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

Urea

Urea is trading at five-year lows, although the firming pound means imports into the UK, which are priced in dollars, have risen in price over the past few months.

Nevertheless grower interest remains keen as urea can still be bought for about 61p/kg N on farm, compared with imported ammonium nitrate at about 76p/kg N and UK AN above that.

The cool, damp weather is also helping demand as it reduces the risk of N losses through volatilisation.

On the global market, offers suggest prices could ease, but there is significant potential demand looming from India, Pakistan and Egypt.

Ammonium Nitrate

Demand in the UK remains slower than usual, as applications are behind the norm. Imported product is being pushed into the market at a discount to try to restart trade. GrowHow has held prices despite increases across Europe.

NPK/PK

UK prices have fallen, encouraging buyers into the market. Blenders have now moved to April deliveries.