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

Granular urea

The announcement of the first Indian tender last week has supported global markets. Offers for April-May remain firm.

European demand is starting to return as importers begin to restock urea ahead of maize application in May.

In the UK, importers continue to move stock in the spot market. Urea remains, the best value source of nitrogen and many growers are using it to cut input costs.

Forward urea offers remain unchanged. However, with global prices firm, some suppliers have raised values while others have withdrawn from the market.

Ammonium nitrate

Enquires for AN are beginning to pick up. Growers are returning to the market for top-up tonnes for cereals and grassland.

CF has caught up with deliveries for April and remains very competitive, continuing to put pressure on AN importers.

NPK/PK and straights

The demand for phosphate, particularly DAP, has increased in the past week, mainly from maize growers.

NPK compound/blend prices remained unchanged as blenders continue to try to move tonnes.

Growers are typically holding off buying until product is required. This is putting pressure on haulage, causing delays in deliveries, particularly for part loads.

Prices remain unchanged, so our advice is to buy well ahead of application to secure delivery in time.