Calum Findlay, Gleadell’s Fertiliser Manager, comments on the fertiliser markets

Urea

Markets remained buoyant this week as a combination of increased buying from the US, gas shortages in North Africa and another Indian tender around the corner proved supportive.

European urea buyers face higher prices and even though it is still difficult to predict which way this market will go in Q4, all signals suggest we are not set for a price fall anytime soon.

Ammonium nitrate

Markets are firm and GrowHow continues with its policy of stepped price increases. A further price increase of £4/t for October has been implemented and more are forecast as the whole European ammonium nitrate market starts to tighten. Imported products have also firmed and continue to track domestic product at a £10-15/t discount.

Phosphates

Having withdrawn all prices, blenders in the UK have now issued new, higher levels for spring and autumn grades following a continued firmness in phosphates. Globally, replacement values continue to firm as India and Pakistan buy significant tonnages to try to make up a predicted shortfall of over 1m tonnes.