U.S. Gulf:
Ammonium sulfate barge prices continued to be quoted in the $210-$220/st FOB range. IOC is posted at $225/st FOB.
Eastern Cornbelt:
The ammonium sulfate market was quoted at $235-$250/st FOB in the Eastern Cornbelt, with the low reported at Cincinnati.
Western Cornbelt:
Ammonium sulfate pricing remained at $235-$250/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt, depending on location and time of shipment, with the low reported at St. Louis. The Caruthersville market was pegged solidly at the $245/st FOB level for new business.
Southern Plains:
The granular ammonium sulfate market was quoted firmly at $245-$250/st FOB Catoosa/Inola and Houston/Freeport, also up significantly from late January. IOC on Feb. 3 raised its ammonium sulfate postings to $245/st FOB Houston and $250/st rail-DEL in the Southern Plains, up $15/st from its previous postings on Jan. 13.
South Central:
Ammonium sulfate pricing had reportedly firmed to $235-$245/st FOB in the South Central region, up $15-$25/st from last report, with the low at Memphis and the higher numbers out of Arkansas and Louisiana terminals. IOC is referenced at $245/st FOB Delta terminals.
Southeast:
AdvanSix on Feb. 10 increased ammonium sulfate postings by $20/st at all distribution points. New prices FOB Hopewell, Va., include $265/st for granular, $245/st for mid-grade, and $225/st for standard. Sources in Florida said earlier orders of standard grade were still being shipped at $195-$200/st FOB at mid-month, however.
China:
Even with most of the country on holiday, a few small deals came through, pushing the price for caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate to $140/mt FOB. Sources noted that more demand is coming from regional buyers, pushing the price and freight rates even higher.
Sources said the reduced available tons make it difficult for traders to assemble large quantities for export in one place. The subsequent need to visit multiple ports to fill a vessel has bumped up the freight rates.
Brazil:
Ammonium sulfate prices in Brazil remained stable as the country took most of the week off. Sources continue to peg the import market at $180-$185/mt CFR.
Rondonopolis showed no movement from the $280-$310/mt FOB ex-warehouse level achieved last week as trading recommenced late in the week. Likewise, Sorriso stayed at $319/mt FOB. The barter remains at 39 bags of corn for 1 mt of ammonium sulfate in Mato Grosso.