Yellow Phosphorus price index

Yellow Phosphorus price index

This post is a summary of the Yellow Phosphorus prices. The price developments of Yellow Phosphorus are expressed in US$ prices converted at FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Yellow Phosphorus price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Yellow Phosphorus on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Yellow Phosphorus
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Yellow Phosphorus
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Yellow Phosphorus prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Yellow Phosphorus market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on Yellow Phosphorus

 

What is Yellow Phosphorus

Yellow phosphorus, also known as white phosphorus, is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. It is a highly reactive, waxy, white or yellowish solid that is commonly used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

 

How is Yellow Phosphorus produced

Yellow phosphorus is typically produced through the thermal decomposition of phosphate rock, which is a process that involves heating the rock to a high temperature in the absence of air. The resulting product is a mixture of yellow phosphorus, calcium oxide, and silicon dioxide. The yellow phosphorus is then purified and isolated to produce a pure product.

 

What drives the cost of Yellow Phosphorus

The cost of yellow phosphorus is influenced by a variety of factors, including supply and demand, production costs, transportation costs, and government regulations. Here are some of the key drivers of the cost of yellow phosphorus:

Production costs

The cost of producing yellow phosphorus is affected by the cost of raw materials, energy prices, labor costs, and other factors. The cost of production can vary depending on the location of the production facility and the efficiency of the production process.

Transportation costs

The cost of transporting yellow phosphorus from production facilities to end-users can also impact the overall cost. Transportation costs can vary depending on the distance between the production facility and the end-user, the mode of transportation, and the cost of fuel.

Government regulations

Government regulations, such as import/export duties, environmental regulations, and labor laws, can also impact the cost of yellow phosphorus. For example, if a government imposes a tariff on imported yellow phosphorus, the cost of the material will increase for end-users in that country.

Overall, the cost of yellow phosphorus is influenced by a complex set of factors, and it can be challenging to predict price trends over the long term. However, understanding these factors can help end-users make informed decisions about purchasing and supply chain management.

 

What is Yellow Phosphorus used for

Phosphorus is a chemical element that has a variety of uses, including:

Fertilizers

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and is often added to fertilizers to promote the healthy growth of crops.

Food additives

Phosphorus is used as a food additive in a variety of products, including soda, processed meats, and cheese. It is added to enhance the flavor and texture of these products.

Pesticides

Phosphorus is used in the production of some pesticides, which are chemicals used to control pests such as insects and weeds.

Industrial chemicals

Phosphorus is used in the production of a variety of industrial chemicals, including detergents, flame retardants, and plastics.

Medicine

Phosphorus is used in the production of some medications, including antacids and laxatives.

Other

Phosphorus is also used in the production of phosphor, which is used in the production of fluorescent lamps and LCD screens, and in the production of match heads.

 

What types of Phosphorus are there

There are several types of phosphorus, each with its own unique chemical and physical properties. Here are some of the most common types of phosphorus:

White phosphorus

This is a waxy, translucent, and highly reactive form of phosphorus that is composed of tetrahedral P4 molecules. White phosphorus is extremely flammable and can ignite spontaneously in air. It is used in the production of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals.

Red phosphorus

This is a relatively stable and non-toxic form of phosphorus that is used in the production of flame retardants, semiconductors, and other electronic materials. It is also used in the production of matches and pyrotechnics.

Black phosphorus

This is a rare and relatively new form of phosphorus that has attracted attention in recent years due to its unique electronic and optical properties. Black phosphorus is a semiconducting material that is being studied for potential use in electronic devices and solar cells.

Yellow phosphorus

This is a more stable and less reactive form of phosphorus that is used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and other chemicals. It is also used in the metallurgy and electronics industries.

Phosphoric acid

This is a solution of hydrogen phosphate in water and is used as a raw material in the production of fertilizers, animal feed, food additives, and other chemicals.

Overall, the different types of phosphorus have different properties and applications, and they are used in a wide range of industrial and commercial processes.

Which countries produce the most phosphorus

The largest producers of phosphorus in the world are China, the United States, and Morocco. Other significant producers include Russia, Brazil, Jordan, Tunisia, and Egypt.

Phosphorus is an essential element used in the production of fertilizers and other products, including food, animal feed, and detergents. It is primarily extracted from phosphate rock, which is found in large deposits in a number of countries around the world.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the top 10 producers of phosphorus in 2020, in descending order, were:

1. China
2. United States
3. Morocco
4. Russia
5. Brazil
6. Jordan
7. Tunisia
8. Egypt
9. Saudi Arabia
10. Syria

It is worth noting that the availability of phosphate rock is finite and the production of phosphorus can have significant environmental impacts, such as water pollution and habitat destruction. As a result, there is growing interest in developing sustainable practices for the production and use of phosphorus.

 

How big is the global phosphorus market

The global phosphorus market is quite large, as phosphorus is an essential element in many industrial and agricultural processes. Phosphorus is used in the production of a wide variety of products, including fertilizers, animal feed, food additives, flame retardants, and cleaning agents, among others.

The size of the global phosphorus market can be measured by looking at the overall value of phosphorus-related products and services that are traded on a global scale. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global phosphorus market was valued at approximately USD 66.7 billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach a value of around USD 91.9 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.2% during the forecast period.

The demand for phosphorus is driven by population growth, increasing demand for food, and expanding industrial applications. As developing countries become more affluent and urbanized, demand for phosphorus-based products is likely to continue to rise. However, the availability of phosphorus is finite, and concerns about the sustainability of phosphorus use and supply have led to increased efforts to recycle and conserve this essential element.

Trade information

According to https://oec.world/ :

Phosphorus are the world’s 2474th most traded product.

In 2020, the top exporters of Phosphorus were Vietnam ($251M), Kazakhstan ($213M), United States ($39.8M), Poland ($25.8M), and Russia ($21.1M).

In 2020, the top importers of Phosphorus were India ($115M), Germany ($95.2M), Poland ($72.9M), Japan ($62.9M), and Czechia ($38.3M).

 

Further reading

• Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
• PubChem for chemistry and property  information