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

Urea

• Globally the urea market remains quiet with limited interest in all main buying regions. Delays continue at Egyptian urea plants due to gas supply problems.
• In the UK demand is not expected to return until autumn drilling is complete, Gleadell is now looking at October - January shipments.
• Although demand is quiet, prices are lower than they have been for several years and look extremely competitive on a cost-per-unit basis when compared to other N sources.

Ammonium nitrate

• Harvest is almost complete and there has been a renewed interest in AN as buyers enter the market.
• There are good stocks in store and prices for both UK and imported product have traded sideways over the harvest period.
• GrowHow has been aggressive in targeting new business on both AN and AN + S, presenting a good buying opportunity for those able to take immediate delivery.

NPK/PK

• International markets remain quiet on the back of internationally weak crop prices.
• In the UK, autumn PK interest has increased as many turn their attention to autumn drilling.
• Blenders continue to work at discount prices, operating below replacement values in most cases as they compete for tonnes in a quiet market