- This article discusses the recent developments in the international fertilizer market, focusing on the first-quarter financial results of major potash producers such as Mosaic, Nutrien, and ICL.
- This week, the domestic MAP market continued to see price increases, with the average price index for 55% powdered MAP rising by 3.06%. The market remained bullish due to tight supply and pending orders.
- This week, the urea market remained generally stable, with cautious buyer sentiment leading to slower purchase rates. The average domestic small granular urea price index was 2393.93, a 0.06% decrease.
- On May 27, domestic urea prices slightly decreased, with the small granular urea price index at 2391.68, down 0.19% from last Friday but up 12.38% year-on-year.
- On May 27, domestic MAP prices remained stable, supported by pending orders and cautious downstream procurement. The 55% powdered MAP price index was stable at 3062.50, while the 55% granular MAP index was 3080.00.
- In May 2024, the domestic MAP market experienced sustained bullish sentiment, with significant price increases due to tight supply and strong downstream demand.
- This week, the MAP market saw continued price increases, driven by bullish sentiment and tight supply, with the 55% powdered MAP price index rising by 1.96% and the 55% granular MAP price index by 0.20%. DAP prices slightly declined, focusing on export orders, with the 64% granular DAP price index down by 0.28%. MAP production and operating rates increased, while DAP saw a slight decline in production but remained higher year-on-year. Port inventories for both MAP and DAP decreased significantly year-on-year. MAP prices are expected to remain high with potential increases, while DAP prices are likely to show slight declines, maintaining firmness in the short term.
- This week, the urea market experienced oscillations with a general upward adjustment followed by minor corrections. The small granular urea price index increased by 1.00% to 2395.45. Early in the week, higher prices reduced downstream purchasing willingness, but improved market sentiment and support from pending orders led to renewed firm pricing. Midweek, lower prices encouraged low-end transactions, while late in the week, new orders slowed, reducing trading enthusiasm. Regionally, prices varied, with increases in East and South China. The market remains stable but cautious, with supply gradually increasing as maintenance ends. International prices for urea showed slight increases. In the short term, urea prices are expected to continue experiencing minor adjustments.
- On May 23, the MAP market continued its upward trend, with prices supported by strong demand and large pending orders, keeping the market at high levels despite tight spot supply. The DAP market remained stable, focusing on executing export orders with high operating rates and firm quotes. Domestic demand for DAP is limited, with the corn fertilizer demand nearing its end. Raw material prices for both MAP and DAP are stable with slight adjustments, though synthetic ammonia prices are showing slight declines. In the short term, MAP prices are expected to remain high with minor adjustments, while DAP prices are likely to continue weak consolidation domestically.
- On May 23, the small granular urea price index decreased by 0.16% day-on-day but increased by 9.65% year-on-year. Urea futures prices showed weak oscillations amid a generally weak commodity market, with marginal weakening in fundamental support. The spot market saw stable to slightly lower prices, supported by pending orders and low inventory. Factory orders are decreasing, with firm quotes maintained. Demand from agriculture and industrial sectors slowed, leading to a cautious market sentiment. In the short term, urea prices are expected to remain stable with minor adjustments.
- April 2024 saw significant shifts in China's phosphate fertilizer trade, with dramatic increases in both MAP and DAP imports and exports compared to the previous month and year. The increases highlight the volatile nature of the fertilizer market and significant changes in global demand and supply dynamics. The import increases were notably exponential, indicating a drastic change in sourcing strategies or availability from foreign markets. Export destinations for both MAP and DAP are diverse, indicating China's broad market reach in the phosphate fertilizer sector.
- On May 22, the domestic prices for MAP and DAP remained stable with minor adjustments. MAP prices are supported by significant pending orders despite weak downstream follow-up at high prices and decreasing cost pressures. DAP prices are also stable, with enterprises focused on executing export orders and domestic transactions remaining small. With a cautious buying atmosphere and a slight downward trend in raw material costs, both MAP and DAP markets are expected to maintain stable prices with potential for minor adjustments, reflecting the ongoing balance between supply constraints and moderate demand.
- On May 22, the urea market exhibited a slight increase in the small granular urea price index, reaching 2401.45, a 0.16% day-on-day rise and a 9.30% year-on-year increase. In the futures market, urea prices opened high but trended lower, reflecting a general high-level oscillation with a slight downward adjustment. The spot market saw slight price increases, driven by strong support from pending orders and a cautious but firm trading environment due to the gradual recovery of daily production. Despite the potential for new drivers, the market sentiment is currently influenced by strong commodity market conditions and cautious purchasing behavior due to high prices. Prices are expected to remain stable with minor fluctuations, as the industry balances slow production recovery with sustained demand, particularly from the agricultural sector.
- On May 21, the MAP price index for 55% powdered and 58% powdered MAP rose, while the 55% granular index remained stable. MAP market prices slightly increased due to strong support from pending orders despite bearish pressure from increased supply and declining raw material costs. In contrast, the DAP market saw price declines, with limited new orders and a cautious market atmosphere. Demand for summer fertilizer is winding down, leading to weak market consolidation and minimal just-in-time orders. Raw material prices for sulfur and phosphate rock are stable with slight declines, weakening cost support. In the short term, MAP prices are expected to remain stable with minor fluctuations, while DAP prices are likely to continue their downward trend.
- On May 21, the small granular urea price index increased by 0.55% day-on-day and 6.62% year-on-year. Urea futures prices opened high but declined, with the closing price rising by 1.11%. In the spot market, prices rose again after recent adjustments, with good follow-up at lower prices and a short-term firm market. Northeast, East China, Central China, North China, and South China regions saw price increases. Supply remains tight due to incomplete recovery from maintenance, and just-in-time demand persists. Despite high prices, traders prefer lower-priced transactions. Short-term urea prices are expected to fluctuate at high levels.