Tampa: There was no settlement as of late last week on new prices for second-quarter molten sulfur contract deliveries to Tampa. Suppliers were seeking a small increase, while phosphate producers were trying to get a rollover from the first quarter, or possibly do better.
Oil sands producers were said to be having problems that will delay deliveries of some sulfur south from Canada, although the interruption was only temporary.
A news report said Valero’s refinery at St. George’s Parish was shut down after losing power. The plant was knocked offline a week earlier as a result of a lightning strike, but repairs were underway and it was expected to return to normal operation within a couple of days.
Refinery operating capacity rates fell about 1 percent last week from the previous week.
Vancouver: Price increases in China had stalled by last week, but sources said other destinations were up somewhat. Based on freight rates, Vancouver prices for sales to China were around $185/mt FOB, but up to $200/mt FOB for some other delivery points.
West Coast: Spot prices for prill on the West Coast continued tracking Vancouver last week.
U.S. Imports: February imports were off 6 percent, to 176,568 st from the year-ago 187,171 st. However, July-February imports were up 2 percent, to 1.57 million st from 1.54 million st.