Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend and Forecast

Ammonium Sulphate Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Ammonium Sulphate in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend for the Q3 of 2024

Asia

In Q3 2024, the ammonium sulphate market in China experienced a fluctuating trend characterized by significant price adjustments. Early in the quarter, prices saw a slight pullback due to oversupply and reduced demand from downstream industries, leading to cautious purchasing behaviour among distributors. Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, disrupted transportation and logistics, contributing to a further decline in market activity.
 

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However, as the quarter progressed, there was a very modest recovery in inquiries from the agricultural sector in August as farmers prepared for upcoming planting seasons, prompting a slight stabilization in prices. However, the market sentiment remained cautious, with many producers maintaining competitive pricing strategies to attract buyers. The stability was short-lived as the continued increase in gap between the supply and demand outlooks further consolidated the ammonium sulphate market in September.

Europe

In Q3 2024, the European ammonium sulphate market experienced a fluctuating trend influenced by various factors. While upstream ammonia prices declined, this had an impact on ammonium sulphate prices. Demand remained steady, buoyed by an optimistic outlook from agrochemical industries. However, imports from China were restricted due to their export limitations, and supply was further constrained by sanctions on Russian natural gas, a crucial feedstock for fertilizers. Although Russian supplies were partially offset by Egyptian natural gas supplies. Traders adopted a cautious stance in procurement. Overall, mute market sentiments were witnessed.

North America

The North American market for ammonium sulphate showed similar trends as its global counterparts.  The prices in the market remained buoyant.  Rising feedstock sulphuric acid prices were able to provide some cost support, which was also occasionally complemented by the demand rebounds from the downstream sector, especially fertilizers and agrochemicals.  Shortage in the supply caused by logistical challenges posed some challenges, along with the seasonal trade disturbances caused by hurricanes in this region.  In such a situation, market players increased their quotations. However, the overall market outlook remained anchored.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, market may continue to experience short term fluctuations influenced by supply chain dynamics and broader economic conditions, but overall stability is anticipated as producers and consumers adapt to the evolving landscape.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

Asia

During the second quarter of 2024, the market price of ammonium sulphate in China exhibited fluctuations but ultimately experienced a steady increase overall. In April, the market rebounded from the significant price drops in March, driven by increased demand from the downstream sector and favorable trends in urea prices. Moving into May, the market continued its upward trajectory due to heightened demand from the compound fertilizer sector despite weak export markets and relatively subdued transaction activity.

The month of June, however, saw a significant price rise initially, supported by stable production, ample supply, and beneficial international market trends. However, the momentum slowed as downstream customers became more cautious, resulting in a narrowed price adjustment. Towards the end of June, the market experienced a decline due to stable production levels, sufficient supply, and low international transaction prices, which dampened domestic market sentiment. The weakened procurement enthusiasm and increased caution among buyers led to insufficient transaction orders, causing the market to weaken further.

Europe

Throughout the second quarter of 2024, the European ammonium sulphate market exhibited price stagnation, with minimal fluctuations month on month wise. This stability was driven by subdued demand from key downstream fertilizer sectors, influenced by global farmer protests against high fertilizer and energy prices.

The traders adjusted prices to align with market conditions, contributing to this equilibrium. Bulgarian farmers expressed discontent with EU regulations and the rising costs of fertilizers and energy, reflecting broader concerns within the agricultural community about the economic feasibility of farming operations.

North America

In the second quarter of 2024, the North American ammonium sulphate market experienced a notable downturn. This bearish tone of the ammonium sulphate market was primarily driven by a reduction in the costs of essential raw materials, ammonia, and sulfuric acid, which significantly eased production costs and exerted downward pressure on commodity prices.

