U.S. Gulf:
TheNOLA barge market was described as quiet, with the most recent business reported in the $525-$550/st FOB range, despite higher inland postings released by AdvanSix.
Eastern Cornbelt:
Although there were reports of granular ammonium sulfate offers on the table for as low as $550/st FOB Ottawa, Ill., most sources quoted the market firmly in the upper-$500s to low-$600s, with Cincinnati pricing reported solidly at $590/st FOB.
Michigan sources pegged the market at $615/st FOB terminals for January-March tons and up to $635/st FOB for Q2 offers.
AdvanSix on Jan. 6 raised its prices for granular ammonium sulfate by $30/st, with new postings at river warehouses firming to $615-$620/st FOB and inland warehouses priced at traditional premiums to river warehouses. The company said availability is limited.
Western Cornbelt:
Ammonium sulfate pricing in the Western Cornbelt was pegged at $575-$615/st FOB in early January, with the high reflecting new river terminal postings from AdvanSix on Jan. 6.
Northern Plains:
Granular ammonium sulfate prices firmed to $610-$615/st FOB St. Paul, with delivered pricing in North Dakota pegged at $610/st for 1Q tons and up to $635/st DEL for 2Q shipments.
Northeast:
The granular ammonium sulfate market was quoted at a firm $575/st FOB Lancaster at midweek. AdvanSix on Jan. 6 announced a $30/st increase for granular ammonium sulfate, with new reference pricing firming to $550/st FOB Hopewell, Va.
Eastern Canada:
Sources reported a firming ammonium sulfate market in Eastern Canada, with prices quoted at C$745-$850/mt FOB in the region in early January, up considerably from the last reported C$690-$770/mt FOB range.
China:
Even with limited production, producers are pushing to clear out their stockpiles before the Lunar New Year starts on Feb. 1. This seems to have pushed prices down to $365-$380/mt FOB for caprolactam ammonium sulfate.
Prices could see a rebound in February, because much of the production that turns out amsul as a byproduct will be closed for the Lunar New Year celebrations, and then again as part of the Chinese government’s efforts to limit air pollution during the Winter Olympics games.
Brazil:
Sources reported a one-off deal that dropped the low end of the landed price to $450/mt CFR. Other deals showed pricing closer to $500/mt CFR. The price shift, said sources, was in line with a general feeling that nitrogen prices are coming off for February and March.
The Rondonopolis price remained steady at $670/mt FOB ex-warehouse. Sources reported little activity, as buyers watch to see what happens with urea pricing.