International market trend of ammonium sulphate in the first week of February 2018

Ammonium sulphate: International market trend of ammonium sulphate in the first week of February 2018

Source: Zhongyu Information Date: 2018-2-9 16:49:15

2.1-2.8 International Market Dynamics (from foreign sources)

China: China’s ammonium sulphate prices are still strong, but before the Spring Festival holiday, new spot transactions are still limited. The spot low price of caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate shipped in February and March has risen to $115/tonne FOB. According to reports, some of the larger ammonium sulphate plants are under maintenance, the supply is tight, and the depreciation of the US dollar relative to the renminbi is not conducive to exports. The current exchange rate is 6.28 yuan: 1 US dollar, nearly 5% lower than December. Maintenance should last until after the holiday. Higher domestic ammonia prices increase the cost of caprolactam producers.

Turkey: Bestwin has a single cargo of 26,500 tons and was shipped to Turkey from Zhangjiagang or Longkou and Tianjin from February 14th to 18th. It is understood that this is for the sale of Toros, the price of caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate is less than $140/ton cfr tariff. Since then, offers for caprolactam companies in South Korea and China have risen, with current low/medium prices at $150/ton cfr and the latest high at $140/ton.

North West Europe: North West Europe’s spot is of interest to African, Mexican and American buyers, but most producers have sold out in the first quarter. A small amount of standard ammonium sulfate is around US$140/tonne FOB, while the price of pellets is above US$170/tonne FOB. There is a single cargo of 28,000 tons on the market, from Antwerp to Theodore and the Mississippi River, and to the east coast of Mexico, which is shipped from February 14th to 15th.

Brazil: The price of ammonium sulphate is stable. Importers are looking for a large supply of goods, but until the end of the quarter, the goods are not rushed to stock. The standard ammonium sulfate price in February is between $140 and $145/ton cfr, while the granular ammonium sulfate price is $170-190/ton cfr.

US: US exports have fallen by about 26% in 2017 to 690,000 tons due to a slowdown in Brazilian exports to the US. Brazilian buyers are increasing the demand for cheaper Chinese granular ammonium sulphate. US shipments to Brazil fell 54% to 220,000 tons in 12 months. The shipments to Canada increased to 132,000 tons, followed by Peru to 128,000 tons.

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