Calum Findlay, Gleadell’s fertiliser manager, comments on the markets

Ammonium nitrate

Ammonium nitrate out of the Baltic remains extremely limited for shipment before mid-March, and imports to date are thought to be over 50% down on last year.

Concerns over product availability continue across north western Europe and CF Fertilisers warns that its January book is almost full.

There is a low volume of imported AN being offered in the UK for the Jan/Feb window. In most cases it is priced at similar levels to CF product.

With large amounts of spring demand forecast our advice remains to manage forward purchasing and secure product now.

Granular urea

News that India is preparing to tender for January shipment has provided support for the market after a week of steady demand.

After seeing prices ease slightly, Egyptian origin product this week traded $10/t higher again for both December and January shipment.

In the UK, prices have stabilised and traded sideways this week as we head towards the Christmas period.