The decline was further accelerated by decreased demand from major downstream fertilizer markets and reduced planting activities. In the first half of May, the market faced additional pressure, with BASF resuming operations after a maintenance shutdown, increasing the supply of ammonium sulphate in the region. Overall, these factors combined to create a challenging environment for the ammonium sulphate market in North America during Q2 2024.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Ammonium Sulphate is expected improve with the stabilization of the global agriculture sector and surge in demand of its derivative commodities.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Asia

Ammonium sulphate showcased a largely underwhelming performance in the Asian region during the first quarter of the year 2024. Since ammonium salt is capaciously used as a fertilizer; so, the market performance is also subject to the consumer demands from the fertilizer industry. During the said period the farming sector saw some backtracking in the region as the unforeseen and disruptive weather and rainfall patterns have been trampling the farmers’ confidence.

In the Indian market, too the dull demands at the beginning of the quarter kept the price trend downward tilted. However, some buoyancy in the prices was seen when the quarter ended. Hence, with more than sufficient supplies and occasional demands, the ammonium sulphate prices were observed to be vacillating within a very narrow range, mostly facing downward.

Europe

The price trends in the European ammonium sulphate market were not much different from the Asian market. Since the Russia-Ukraine war had begun, the farming acreage has significantly come down in the region. Russia and Ukraine both were leading grain exporters to the EU before that. But the situation has become even more dire since the black sea deal ended last summer.

Because of this, the fertilizer demands in the region have also substantially gone down. Further, whatever the subdued demand the downstream sectors present, the inventories were more than capable of handling that. Thus, downward wavering price-performance was seen for ammonium sulphate during the given time span.

North America

The American ammonium sulphate market too very closely mimicked its European counterpart during the given period. The trade situation here was very similar here as well since the supply and demand dynamics exhibited a similar kind of gap between them.

Because of the overflowing stockpiles and depreciated demands, the American ammonium sulphate market suffered a little. Seeing this, the regional suppliers acquired a wait-and-watch approach and started ordering lesser amounts. This helped stabilize the market a little bit in the second half of the quarter. Thus, a modest price progression was noticed in Q1’24.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Ammonium Sulphate markets are likely to remain soft in early 2024, with declining downstream demand support amid slowing global trade.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

Ammonium sulphate prices exerted a rising trend throughout the final quarter of the year 2023. The ammonium sulphate market is primarily driven by the prices of its feedstock materials ammonia and sulphuric acid, and both registered substantial growth in the price graph during the said period. This caused the upstream production cost for ammonium sulphate to rise and provided a positive push to the market.

A significant rise in the downstream demand for ammonium sulphate, especially from the fertiliser industry, also boosted the market sentiments. Both Chinese and Indian markets observed a rising price graph for ammonium sulphate. The rise in demand also caused some supply curtailments, which was further fueled by the armed tiff in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas while the Russian war with Ukraine was still ongoing. Owing to this, ammonium sulphate prices were higher in the latter half of the quarter than in the former one. Overall, rising price trend were observed.

Europe

The European market trend for ammonium sulphate closely mimicked the Asian trend during the concerned period of Q4’23. The market demands of ammonium sulphate from the chemical and agriculture sectors showed consistent growth, which was reflected in the uphill trajectory of the ammonium sulphate price graph.

North America

The American market price trend for ammonium sulphate were no different from the other global markets. Because of the rising raw material costs and the downstream demands from various consumption sectors, the price trend for ammonium sulphate maintained their uphill trajectory during the final three months of the year 2023.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Ammonium Sulphate price trend are likely to continue to grow in the coming months as well, as the supply chain constrictions and the rising demand curve will continue to positively drive the concerned market.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

The Asian ammonium sulphate markets exhibited oscillating price patterns during the third quarter of 2023. The Chinese industries were trying to strengthen their manufacturing, and the demand outlook from both domestic and international markets seemed positive at the beginning of the third quarter. Hence, the production of ammonium sulphate was backed by stable demand and price forecasts.

The feedstock materials also provided substantial cost support, and prices escalated initially. However, the weather disruptions and disturbances in rain cycles in India ahead of the sowing season led to a sudden dip in ammonium sulphate demands from the agriculture sector. The existing inventory stocks were already influencing the regional ammonium sulphate prices, and the decrease in demands further put the ammonium sulphate price graph on a backtrack. Some rebound in the prices was observed by the end of quarter 3, but general market sentiments were mixed throughout.

