U.S. Gulf: Sulfuric acid delivered by vessel to the Gulf of Mexico was called flat at $45-$50/mt CFR last week, although some argued that those numbers were too high.
Most traced recent price ideas to offers from Northwest European smelters in the $10-$15/mt FOB range. “We’ve been told they’re essentially sold out through October,” said one trader. Market bears claimed the market’s supposed supply tightness was exaggerated, however, arguing that tons could be acquired at an approximate $10/mt FOB discount to current offers.
Cargoes destined for Brazil were described at $45-$55/mt CFR, while observers put the Chilean market at $55-$65/mt CFR.
Domestic sales were reported in the $105-$115/mt range for acid delivered to the West Coast, unchanged from the previous report. Tons headed for the Gulf market from U.S. producers commanded $90-$95/mt DEL, while Midwest material was quoted at $80-$90/mt DEL, unmoved from the week before.
U.S. Imports: August imports were down 24 percent, to 318,100 st from 416,345 st. July-August imports were down 11 percent, to 648,861 st from 729,750 st.