Amid Disruption from Iran War, China Quietly Halts Sulphuric Acid Exports China has implemented a ban on exporting sulphuric acid to safeguard its domestic supply amid disruptions caused by the Iran war, with significant implications for industries ranging from textiles to fertilizers. The move has left Australian manufacturers, such as Geelong-based textile company LoomTex, grappling with a critical shortage of the chemical, which is essential for production processes. Sulphuric acid, a cornerstone of global industry, is used in manufacturing batteries, clothing, phosphate fertilizers, and even in water treatment and semiconductor production. China, the world’s leading exporter of the chemical, relies on imported sulphur—a by-product of oil refining and gas processing—to produce sulphuric acid. With trade routes disrupted by the conflict, Beijing has restricted exports to prioritize its own industrial needs. The decision has forced companies like LoomTex to confront difficult choices. Chief executive Samantha Van Zyl highlighted the dilemma: ordering additional sulphuric acid would push the company above the threshold for storing hazardous materials, requiring intervention from WorkSafe Victoria and increasing safety risks. Without the chemical, production could suffer, potentially leading to customer losses to overseas competitors. The crisis is part of a broader shift in global supply chains. Meena Chauhan, head of sulphur and sulphuric acid research at Argus Consulting Services, noted that China’s export ban, effective May 1, aims to shield downstream industries from supply shocks. However, alternatives are limited. While Canada and other sulphur-exporting nations are being considered, logistical challenges and insufficient volume make them unreliable.#iran_war #china #loomtex #samantha_van_zyl #meena_chauhan