Europe

The European price analysis for ammonium sulphate was mostly underwhelming for the period discussed in Q3’23. The downfall in the agriculture sector was the prime reason for such forecasts. However, by the end of the quarter, i.e., September, the arrival of the winter season prompted the consumer sector to gather some products, and thus, the market demands surged during this time. Consequently, the ammonium sulphate price graph showed some upward movement at the end after falling for the majority of the period.

North America

The American ammonium sulphate market started slowly at the beginning of Q3’23, but by the middle of the quarter, the prices started surging owing to improved offtakes from the consumption sectors. However, soon the stockpiles started dominating the ammonium sulphate price trend, and the ammonium sulphate market momentum again shifted downwards. Overall, wavering price sentiments were observed.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Ammonium Sulphate market is likely to continue to fluctuate going forward. Market demands will continue to be the main driving factor.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

Asian Ammonium Sulphate market observed fluctuating prices, mostly lingering on the lower side throughout the said period. The market remained dull with bearish sentiments. Feeble demands from downstream fertiliser and chemical industries pulled the Ammonium Sulphate prices down, and declining feedstock prices contributed further to the poor performance of Ammonium Sulphate.

Europe

European Ammonium Sulphate market behaved no differently than its Asian counterpart, as the prices tottered mostly on the lower side, and declining price trend were observed. The inventories were already running high, and suppliers procured very limited products per the immediate requirements. Further, the upstream costs declined, given the reduction in freight and fuel prices.

The European market’s performance was a continuation of the market disruptions caused by the economic backlash unleashed by the Russia-Ukraine war. As the downstream demands for this product did not revive, the market remained riddled and weak throughout H1’23.

North America

The North American Ammonium Sulphate market followed the declining global trend in H1’23. Prices suffered because of lacklustre demands, and the plunging costs of feedstock ammonia and sulphuric acid further added to the cost pressure. All the factors, including upstream and production costs along with downstream demands, pushed the price trend for ammonium sulphate down.

Analyst insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Ammonium Sulphate price trend are expected to continue similar declining patterns in upcoming months as the inventories are already high, and the market demands do not seem to be rising any time soon.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

The falling prices of energy owing to the stabilizing geopolitical conditions directly influenced the prices of nitrogen-based products, particularly ammonia. Natural gas is the key ingredient required for the production of ammonia and is also the primary energy source for fertilizer production globally.

The manufacturers faced a double whammy of prices due to the stockpiling of products and the cautious buying activity of buyers. The high fertilizer prices led to the phenomenon of demand destruction as many farmers decreased their planned acreage for the next sowing season. The prices of ammonium sulphate went from 1980 RMB/MT in July to 1100 RMB/MT in August 2022. However, the prices inclined momentarily towards the end of September averaging 1380 RMB/MT.

However, the prices of ammonium sulphate exhibited mixed patterns in the fourth quarter. The prices inclined slightly in November as the market trading atmosphere was good, and the number of inquiries increased. However, the downstream procurement was mainly based on demand, and the manufacturers were still cautious about the wait-and-see attitude of the buyers. The urea price rose which was beneficial to the ammonium sulphate market causing the prices to average around 1403 RMB/MT in December’22.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of ammonium sulphate will remain firm with periodic fluctuations. As the demand for winter storage procurement has increased the prices are expected to rise in the longer run.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

During the current forecast period, the Chinese ammonium sulphate market remained stable. With the government banning exports from meeting the domestic requirements, the prices for ammonia, sulfuric acid and many fertilizers stabilized. Hence, due to the supply-demand equilibrium, domestic ammonium sulphate prices stabilized and averaged 1450-1520 RMB/MT Shandong.

Europe

The rising inflation in Europe can be felt across all sectors. Amidst the supply disruptions and hesitant attitude towards Russian cargo, the price trend for ammonium sulphate are constantly soaring. Russia and China enacting export VAT and restrictions further reduced the supply in the domestic market, driving the prices.

