U.S. Gulf:
Last-heard price ideas on sulfuric acid vessels imported to the U.S. Gulf were reported at $245-$250/mt CFR, although most agreed a deal concluded at that level would be all but impossible today, given current price expectations in the domestic U.S. markets.
Gulf Coast:
Tons delivered to the Gulf Coast were contracted in the $85-$110/st DEL range for 2021. With the bidding season on 2022 rail agreements now reportedly underway, sources expected to see a significant upward correction for the new year.
Midwest:
Midwest deals were quoted even with the Gulf Coast for 2021, at $85-$110/st DEL.
West Coast:
Contracts for West Coast deliveries were reported in the $100-$130/st DEL range for 2021.
Brazil:
Firming values continued to be noted in the Brazil import market. Recent vessel offers rising to $300/mt CFR were reportedly met with $280/mt CFR bids, a lift from $260-$265/mt CFR in the prior report.
An output reduction at the Paranapanema SA smelter was heard contributing to steep premiums in the inland markets. Sources said the facility, located in the Camaçari industrial district of Bahia state, is currently operating at 10-15 percent of its nameplate 450,000 mt/y sulacid capacity, leading to inland pricing in a reported R$10,000-R$20,000/mt range, or approximately $1,780-$3,560/mt.
China:
Shandong Fangyuan Nonferrous Metals Group, China’s largest private copper smelter, has restarted a 300,000 mt/y production line following a lengthy shutdown, Reuters reported. Fangyuan had been noted producing at approximately 400,000 mt/y of the company’s total 700,000 mt/y capacity since 2019 due to liquidity issues.