Introduction: What is Thiourea?

Thiourea is a chemical compound that looks like white crystals. Its formula is SC(NH₂)₂. It may sound complicated, but it plays a big role in many industries. Thiourea is used in mining, textiles, medicines, and more. It’s similar to a common chemical called urea, but with sulfur instead of oxygen. That small difference makes thiourea very useful.

At Camal Group, a sourcing and consulting company based in China and Africa, thiourea is one of the many chemicals we help companies find. With China being a top producer of thiourea, we work closely with reliable manufacturers to ensure quality and good prices for our global clients.

What Does Thiourea Look Like?

Thiourea Chemical Formula

• • Chemical Formula: SC(NH₂)₂
  • Form: White powder or crystals
  • Dissolves in: Water and alcohol

How is Thiourea Made?

Thiourea can be made in two main ways:

1. 1. By reacting hydrogen sulfide with calcium cyanamide and carbon dioxide.
   2. By heating a chemical called ammonium thiocyanate.

These methods help factories produce thiourea on a large scale to meet industry demand.

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How is Thiourea Used in Different Industries?

1. Mining Industry

Thiourea is very important in mining. It helps extract gold and silver from ores. It works as a safer and more eco-friendly option compared to using cyanide, which is toxic.

Benefits of thiourea in mining:

• • Safe alternative to cyanide
  • Makes gold and silver extraction more efficient
  • Helps with environmental regulations

Camal helps clients in Africa and Asia find reliable thiourea suppliers for mining projects.

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2. Textile Industry

In the textile world, thiourea improves fabric quality. It is used in dyeing and bleaching. It also helps with making thiourea dioxide, a common chemical in fabric processing.

Key uses in textiles:

• • Improves color quality
  • Helps with fabric bleaching
  • Used as a reducing agent in dyeing

3. Pharmaceutical Industry

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Thiourea plays a role in making certain medicines. Some thiourea-based compounds are used for treating infections and other health issues.

Applications in medicine:

• • Used to make drugs with antibacterial and anticancer properties
  • Investigated for treating diseases like Parkinson’s
  • Helps develop new medicines

4. Other Uses

Besides mining, textiles, and medicine, thiourea has many other uses:

• • Makes flame-resistant materials
  • Used in rubber manufacturing
  • Helps in making metal coatings (electroplating)
  • Works as a chemical helper in laboratories

Thiourea Price Trends & Cost Drivers in China

Pricing Trends Over the Last Year

Pricing Trends Over the Last Year

According to SMM, thiourea prices rose by 8% year-on-year in 2024, driven by rising sulfur prices and tightening environmental regulations. As of Q1 2025, average prices range from $1,500 to $1,650 per metric ton FOB China.

What Affects the Price of Thiourea?

Raw Material and Energy Costs

Thiourea production is heavily dependent on urea and sulfur, both of which saw price increases due to reduced supply and global energy market fluctuations.

Environmental Rules and Policies

The Chinese government has continued its crackdown on polluting chemical plants. As Bloomberg reported, “China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment increased scrutiny of chemical zones in 2024 to enforce water discharge and emissions targets,” said analyst Wang Lei from China Chemical Industry News.

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Shipping Delays and Global Demand

Geopolitical tensions and port congestion have impacted freight costs. According to Reuters (March 2024), “Exporters in China’s chemical sector are seeing delays of 5–7 days due to tighter customs checks related to environmental compliance.”

Currency Changes and Trade Policies

The RMB’s weakening against the USD has made Chinese thiourea exports more competitive, further increasing foreign demand and pushing prices upward.

What’s the Price Forecast for 2025?

SMM forecasts stable to slightly rising prices for thiourea in 2025, projecting a 3–5% increase due to:

• • Higher demand from mining and electronics sectors
  • Continued environmental compliance costs
  • Moderate raw material price increases

Why is Thiourea Important for China?

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China is one of the biggest producers and exporters of thiourea. Most of the thiourea used around the world is made in Chinese factories. These factories have advanced equipment and follow safety rules.

Because of this, many companies prefer to source thiourea from China. And that’s where Camal comes in. We help companies from Africa, the Middle East, and other regions connect with trusted suppliers in China. We make sure they get high-quality thiourea at competitive prices.

Thiourea Market Trends: What’s Happening Now?

• • In 2023, the global thiourea market was worth around USD 900 million.
  • By 2032, it’s expected to grow to USD 1.5 billion.
  • The growth rate is about 5.8% every year.

This growth is because of rising demand in:

• • Gold mining projects
  • Textile production
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing

China’s strong supply chain and Camal’s sourcing network make it easier for companies to tap into this growing market.

Where is Thiourea Used the Most?

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Asia-Pacific:

• • Most thiourea is made and used here.
  • China leads production.

Europe:

• • Used in medicine and advanced technologies.

North America:

• • Slow but steady demand in chemical industries.

Africa & Latin America:

• • Growing demand in mining.
  • Camal works with mining companies across Africa to supply thiourea from China.

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Leading Thiourea Manufacturers

For B2B buyers seeking reliable thiourea suppliers, the following state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are prominent in the industry:​

1. Sinhon Chemical Technology Co., Ltd.

Sinhon Chemical is recognized as the world’s largest thiourea manufacturer, with an annual output of 20,000 tons. The company emphasizes high purity and stability in its products, catering to various industries, including mining and electroplating.

