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Weak trading atmosphere in the sulfur market Author/Source: Date: 2017-01-17 Clicks: 13 On Monday (January 16), the trading atmosphere in the sulfur market was weak; downstream factories had largely completed their replenishments and were using up their existing inventory, with few deals being made among suppliers. Sales of sulfur at domestic refineries are moderate; inventory in Puguang and Dazhou has risen to over 80,000 tons, with the price dropping to 750 yuan per ton. There is no inventory at Wanzhou Port, and the price remains stable at 880 yuan per ton. Regarding ports: Currently, the sulfur inventory in China’s main ports is 1.61 million tons, 560,000 tons in Nantong Port, and around 320,000 tons in Zhenjiang Port. The reference price for bulk granular goods at the Yangtze River ports is 880–890 yuan per ton; purchases by downstream factories are rare, resulting in a subdued trading atmosphere at the ports. Around the Spring Festival, trading activity in the sulfur market slowed down, with little fluctuation in prices and volumes recently. The sulfur inventory in Fangchenggang is 500,000 tons; deliveries to the southwestern factory have been concentrated, leading to an increase in port inventory, while trade activity in Fangchenggang remains weak. Recently, railway transportation has been strained, resulting in a decrease in the volume of goods transported back to factories. The reference price for bulk goods at ports is 900 yuan per ton, but this price is not yet fixed. The sulfur inventory at Qingdao Port is around 60,000 tons. The reference price for powdered sulfur at the port is 810 yuan per ton, while the reference price for granular sulfur is around 860 yuan per ton. Local factories purchase sulfur as needed, and the trading activity in this area is moderate. Future outlook: By the end of the year, downstream factories will have largely completed their stock replenishment; there will be no significant fluctuations in demand, and traders will also show little enthusiasm for trading. The trading trend in the near term is expected to remain steady and calm. Domestic refineries have varying shipment volumes, allowing for flexible price adjustments. (Bai Chuan)