U.S. Gulf: Some 32,470 st of ammonium sulfate were imported in May, up 76 percent from the year-ago 18,479 st. Overall, imports were up 11 percent for the July-May period, to 309,194 st from the year-ago 279,336 st.
While the bulk of the AS imports traditionally come in from Canada, sources say China may become a larger source, with a recent cargo and another expected near term.
Eastern Cornbelt: Granular ammonium sulfate remained at $270-$275/st FOB and $280-$290/st DEL in the Eastern Cornbelt. The ammonium thiosulfate market was unchanged at a nominal $350-$360/st FOB in the region.
Western Cornbelt: The granular ammonium sulfate market was steady at $270-$275/st FOB in the region.
Southern Plains: American Plant Food Corp.’s July 8 granular ammonium sulfate postings out of Texas terminals included $250/st FOB Freeport, $260/st FOB Galena Park, $275/st FOB Fort Worth, and $285/st FOB Littlefield. Coarse grade postings are $10/st less than granular at each location, with standard posted at $230/st FOB Freeport and $265/st FOB Littlefield. APF’s N-Pac Compacted posting is $265/st FOB Galena Park.
South Central: Sources pegged the granular ammonium sulfate market at $270-$290/st FOB in the South Central region, down $60-$70/st from last report. APF’s granular ammonium sulfate posting FOB Mermentau, La., dropped to $275/st FOB on July 8, down $80/st from the previous list price at that location.
Southeast: The ammonium sulfate market was resetting in the Southeast last week.
Sources said Honeywell reposted delivered prices into Florida at $285/st for granular and $200/st for standard, and other suppliers were in the process of changing postings late last week.
One factor reportedly impacting the market is the expected arrival in September of imported Chinese compacted tons, which sources said is being quoted at much lower prices.