Tampa: Price increases for sulfur in other areas of the world may not have much of an impact in the U.S. by the time negotiations for the first quarter roll around.
Canadian sulfur producers appeared to be adjusting to the new, lower prices, and the world market was considered a bit thin to support long-term, higher prices.
The U.S. Department of Energy reported that refinery capacity operating rates decreased last week by 0.5 percent, from 87.3 percent the previous week to 86.8 percent. A year ago, the rate was 85.4 percent, but the four-year average was 84.2 percent.
The fourth-quarter price for molten sulfur delivered to Tampa was $75/lt.
Vancouver: Export prices at Vancouver have stayed flat despite slightly higher prices at China. However, even if the price does rise, the Vancouver price will not go up that much.
Although the price range for Vancouver sulfur was still said to be in the $50-$70/mt FOB range last week, it should be heading toward the higher end of the range.
West Coast: Prices on the West Coast for prill sulfur were still in line with Vancouver, in the $53-$73/mt FOB range, but prices will increase if the China price holds or increases.
U.S. Gulf: The price was unchanged in a range of $60-$70/mt FOB.
Benelux: The Benelux price range for the third quarter was $140-$155/mt. A new fourth-quarter price had not been set as of late last week.
ADNOC: The ADNOC price for November was posted at $80/mt FOB, which was up from $70/mt FOB in October, and $20/mt FOB higher than the previously planned $60/mt FOB for November. At Qatar, the price was $73/mt FOB.
Bangladesh: BCIC has reissued an international tender for the import of 15,000 mt of rock sulfur on a CFR Chittagong Port basis. Bids are due Dec. 3, with shipment required within 30 days of the receipt of a letter of credit.