U.S. Gulf: The Gulf sulfuric acid market was primed for a climb, sources said.
European producers offered product at higher rates in the face of an expected supply dip during the upcoming European turnaround season, though currently favorable freight rates have taken the edge off prices for now, one contact said.
Observers were “anxiously awaiting” heavy-hitter Brazil’s potential reentry into the market and the price adjustment that could accompany such volumes. Meanwhile, domestic prices have inched higher in recent weeks, led by sulfur burners reportedly paying up to $100/st FOB.
Market watchers continued to quote Gulf acid imports unchanged at $75-$80/mt CFR, but believed new business had inched closer to the high side of the range.