By Region
1. By Application:
- Agrochemicals (fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers)
- Textile processing
- Mining and metallurgy (flotation agent)
- Photographic chemicals
- Rubber and plastic additives
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pulp and paper bleaching
Agrochemicals form the largest application segment in the global Thiourea (organosulfur compound) market. The compound is extensively used as a fertilizer enhancer and fungicide, particularly in emerging economies with growing agricultural activities. The demand is high in countries like Brazil, India, and Indonesia, where large-scale farming necessitates increased agrochemical use. Photographic chemicals, once a major segment, have seen declining demand due to the shift to digital imaging.
2. By End-Use Industry:
- Agriculture
- Chemical manufacturing
- Mining
- Pharmaceutical
- Textile
- Automotive (rubber components)
- Electronics
Agriculture continues to dominate the end-use segment due to its significant consumption of Thiourea (organosulfur compound) for plant growth regulation and pest control. Chemical manufacturing follows closely as Thiourea is a precursor for various other organosulfur compounds. The mining industry uses the compound for metal extraction processes, especially gold and silver flotation. In pharmaceuticals, Thiourea is used in the synthesis of certain anti-thyroid medications and intermediate compounds.
3. By Purity Level:
- Industrial Grade
- Technical Grade
- Pharmaceutical Grade
Industrial grade accounts for the largest share, used in agriculture, textiles, and mining. Technical grade is preferred for applications where moderate purity is required, such as in dye manufacturing. Pharmaceutical grade Thiourea, which demands the highest purity, is used in limited volumes for specialized chemical synthesis and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing. The pharmaceutical grade market, although smaller, commands higher margins.
4. By Region:
- Asia-Pacific
- North America
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
The Asia-Pacific region leads in both production and consumption of Thiourea (organosulfur compound). High demand from agriculture, textile, and chemical industries in China, India, and Southeast Asia supports this regional dominance. North America and Europe follow, with demand driven by pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and regulatory-compliant industrial usage. Latin America’s demand is growing, particularly in agriculture, while the Middle East and Africa represent emerging markets with increasing import dependence.
Leading Segments:
The leading market segments in 2025 are agrochemical applications and the Asia-Pacific region. The consistent growth in farming activities, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, continues to drive demand for fertilizers and growth enhancers. Additionally, textile processing remains a robust segment in Asia due to the concentration of garment manufacturing industries in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India.
The industrial-grade purity level dominates due to its cost-effectiveness and broad utility across sectors. Technical and pharmaceutical grades have limited but specialized markets that show steady year-on-year growth. Industrial-grade Thiourea, priced between $1130/MT and $1175/MT in 2025, is more widely available and forms the backbone of the global sales volume.
The market is expected to grow at a moderate pace over the next five years. Key drivers include increasing adoption of modern farming techniques, demand for sustainable agriculture inputs, and advancements in Thiourea-based chemical synthesis. Market segmentation helps stakeholders understand and navigate the dynamic applications of this versatile compound.
The focus remains on technological improvements, environmental compliance, and geographical diversification of supply to ensure stability in Thiourea (organosulfur compound) production and trade.