US Gulf:
The NOLA ammonium sulfate market edged up to $400-$405/st FOB for the latest business, with the high reported for a loaded/moving barge transaction concluded early in the week. Some sources suggested that a slight softening in upriver terminal prices could pressure NOLA barges down to sub-$400/st FOB levels for the next round of business, however.
Eastern Cornbelt:
A slight easing in granular ammonium sulfate prices was reported in the Eastern Cornbelt during the week, with spot Illinois River terminals slipping to $415/st FOB from last week’s low of $425/st FOB. The upper end of the regional market was quoted at the $440/st FOB level out of inland Ohio terminals, down from $450/st FOB.
Delivered ammonium sulfate offers in Michigan were quoted at the $463/st level at midweek.
Western Cornbelt:
The granular ammonium sulfate market remained at $420-$440/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt unchanged from the prior week.
California:
Ammonium sulfate prices were quoted at $410-$460/st FOB and $470-$520/st DEL in California, with the low for standard and the high for granular tons. Reference prices included granular at $447/st FOB Richvale and Helm, and $457/st FOB French Camp.
Pacific Northwest:
Ammonium sulfate pricing in the Pacific Northwest firmed to $360-$420/st FOB or DEL, depending on grade and supplier, up from $330-$400/st at last report. Most granular ammonium sulfate prices were quoted firmly in the $390-$420/st FOB or DEL range in the region.
Western Canada:
The latest granular ammonium sulfate prices in Western Canada were quoted in a wide range at C$580-$620/mt DEL in early May for limited tons, stretching from C$585-$595/mt DEL at last report.
Northwest Europe:
Standard ammonium sulfate prices in Northwest Europe slipped to $155-$160/mt FOB (€145-€150/mt FOB) on ample availability and muted demand. New-season prices were rumored higher, but no firm buyer interest could be confirmed, with buyers expressing doubts that these indications would materialize into transactable business.
China:
With many offices in China closed due to the weeklong Labor Day holiday, price checks on caprolactam grade amsul were limited. International traders claim that any serious future price discussions will have to track below $120/mt FOB. Rumors put expected settlements for some of those talks at $115-$118/mt FOB, though lacking in confirmed deals, the price remained at $120-$125/mt FOB for the week.
Thailand:
Amsul imports to Thailand moved up sharply in the first quarter, Trade Data Monitor reported, to 145,000 mt from 44,000 mt in January-March 2023, with China supplying 100,000 mt. March imports firmed to 70,000 mt from 30,000 mt in March 2023.
Turkey:
Turkey imported 382,000 mt of ammonium sulfate during the first quarter, according to Trade Data Monitor, a26% rise from the 304,000 mt received through the first three months of 2023. China sent 369,000 mt, for about 97% of the total. March imports were reported at 145,000 mt, a significant increase from the 61,000 mt received in March 2023.
Brazil:
Ammonium sulfate imports slipped $5/mt at the bottom of the range, to $160-$170/mt CFR from $165-$170/mt CFR. Urea currently sits at a 13.5% discount to ammonium sulfate on a nitrogen-unit basis. Rondonópolis pricing firmed to $290/mt FOB ex-plant, up from last week’s $270-$285/mt FOB.