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

Granular urea

Prices continue to firm as traders look to cover shorts, particularly in Europe. This will help support North African prices.

Rumours that India would be in the market again have been confirmed, with a further tender for 120,000t closing on Friday.

Whilst most in the UK continue to focus on harvest, prices here remain unchanged and below replacement values.

Offers for a Nov/Dec delivery are starting to be discussed and for those that cannot store product yet, these values may work.

Ammonium nitrate

Markets remain extremely limited for spot movement. CF has a full delivery schedule and very little imported product is available in store.

Producers of imported AN are currently unwilling to sell at levels which would make imported AN competitive against UK product.

CF’s current terms are for October delivery and continue to offer an extremely competitive price in the market.

Phosphate and potash

Phosphate and potash remain flat at present as harvest remains the main focus.

Autumn PK enquires remain slow for the time being, but as more land becomes clear and cropping plans are finalised, demand is expected to increase.

ICL have indicated the intention to push Cleveland Potash prices up but have yet to do so.

DAP is being delivered to farm for oilseed rape crop establishment. As a source of both nitrogen and phosphate, current levels indicate extremely good value compared to other sources of N.