North America

The price trend in the American market align with the European counterpart. The high price is due to the substantial supply gap caused by the fallen import quantities from Europe. Along with these constraints, the farmers In the US are facing a double-edged sword in the form of climate change, labour shortages, and increasing fertilizers and pesticide prices, causing inflation. The price in the US domestic market averaged FOB 435 USD/MT Midwest.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

During Q1 of 2022, the operating rate of ammonium sulphate fell, and the market environment was light. The price of coking grade ammonium sulphate was weak, the market was mostly quiet, and the transaction was standard. The price of caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate had dropped as a result of the downward trend.

Ammonium Sulphate prices dropped by 50-180 RMB/MT in the first quarter of 2022. On February 14, the mainstream ex-factory price of coking grade ammonium sulphate in Shandong was 1,300-1,380 RMB/MT, the mainstream ex-factory price of coking grade ammonium sulphate in Hebei was in the range of 1,280-1,380 RMB/MT, while it was 1400 RMB/MT in Heilongjiang.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

In the final quarter of 2021, ammonium sulphate prices witnessed a steep rise, reaching a value of 25,450 INR/MT. The rising demand for fertilizers in the region during the rabi crop season had been a major driver for the chemical’s market in the agricultural sector. It also finds a key application in the pharmaceutical industry in the production of vaccines.

The price rise of both coal and fertilizers drove China to restrict exports which affected the ammonium sulphate prices as China was the major sulphate supplier. South Korea was facing problems in the logistics industry due to the export limitations imposed by China which in turn increased prices in the domestic markets.

Europe

In the fourth quarter of 2021, the market sentiments in Europe soared high. In Russia, a supply constraint pushed up the consumption of the domestic natural gas which drove up the costs. The hurricane Ida caused supply disruptions from the US, along with problems caused by the heat wave in United Kingdom and several other European countries which affected the wind generation and contributed to the elevated levels of natural gas prices in the region.

North America

The scarcity of nitrogen fertilizer globally caused the ammonium sulphate prices to increase considerably as ammonia prices in North America soared high in the final quarter of 2021. In the third quarter, ammonia prices had been slow due to the limited availability of upstream sulphur and nitrogen due to the aftermath of the Hurricane Ida.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend For the First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

The market in Asia witnessed a low demand from the agriculture industry, even though export demand was strong from Europe and US. The Chinese inventories suffered low levels due to the lunar holidays which increased the average ammonium sulphate prices by 10.4% and reached 163.6 USD/MT in the region.

A similar pattern was observed in India as demand was high from Europe and US while in the meantime the trading routes affected the trading activities between Europe and Asia which increased its prices slightly in India.  During the second quarter of 2021, there was a steep rise in the prices in the Asia-pacific region.

The demand in China from major importing countries remained muted initially which improved later on effectively from domestic and international markets as farming and economic activities improved in major importing countries. The demand from India was uncertain in China during this time frame.

In the meanwhile, European countries reduced their purchases of ammonium nitrate from China as prices continued to skyrocket. The demand from the Indian market on the other hand, remained firm as major fertilizer producers like FACT were gaining decent margins even amidst the pandemic situation in the country. The market received strong growth in the second quarter and ammonium sulphate prices remained between 221 USD/MT and 294.3 USD/MT in June 2021.

Prices in the third quarter of 2021 surged considerably on the Asia-Pacific region. The ammonia supply in China remained firm which caused the ammonium sulphate prices to soar in the region. The energy prices were skyrocketing in September, which in turn affected the fertilizer production, aggravating fears related to stocking activities amongst farmers. The market for the chemical went up in India and the prices in Mumbai went from 319 USD/MT to 384 USD/MT in the third quarter.

The onset of monsoon ensured that the demand remains high in the domestic market. The global shortage of ammonia increased its prices which in turn increased the prices for the chemical. The high production costs compelled several major manufacturers to transfer the cost which resulted in a further increment in prices.

Europe

The market in Europe witnessed a stable demand during the first quarter of 2021, especially from the agriculture industry even though the production was still affected by the shortage of feedstock in the region. The export demand from continents like Asia were higher than anticipated which caused the prices to increase in the region coupled with factors such as congestion in route channels and shortages of containers in major trading routes.

