US Gulf:
Prices were unchanged at $60-$65/mt CFR. Players reported a tight market, noting a number of sulfur burners experiencing production interruptions.
US Imports:
Sulfuric acid imports for June moved 21.2% higher year-over-year, to 339,572 st from 280,239 st. July-June exports softened 3.1%, however, to 3.48 million st from 3.60 million st in the prior-year period. July-June imports from Canada were 2.01 million st, ahead of Mexico’s 690,479 st. Spain added 268,920 st.
US Exports:
June sulfuric acid exports fell 4.2%, to 17,767 st from the year-ago 18,538 st. July-June exports moved up 164.2%, however, to 859,895 st from 325,456 st in the prior year. July-June exports to Mexico were noted at 536,240 st, ahead of 162,261 st to Canada. Saudi Arabia bought 115,028 st.
Brazil:
The price range in Brazil firmed to $75-$85, from $75-$80/mt CFR at last check. While no new business has been concluded, high freight rates and availability in Europe are moving prices higher, players said.
Chile:
Spot business into Chile was reported at $95/mt CFR, above last-done levels. Prices in Asia have reportedly turned positive on thinning supply, as slowing steel production due to the economic downturn in Asia has kept a tighter balance in the market, sources said. The annual contract at Chile continued in a $142-$146/mt CFR range.