Nitrogen and Sulphur markets in full swing

By Roger Chesher

ALTHOUGH the mid-season grass fertiliser market is drawing to a close, the early nitrogen and sulphur market is in full swing, with the autumn PK market just getting under way.

With granular compounds being aggressively priced in the grass market, the differential between these and blends has dropped to about 5/t.

Hydros new marketing policy, based on a number of regional outlets, has resulted in a wider variation of regional pricing, with the south west of England having the most competitive grassland products at present.

Sales of both nitrogen and sulphur have been very buoyant in the early farm storage market with manufacturers busier than they have been for many months.

Manufacturers prices have held up, but many merchants have operated at cut-throat margins in their bid for market share.

A price for September has yet to be announced, but an additional 2/t is anticipated. But if sales continue to be strong right up to harvest, the September rise could be even greater.

In anticipation of the natural harvest lull, little, if any, ammonium nitrate is coming into the country.

But sales of granular urea have been active, with some as low as 115/t. Replacement stocks from Malaysia and Bangladesh will now be around 120/t.

De-stocking of stored imported AN along the East Coast continues at aggressive prices.

Phosphate levels are firmer due to strong demand in North Africa, although PK products continue to hover around 112/t.

Expect to pay an additional 10 for the inclusion of five units of nitrogen.

CURRENT PRICES

IRELAND

Forecast spring prices