U.S. Gulf: Barge prices continued to be under pressure last week, with product called $490-$505/st FOB.
PotashCorp announced Feb. 22 that, consistent with its practice of matching supply with market demand, notice was given to employees that Rocanville and Lanigan will remain temporarily closed for up to an additional four weeks to March 31, 2012.
One observer suggested that lower prices, not curtailments, are what is needed to get potash to move. He said farmers look at the other fertilizer products, such as DAP, and then see a much higher price tag on potash. However, he said the problem is that too many buyers have product at high prices and they do not want to drop their prices.
Eastern Cornbelt: Sources quoted the potash market in the $535-$545/st FOB range in the Eastern Cornbelt region in late February.
Western Cornbelt: The potash market was quoted in the $530-$545/st range FOB regional warehouses, depending on grade and location.
Southern Plains: Potash in the Southern Plains was quoted at $530-$545/st FOB regional warehouses, depending on grade and location. The potash market FOB Carlsbad, N.M., was pegged in the $530-$540/st range, depending on grade.
South Central: Potash was tagged in the $535-$540/st FOB range in the South Central region in late February.
Southeast: Potash was quoted at $560/st FOB and $570-$580/st rail-DEL in the Southeast region last week.