Fertiliser trade waits for movement

By Roger Chesher

FERTILISER prices have hardly changed this week, but the trade anticipates significant movement on to farm will start in the next week or so.

With farmers having every opportunity for drilling and spraying, fertiliser is understandably not a high priority.

But all parties in the industry – manufacturer, importer and merchant – want to see early movement, and price lists are structured to encourage this.

There is therefore every reason to expect considerable sales before Christmas.

However, imports are being hindered by the delay of the expected ratification of the anti-dumping levy, leaving some importers unwilling to commit.

There are certainly enough cargoes to go round, but those already at our ports or due to arrive shortly will cost importers money in storage until the anticipated farm movement commences.

Imported AN should currently be on farm at around 98/t.

Meanwhile, rationalisation continues in the UK industry, with a reorganisation at Kemira.

Potentially still for sale, the Cheshire-based business has released members of the senior management team to early retirement, thus shortening reporting relationships and reducing fixed costs.

CURRENT PRICES

IRELAND

Forecast prices