In the European market, the prices remained firm during the second quarter of 2021, as demand remained strong from both domestic and international markets. The increase in demand in US amid restrained domestic production pressurised the major manufacturers in Europe to meet the supply requirements.

Plants in Russia were running in their maximised capacities to meet the overall demands in domestic and international markets. Additionally, raw material prices were increasing consistently which also in turn affected the upstream ammonium sulphate prices in the region.

The market prices increased during the Q3 2021, with the surge in domestic and international demand for fertilizers in the third quarter. The chemical’s demand increased in the downstream sectors, which resulted in an upward trend in the prices in the European region. The raw material prices had been rising consistently on a global level, which escalated the ammonium sulphate prices in the region.

North America

In North America, the production facilities of the chemical were affected by the harsh cold weather during the first quarter of 2021. In this period many of the major manufacturing units halted due to shortage of material in the region like in Nutrien’s Borger Plant and PCL nitrogen which remained idle.

The domestic demand from agricultural sector was low due to the unfavourable weather conditions and most of the fields being covered with snow. Even though there was low demand for the chemical in the domestic market, there was a still strong demand from other counties and the product shortage caused the FOB prices in Texas to rise by almost 7% and settle at around 310 USD/MT in March.

The demand in North America improved linearly in the second quarter as farming activities which had previously been dull improved later with the improving weather conditions. Post the aftermath of the freeze-fallout in Texas, the US witnessed rainy and snowy weather in several regions of the country which had slowed down the farming activities, ultimately decreasing the demand in the agricultural sector.

In May and June, however, the prices improved due to limited product availability in the US. Additionally, the supply commitment for export to other countries from major producers and the subdued domestic production contributed to the sharp rise in its prices in the country. The FOB prices settled at 372 USD/MT in Texas during June following an effective price rise.

The market witnessed an upward price trend during the third quarter of 2021. Since the beginning of first quarter of 2021, the fertilizer demand was firm in the US, as the spring sowing had been delayed slightly owing to the disruptions in the sowing of crops caused by the weather conditions. There were also supply disruptions, as fertilizer imports were hampered due to the unfavourable weather and shortages in production in the world.

The consumption from industrial and agricultural sectors were firm which increased the ammonium sulphate demand in the region. A staggering growth of the market was reported by the North American fertilizer index which increased the prices for farmers. Ammonium Sulphate prices were also been driven by the increasing feedstock prices in the third quarter.
 

Ammonium Sulphate Price Trend For the Year 2020

Asia

In the northeast Asia, the caprolactam prices rebounded which eased the ammonium sulphate prices in the region during the third quarter of 2020. The restrained demand due to the pandemic from downstream industries like fertilizers caused a significant increase in buyers. The demand potential for the chemical was affected positively by the environment regulation policies especially from the industries involved in powerplant desulphurisation.

Travel restrictions however affected export volumes keeping them exceptionally low. In 2020, renewed by-product capacities of caprolactam in Malaysia and Indonesia created a situation of oversupply. In Southeast Asia, the prices were reported around 123 USD/MT during September 2020.

Europe

In Russia and Ukraine, the export-oriented plants restarted which led to a boost in sales activities around the black sea during October and November. Russia and Ukraine were booked for spot supplies for the stable cargo flow for the remaining part of the year as the plant turnaround season was over in the region.

Turkey and Spain had been booked to get their contract of volumes from suppliers while other nations secured supplies on spot basis. As companies and government were recovering from the impact of the second wave of the pandemic, the chemical’s demand from the fertilizer manufacturing industries increased in the final quarter of 2020.

North America

Caprolactam is a major by-product formed alongside ammonium sulphate in North America. As the caprolactam market demand from nylon market was suffering due to oversupply, local producers focused on the domestic market of the chemical. The prices increased as the production of caprolactam suffered due to the hurricane Laura during mid-August. Farmers were estimated to increase potentially the demand for the chemical by 1 million tonne in the upcoming year which could create a huge market opportunity for it regionally.

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