U.S. Gulf: Potash barge prices continued to move up, with the latest trades in the $313-$325/st FOB range. While the higher end of the range was reported, skeptics argued that anyone seriously looking for a barge could still do sub-$320/st.
July-December MOP imports were up 4 percent, to 4.83 million st from the year-ago 4.64 million st. However, December imports were off 22 percent, to 664,368 st from the year-ago 854,215 st.
Eastern Cornbelt: Potash pricing from producers and most resellers had reportedly firmed some $20/st to the $370/st FOB mark for red granular and $377/st FOB for white granular. Sources reported no new sales at the higher numbers, however, with the last business reportedly done at $350-$357/st FOB in the Eastern Cornbelt.
Western Cornbelt: Potash prices from producers and resellers were at the $370/st FOB level for red granular and $377/st FOB for white granular tons, following the posting hike that occurred from producers the previous week. There was little new business to test the market, however. “Most everyone had a chance to buy at the old number of $350/st FOB,” said one source.
California: Potash pricing was pegged at $475-$495/st FOB or DEL in California.
The sulfate of potash (SOP) market remained at $660-$670/st FOB in California, with some sales taking place and sources continuing to talk of short supply.
Crystalline potassium nitrate remained at $950/st FOB for bulk and $1,020/st FOB for bags.
Pacific Northwest: Sources quoted the potash market at $425-$445/st rail-DEL in the Pacific Northwest, with warehouse pricing reported in the $435-$445/st FOB range.
Potash pricing FOB Utah mines had reportedly firmed some $20/st to $405/st for new orders, but sources reported no new business at that level, with the last sales into the Pacific Northwest reported at the $385/st FOB mark.
The K-Mag market remained at $451-$471/st FOB in the Pacific Northwest.
Western Canada: Sources quoted the potash market at $379/mt FOB Saskatchewan mines to Canadian customers, up some $30/mt from January pricing levels. Warehouse prices in the Western Canada were reported at $390-$410/mt FOB, depending on location.