US Gulf:
While the last confirmed business for NOLA ammonium sulfate barges remained at the $275/st FOB level, sources said the latest offers for import tons rose this week to $285/st FOB. Interoceanic (IOC) on Feb. 13 raised its list price to $300/st FOB NOLA barge, $25/st above the company’s Jan. 31 posting, though no new business was reported at the higher level.
US Imports:
Ammonium sulfate imports for December moved 56.0% higher year-over-year, to 48,768 st from 31,261 st. July-December imports firmed 50.6%, to 472,957 st from 314,031 st in 2022. Imports from Canada were noted at 265,407 st for July-December, ahead of 83,943 st from Russia and 58,143 st from Belgium.
US Exports:
December amsul exports lifted 41.5%, to 80,959 st from the year-ago 57,227 st. July-December exports moved down 11.7%, however, to 387,449 st from 438,737 st in the prior year. Exports to Peru totaled 111,845 st in July-December, followed by Canada with 45,142 st. Brazil took 40,743 st, Uruguay received 31,831 st, and Mexico bought 30,602 st.
Eastern Cornbelt:
Granular ammonium sulfate widened to $315-$345/st FOB in the Eastern Cornbelt, with the low confirmed out of spot Illinois River terminals. Postings from IOC moved up $25/st on Feb. 13, to $350/st FOB Ohio River terminals and $360/st FOB Illinois River terminals.
The latest granular ammonium sulfate offers in the Great Lakes region included $330-$345/st FOB and $355/st DEL.
Western Cornbelt:
The granular ammonium sulfate market edged up to $310-$330/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt, though reference prices were firming. IOC on Feb. 13 announced a $25/st increase for granular ammonium sulfate, with new postings reported at $325/st FOB Houston, Texas, $350/st FOB St. Louis, Mo., and Delta terminals, and $360/st FOB Upper Mississippi River terminals.
Northern Plains:
The granular ammonium sulfate market strengthened to $335-$355/st FOB and $340-$370/st DEL in the Northern Plains, depending on location and supplier. IOC raises its postings $25/st on Feb. 13, to $360/st FOB Upper Mississippi River terminals, $370/st rail-DEL in the Northern Plains, and $375/st FOB Sioux City, Iowa, Omaha, Neb., and Casselton, N.D.
Northeast:
Granular ammonium sulfate pricing strengthened to $350-$355/st FOB and $355-$365/st DEL in the Northeast, up roughly $15/st from last report.
Eastern Canada:
New ammonium sulfate offers in Eastern Canada were pegged at $545-$590/mt FOB at mid-month, up from the prior C$530-$575/mt FOB range.
Northwest Europe:
Standard ammonium sulfate prices were unchanged. An unconfirmed sale of 3,000 mt was closer to the low end of the range, suggesting that higher prices have yet to be accepted by buyers, despite the strength in urea.
No granular ammonium sulfate business was reported despite offers retreating some €15-€20/mt, to €185-€200/mt FOB, equating to $200-$215/mt FOB at midweek exchange rates.
China:
Even though most business was closed for the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday, sources reported the price of caprolactam grade amsul tightening to $145-$150/mt FOB. Producers are reportedly ready to start talks at $160/mt FOB when offices reopen next week.
A limited supply of amsul available for export is reportedly keeping upward pressure on the market. Part of the shortage stems from domestic demand from NPK producers, sources said. Southeast Asian buyers are also looking for amsul as a substitute for urea.
Brazil:
Brazil ammonium sulfate imports were unchanged at $175-$185/mt CFR. With sources reporting low activity during the week, Rondonópolis ammonium sulfate prices continued at $300-$315/mt FOB ex-warehouse.