2. Guizhou Hongkai Chemical Co., Ltd.

Based in Guizhou Province, this SOE specializes in the production of thiourea and related chemical products, serving both domestic and international markets.​

3. Yifeng Shenghua Chemical Co., Ltd.

Operating out of Shandong Province, Yifengshenghua is a significant player in the thiourea market, supplying high-quality products for industrial applications.​

Regional Production Insights

Provincial Analysis

Guizhou Province

Guizhou is a leading province in thiourea production due to its abundant mineral resources and established chemical industry infrastructure. The presence of major manufacturers like Guizhou Hongkai Chemical contributes to the province’s prominence in the market

Shandong Province

Shandong’s advanced industrial base and access to raw materials make it a strategic location for thiourea production. Companies like Yifengshenghua leverage these advantages to maintain competitive operations.​

Regional Clusters

A bustling Shanghai street with the Chinese flag proudly waving over the Huangpu River.

Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone

This region, encompassing cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, is a hub for chemical manufacturing. Its well-developed logistics and supply chain networks facilitate efficient distribution of thiourea products.​

Pearl River Delta Economic Zone

Including cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, this zone benefits from proximity to major ports and a robust industrial ecosystem, supporting the production and

Common Questions About Thiourea

Frequently asked questions

Thiourea is a versatile chemical compound widely used in industries ranging from mining to textiles. While it plays a crucial role in various processes, it also raises important questions about safety, handling, and its chemical nature. This FAQ section addresses the most common curiosities and concerns surrounding thiourea—covering everything from how it’s made to how it smells—so you can better understand its properties and safe usage.

1.How is thiourea stored?

Thiourea should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It should be kept in tightly sealed containers to prevent contamination and degradation. When storing thiourea in industrial settings, it is important to follow safety regulations and use proper protective equipment to avoid accidental exposure.

A laboratory setup with a graduated cylinder of blue liquid among various scientific equipment

2. Is thiourea harmful to humans?

When handled properly, thiourea is not extremely harmful. However, like many chemicals, it can be toxic if ingested, inhaled in large amounts, or improperly handled. It’s important to follow safety protocols when using thiourea, such as wearing protective gear and working in well-ventilated areas.

3. What does it mean if you can taste thiourea?

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If you can taste thiourea, it may indicate a high concentration of the chemical. Thiourea has a faint, bitter taste. If you encounter this, it’s a sign you might be exposed to too much of it, and safety measures should be taken.

4. What is the smell of thiourea?

Thiourea has a faint sulfur-like odor, similar to the smell of rotten eggs. The smell comes from the sulfur atom in its chemical structure. While the smell isn’t overpowering, it is noticeable when working with thiourea in industrial settings.

5. What is the history of thiourea?

Thiourea was first synthesized in the early 19th century. It was initially discovered by a chemist named Friedrich Wöhler in 1827. He was studying urea and found that by replacing the oxygen atom in urea with sulfur, he could create thiourea. This discovery opened the door for a wide range of industrial and chemical applications that continue today.

6. What is the cause of thiourea?

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The “cause” of thiourea would refer to its chemical creation or synthesis. Thiourea is formed by replacing the oxygen atom in urea with a sulfur atom. It is typically made by reacting ammonium thiocyanate or hydrogen sulfide with calcium cyanamide and carbon dioxide.

7. How do you make thiourea?

Thiourea can be synthesized in a couple of different ways:

• • Reaction of hydrogen sulfide with calcium cyanamide: This method involves mixing these chemicals in the presence of carbon dioxide to produce thiourea.
  • Heating ammonium thiocyanate: Another way to make thiourea is by heating ammonium thiocyanate, which causes it to break down into thiourea.

These methods allow large-scale production of thiourea for various industrial uses.

How Camal Can Help You Source Thiourea

From equipment to chemicals and steel, Camal Services ensures safe and reliable global shipping for all your industrial needs!

At Camal, we simplify the sourcing of thiourea from China and beyond. Here’s how we can support your business:

1. Top-Quality Suppliers

We connect you with the best thiourea manufacturers in China, ensuring high-quality products at competitive prices for mining, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

2. Quality Assurance

We conduct thorough inspections and supplier checks to ensure that the thiourea you receive meets international quality standards.

3. Competitive Pricing

With our strong relationships and market insights, we help you secure thiourea at the best prices, helping you stay within budget.

4. Fast and Reliable Logistics

We handle all logistics, ensuring your thiourea arrives on time and in perfect condition, with minimal hassle for you.

5. Regulatory Compliance

We make sure your thiourea meets all local and international safety and environmental regulations, protecting your business from potential risks.

6. Consulting and Insights

Our experts provide valuable insights into market trends, helping you stay ahead in the competitive thiourea market.

7. Tailored Solutions

We offer personalized sourcing strategies to meet your unique business needs, whether you’re in mining, textiles, or pharmaceuticals.

Contact Camal today for a FREE consultation and discover how we can help you secure reliable thiourea sources and grow your business!

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Conclusion

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• • Thiourea will remain a very important input for global manufacturers across industries such as agriculture, mining, and chemicals. With its wide range of industrial applications, reliable sourcing is essential.
  • China is still the best place to source thiourea due to its well-established chemical manufacturing base and competitive pricing. However, you still need to do your due diligence before buying thiourea to avoid issues related to quality, compliance, or delivery delays.
  • It’s also important to communicate effectively with suppliers to ensure you’re getting high-quality thiourea that meets your exact requirements.
  • CAMAL can help you with thiourea procurement, just as we have successfully supported hundreds of other manufacturers in securing reliable, cost-effective supply from China.

How can CAMAL help you manage your China Sourcing?

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✅Do you face difficulties in communicating your requirements to suppliers in China?

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✅ Do you wish someone could help you with end-to-end procurement, so you can focus on growing your business?

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