U.S. Gulf: Barges were quoted in the $195-$210/st FOB range, with the lower end reflecting Chinese imports and the higher end domestic product.
Eastern Cornbelt: The granular ammonium sulfate market remained in a broad range at $230-$280/st FOB in the Eastern Cornbelt, with the low confirmed out of spot river locations for import tons and the upper end for domestic product.
Ammonium thiosulfate was steady at $325-$335/st FOB in the region.
Western Cornbelt: Granular ammonium sulfate was pegged at $240-$255/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt. As for supply, one source noted that there are “plenty of imports, but it’s a little tough getting domestic product.”
Ammonium thiosulfate was unchanged at $295-$325/st FOB.
California: Ammonium sulfate was steady at $270-$310/st FOB in California, depending on grade, location, and supplier. IRM was posted at $270/st FOB Chico and Woodland for WesternStandard, and $280/st FOB Chico for WesternPremium, while Simplot’s premium grade produce was referenced at $270-$275/st FOB Lathrop and $305-$310/st FOB El Centro.
Ammonium thiosulfate was unchanged at $275-$300/st FOB in the state, with the low for 11-0-0-24 FOB Stockton.
Pacific Northwest: Ammonium sulfate pricing was steady at $275-$285/st DEL in the Pacific Northwest, with the low end for lower quality imported tons. IRM’s postings in the region included $275/st FOB and $285/st DEL for WesternPremium, with WesternStandard at $235/st FOB and $245/st DEL.
Ammonium thiosulfate remained at $285-$295/st FOB in the region.
Western Canada: The granular ammonium sulfate market was reported at $425-$440/mt DEL in Western Canada.
China: Prices are in flux on caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate.
Sources reported that bids of $94-$95/mt FOB were seriously being considered, but prices are now closer to $108/mt FOB. One trader said $105/mt FOB might be achieved with some hard bargaining, but those tons are moving away fast.
Reports of sales out of South Korea have put some pressure on the Chinese suppliers, even though the Korean product is more expensive at about $120/mt FOB. The Brazil sales reportedly netback to $110-$112/mt FOB China.
Sources said the buyers in Brazil and on Central and South America’s West Coast appear willing to pay the premium because the color and quality is similar to the Honeywell product they used to buy before China entered the market.
Sources also reported that some granulated steel-grade product has been sold to the Western Hemisphere for a netback close to $100/mt FOB.
South Korea: Reportedly, Brazil and other parts of Latin America appear willing to pay a premium to get South Korean caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate, knocking out Chinese product. The netback on recent sales is pegged at $120/mt FOB.
Sources said the Korean product has the same look and feel as the Honeywell material the buyers once took.