US Gulf/Tampa:
Tampa ammonia was steady at January’s $525/mt CFR contract level, with no word on the expected direction for February. The latest truck pricing out of Gulf Coast production points was pegged in the $475-$500/st FOB range, down from December’s $570-$725/st FOB range following the drop in Tampa ammonia.
Eastern Cornbelt:
Ammonia reference prices in the Eastern Cornbelt remained at $600-$610/st FOB for winter fill tons and $625-$650/st FOB for spring prepay, but sources reported minimal interest and very little buying taking place in the region.
One contact suggested that the market may follow last year’s trajectory, when the initial prepay offers were followed by steadily lower prices to generate sales.
Western Cornbelt:
Ammonia reference prices in Nebraska and Iowa remained at $600-$620/st FOB for December-February fill tons and $625-$645/st FOB for spring prepay, depending on location, though sources reported few new sales to test the market. One contact said producers are “open to offers,” but interest currently remains low.
Northern Plains:
Ammonia pricing in the Northern Plains was quoted at $600-$610/st FOB regional terminals for winter fill tons and $630-$640/st FOB for spring prepay. Delivered offers were reported in the $600-$670/st range in the region for spring tons.
Pacific Northwest:
Ammonia prices in the Pacific Northwest were reported at $650/st FOB for anhydrous and $165/st FOB for aqua in early January, down from the prior $830-$850/st FOB and $220/st FOB levels, respectively.
Iran:
Iran exported 631,000 mt of ammonia in 2023, according to Trade Data Monitor, up 13% from the year-ago 556,000 mt. India received 89% of the exports, taking 564,000 mt, whileTurkey purchased 66,000 mt. December exports were pegged at 81,000 mt, rising from the 66,000 mt reported one year earlier, with 79,000 mt going to India.
Thailand:
January-November ammonia imports in Thailand totaled 316,000 mt, Trade Data Monitor reported, a marginal increase from the 306,000 mt received through the first 11 months of 2022. November imports of 30,000 mt were up compared to 18,000 mt in November 2022, with half of the month’s total coming from Australia.
Turkey:
January-November ammonia imports in Turkey were up 9% year-over-year, Trade Data Monitor reported, at 767,000 mt. November 2023 imports were counted at 82,000 mt, falling from 127,000 mt in November 2022.