US Gulf:
The latest indications for new NOLA ammonium sulfate barge business settled at the $270/st FOB level in late September, sources said, though no new trades were reported to test the market. Recent postings from Interoceanic (IOC) include NOLA granular ammonium sulfate at $295/st FOB for September-October shipment and $305/st FOB for November-December.
Eastern Cornbelt:
The granular ammonium sulfate market remained at $300-$335/st FOB in the Eastern Cornbelt, with the high reflecting IOC’s latest postings FOB Illinois and Ohio river terminals. The Cincinnati marker was pegged solidly at the $320/st FOB level for the last offers.
Western Cornbelt:
The granular ammonium sulfate market firmed to $295-$310/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt in the wake of higher postings from IOC and AdvanSix, with the low at St. Louis and the high reported out of spot Iowa shipping points.
California:
Ammonium sulfate pricing in California was unchanged at $320-$330/st FOB and $350/st DEL for the latest offers, with the low reported at Lathrop, Woodland, and Richvale.
Pacific Northwest:
The ammonium sulfate market firmed to $285-$325/st FOB or DEL in the Pacific Northwest, depending on grade and location, up from the prior $280-$300/st FOB and $290-$300/st DEL ranges.
Ammonium sulfate postings from IRM in the Pacific Northwest strengthened on Sept. 15 to $285/st FOB or DEL for WesternStandard, and $325/st FOB or DEL for WesternPremium and Tranzform.
Western Canada:
The ammonium sulfate market in Western Canada was up from last report, firming to C$475-$480/mt DEL from the prior C$445-$460/mt DEL range.
China:
Concluded business remained in the mid-$160s/mt FOB for caprolactam grade amsul during the early week, sources said. By the end of the week, however, at least one confirmed sale pushed the price into the mid-$170s/mt FOB.
One producer was reported to conclude a 10,000 mt deal at $166-$167/mt FOB for November shipment. On the heels of that trade, a 20,000 mt sale for October shipment was done in the low-$170s/mt FOB.
Sources reported tight availability due to some plants reducing output. One plant, the Dongming Risun facility, suffered an explosion in mid-September at its hydrogen peroxide unit, forcing a complete shutdown. Sources said there were no injuries, and the plant is expected to be back online by Oct. 8.
Brazil:
Imported ammonium sulfate prices slipped to $200-$220/mt CFR in Brazil, a slight decline from last week’s $205-$220/mt CFR, with sources reporting a slow market. Despite low demand for the corn safrinha, Rondonopolis prices firmed to $315-$330/mt FOB ex-warehouse on reports of limited supply, up $5/mt from the week-ago $310-$325/mt.