U.S. Gulf:
Sources continued to point to tight supply as a primary driver of the current market, noting both planned turnarounds at domestic production facilities and minimal availability from Northwest European smelters as contributing factors.
“Producer maintenance schedules last through 3Q and import prices aren’t yet attractive,” said one source. “Spot prices are well above annual contracts, but not quite high enough to attract more vessel activity, yet.”
Buyers would likely need to look to suppliers in Asia to secure a vessel in the current market, players said, incurring higher delivered pricing than last-done levels.
Recent imports continued to be quoted in the $255-$260/mt CFR range, unmoved from one week earlier.
Gulf Coast:
Domestic rail contracts for delivery to the Gulf Coast were reported in the $195-$230/st DEL range for 2022.
Midwest:
Midwest annual agreements ran even with the Gulf Coast at $195-$230/st DEL, players said.
West Coast:
Tons delivered to West Coast locations were reported in the $185-$220/st DEL range for 2022.
Brazil:
Nothing new was heard on the Brazil import market for the week. Prices were previously noted in the $270-$275/mt CFR range.