US Gulf:
NOLA potash was quoted at $345-$350/st FOB for limited business during the week, unchanged from last week’s range.
US Imports:
Potash imports for July-August lifted 1.7%, to 1.93 million st from the year-ago 1.90 million st. August imports fell 6.0%, however, to 1.07 million st from last year’s 1.14 million st. Imports from Canada were reported at 1.64 million st in July-August, while Russia sent 191,268 st and Israel added 93,040 st.
US Exports:
August potash exports fell 21.9%, to 274,570 st from the year-ago 351,656 st. July-August exports moved 19.5% lower, to 459,315 st from 570,749 st in the prior year. US exports to Brazil totaled 151,990 st for the two-month period, followed by 115,868 st to Malaysia and 94,363 st to China.
Potash was unchanged at $385-$400/st FOB in the Eastern Cornbelt, with the high out of inland warehouses and the low at river terminals. The Cincinnati market remained at $390-$395/st FOB in mid-October.
Nutrien confirmed on Oct. 20 that it has increased its domestic potash prices by $20/st, with Midwest reference prices now at $420/st FOB. Nutrien said it has seen strong demand for potash in North America, with customers optimistic about a robust fall application season supported by continued strength in agricultural fundamentals.
Potash was steady at $385-$400/st FOB in the Western Cornbelt, with the St. Louis market quoted in the $385-$395/st FOB range.
California:
The potash market remained at $510-$533/st FOB or DEL in California, depending on grade and location.
Pacific Northwest:
Potash was steady at $465-$488/st FOB or DEL in Pacific Northwest, with the high reflecting post-fill reference pricing for 62% MOP. The latest postings from Intrepid FOB Moab and Wendover, Utah, included $435/st FOB for 60% white standard and $440/st for 60% white granular.
Western Canada:
Potash truck pricing in Western Canada remained at C$545-$555/mt FOB Saskatchewan mines for October-December shipment, depending on grade.
Brazil:
Potash import prices were stable at $330-$350/mt CFR. Facing limited demand, sellers are offering tons with formula-based pricing in an effort to spur liquidity. Muted interest held Rondonópolis prices at $475-$485/mt FOB, consistent with week-ago levels.