U.S. Gulf:
NOLA potash barges were called $740-$795/st FOB, with most citing the lower $740-$760/st FOB range later in the week.
Eastern Cornbelt:
Potash pricing continued to retreat, with new spot offers reported at $780-$800/st FOB in the Eastern Cornbelt, down another $5-$10/st from last report. The Cincinnati potash market was pegged at $790-$800/st FOB during the week, down from $805/st at last report.
Western Cornbelt:
Potash pricing slipped to $780-$800/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt, depending in location, with the low reported at St. Louis. The Caruthersville potash market was pegged at the $795/st FOB level at midweek.
Southern Plains:
Potash pricing was quoted at $770-$780/st FOB Catoosa/Inola and $785/st FOB Houston, down $10-$15/st from last report. Potash postings from Intrepid FOB Carlsbad, N.M., remained at $855/st for 60% white granular and $875/st FOB for 62% white standard.
South Central:
The potash market slipped to $780-$810/st FOB in the South Central region, down another $5-$10/st from last report, with the low confirmed in Kentucky and the high at Shreveport. Pricing out of most Arkansas River terminals was reported at the $795-$800/st FOB level, while the Memphis market was pegged at $800-$805/st FOB.
Southeast:
The latest potash offers in the Southeast were confirmed at $800/st FOB port terminals, with rail-DEL Canadian tons pegged in the $830-$840/st range in the Southeast.
Brazil:
MOP prices dipped to $1,125-$1,200/mt CFR in Brazil.
Buyers remain anxious that prices will remain high because of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, two of Brazil’s major MOP suppliers. Even with concern that existing stockpiles may not be replaced, buyers are refusing to pay the current high prices. The lack of any serious movement is forcing holders of the MOP to sell at lower rates to clear out space for tons coming in or to reduce the daily storage charges.
Rondonópolis prices dropped slightly to $1,230-$1,330/mt FOB ex-warehouse.
South Korea:
MOP imports in January-April 2022 were reported at 223,000 mt by Trade Data Monitor. This represents a 13% drop from the 256,000 mt imported during the same period in 2021. The main supplier was Canada with 128,000 mt. All other suppliers each sent 45,000 mt or less.
April 2022 imports were reported at 56,000 mt, down 17% from the 67,000 mt imported in April 2021. Canada and Laos were the two major suppliers at 31,000 mt and 24,000 mt, respectively.