US Gulf:
The NOLA barge market remained at the $280/st FOB level for ammonium sulfate, reflecting the last confirmed business as well as recent indications based on terminal levels.
US Imports:
July ammonium sulfate imports moved up 149.6%, to 91,059 st from the year-ago 36,480 st. Imports from Canada were noted at 40,360 st, ahead of 30,568 st from Belgium. Russia shipped 18,165 st to the US.
US Exports:
Ammonium sulfate exports softened 67.3% in July, to 11,863 st from the year-go 36,277 st. Exports to Honduras totaled 7,336 st, followed by Canada with 3,164 st and Mexico with 812 st.
Eastern Cornbelt:
Granular ammonium sulfate remained at $320-$340/st FOB in the Eastern Cornbelt, with the Cincinnati market steady at $330-$340/st FOB.
Western Cornbelt:
Granular ammonium sulfate remained at $325-$350/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt, with the low confirmed at St. Louis.
Northern Plains:
The latest ammonium sulfate offers in the Northern Plains were unchanged at $340-$350/st FOB, with delivered tons pegged in the $335-$350/st range, depending on supplier and time of shipment.
Northeast:
Rail-DEL ammonium sulfate pricing was pegged at the $340-$350/st level in the Northeast, with terminal offers reported at $325-$345/st FOB, depending on location.
Eastern Canada:
Ammonium sulfate prices in Eastern Canada remained at C$525-$575/mt FOB for the latest offers.
Northwest Europe:
Ammonium sulfate in Northwest Europe traded in a wider range at $175-$190/mt FOB, with two confirmed sales reported. With improved liquidity, availability has come into question in some markets, with several players citing the possibility of deepwater imports into Europe over the coming months as agricultural demand picks up.
China:
Sources reported business from China priced around $148/mt FOB for caprolactam grade amsul. The deals most likely consisted of small lots shipped in containers, said one trader. Even with that caveat, sources were comfortable putting the market at $145-$148/mt FOB. Producers continue to call for $150/mt FOB.
Brazil:
Granular ammonium sulfate imports strengthened to $183-$190/mt CFR, up from last week’s $182-$185/mt CFR level. Market players expressed concerns over lengthy port lineups and sluggish demand at the farm level.
With the second corn crop approaching, planning focused on September and October shipments to ensure timely delivery for the 2025 planting season. Prices were stable in the $290-$305/mt FOB Rondonópolis range.
January-August ammonium sulfate imports were up 5%, to 2.37 million mt. August imports totaled 685,000 mt, a 50% increase from August 2023. Demand has remained consistent for both direct application and blending in 2024, supported by a favorable barter ratio.