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.
New-season nitrogen (SP5) 34.5% | December domestic nitrogen | Imported urea | Imported AN |
Blended 20.10.10 and 25.0.16 | Blended 25.5.5 | Liquid nitrogen, 37kg/100l or 29.6% N/t |
November 113-115 | No published price; expected 115-118 | Granular 115-120 | New season; around 99-103 |
113 | 107 | 120 |
NPK | November | NS products |
Complex 25.5.5 | 113 | 117 |
15.15.20 | 134 | |
20.10.10/29.5.5 | 119-120 | |
17.17.17 | 139-140 |
After-cut NK cash | 0.24.24 | TSP (47% P2O5) bagged | Muriate of Potash (60% K2O) bagged |
110-115 – market virtually over | 112-114 | 125 | 122 |
IRELAND CAN 24.6.12 0.16.36 Complex compounds
Forecast prices
Urea
27.6.6
Northern Ireland
No market
105
122-125
130
124
CAN | 24.21/2.10 | Urea, imported | 27.21/2.5 | |
Republic of Ireland* | 130-140 | No market | No market | 150 |
*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.
*Prices in the Republic are IR
Note All illustrated prices are based on 24-tonne loads for immediate payment. Prices for smaller loads and those with credit terms will vary considerably.
Source: Bridgewater Partnership