U.S. Imports: January saw a 350 percent surge in ammonium sulfate imports, to 88,655 st from the year-ago 19,693 st. July-January imports were up 75 percent, to 385,815 st from the year-ago 220,036 st. China continues as a major source for U.S. imports, with some 239,571 st of the tons coming from that country, versus 93,477 st for the year-ago period. Imports from Canada were down to 99,098 st from 125,055 st.
Eastern Cornbelt: Sources reported a broad range of pricing for granular ammonium sulfate in the Eastern Cornbelt. The low end of the regional market was pegged at $230-$245/st FOB spot river locations for imported tons, with the bottom of that range FOB Ottawa and the high FOB Cincinnati. Domestic ammonium sulfate tons continued to be reported at the $280/st FOB and $285/st rail-DEL level at the upper end in the region.
Ammonium thiosulfate remained at $325-$335/st FOB in the region.
Western Cornbelt: Granular ammonium sulfate pricing had reportedly fallen to $240-$255/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt, with the lower numbers driven by imports. High demand had left some Missouri terminals with low sulfate supplies last week, sources said.
Ammonium thiosulfate remained at $295-$315/st FOB in the region.
Northern Plains: Granular ammonium sulfate pricing had reportedly slipped to $240-$250/st FOB for imported tons in the Northern Plains, down another $5/st from last report. Delivered pricing was quoted in the $275-$285/st range for domestic tons, depending on location.
The ammonium thiosulfate market remained at $320/st FOB in Minnesota. No current prices were reported in the Dakota market.
Northeast: Granular ammonium sulfate was tagged at $270-$280/st FOB in the Northeast, with delivered tons reported at $285-$290/st in the region.
Eastern Canada: Granular ammonium sulfate was quoted at $450-$460/mt FOB in Eastern Canada, down $30-$35/mt from last report.
Ammonium thiosulfate remained at $495/mt FOB and $595/mt DEL in the region, depending on location.