Lack of confidence hits fert prices
LACK OF CONFIDENCE in spring fertiliser pricing is leading to inactivity at farm gate level according to leading fertiliser importers, Regent Fertilisers.
And with domestic suppliers Terra, GrowHow and Yara all relatively short of product there is no incentive to trade imports.
However, imports provide the first glimmer of good news on the price front as a strong pound is helping the price of prilled urea to fall back to around £165/t on farm.
With imported granular urea at £195/t, the usual price differential between the two types has been restored.
Lithuanian ammonium nitrate and similar products remain steady around £147/t, undermining demand for similarly-priced 32.5.0, meaning little has been shipped.
Similarly, imported 27.6.6. would be expensive on farm at £148 compared with domestic blends, so little is planned for shipment.
The size of the spring market is still unclear as the intentions of grassland farmers faced with CAP reform are unknown, but it seems increasingly clear that for those prepared to pay the price, fertiliser will not be in overall short supply.
However, in a low stock situation, last minute buyers may not get exactly the right grade at the right price at exactly the time they stipulate.
CURRENT PRICES (£/t)
Nitrogen (Domestic) N (SP5) 34.5% | Domestic AN | Imported urea | Imported AN Lithuan | Blended | Blended | Liquid | |||||||||||
Jan £157 | February £158.50 | £195 granular | £147 where available | £150 | From £146 | No market yet | |||||||||||
NPK | Jan (add £3 for March) | Imported 27.6.6 | Imported | |||||||||
Complex 25.5.5 | £154 | No supplies | No supplies | |||||||||
15.15.20 | £168 |
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20.10.10/ 27.5.5 | £158 |
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17.17.17 | £173 |
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| Trace elements | 0.24.24 | TSP (47%P2O5) | Muriate of Potash (60%K2O) |
| Copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt Iodine and sodium Per acre pack £11.10 | Blended £130-5 | £150 | £130 |
Ireland
Benchmark prices. Compounds out of season.
| Urea, existing stocks only | CAN | 24.6.12 aftercut | 25.5.5
| Complex compounds |
Northern | £200 | £150 | £160 (anticipated) | £160 | £160 |
Republic of | CAN, large price variations | 24.2½.10 blend | Urea | 27. 2.5 . 5 | |
| €215 | €228-240 | €260-280 (dependant on source and quality) | €243 (CCF) €200 import blend | |
*Note in the Republic of Ireland nutrients are expressed as elements not oxides. Analyses will not be directly comparable with those used in the UK.
Note All illustrated prices are based upon 24 tonne loads for immediate payment. Prices for smaller loads and those with credit terms will vary considerably.
Source: Bridgewater
