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Sulfur prices remain weak and stagnant; port trading activity is sluggish. Author/Source: Date: 2017-01-19 Clicks: 1 On Wednesday (January 18), sulfur prices stayed weak and unchanged, port trading activity was low, and prices at domestic refineries continued to fall. Before the Spring Festival, downstream factories had largely completed their stock replenishments; recently there have been few new orders, and traders are not engaging in speculative activities, resulting in a sluggish overall trading atmosphere. Regarding ports: Currently, the sulfur inventory in China’s main ports is 1.57 million tons, 550,000 tons in Nantong Port, and around 310,000 tons in Zhenjiang Port. The reference price for bulk granular goods at Yangtze River ports is 880–890 yuan per ton. The trading atmosphere is sluggish, with only occasional inquiries from downstream factories, resulting in low purchase volumes. Recently, there have been no positive developments in terms of international market conditions and downstream demand, which has led to low enthusiasm among traders. Port activities have remained largely stagnant. The sulfur inventory in Fangchenggang is 490,000 tons, and local factories are using up these stocks, resulting in a continued sluggish atmosphere in port trading. The southwest factory had ample stock in the early stage, and there have been few news of purchases from overseas markets recently. The sulfur inventory at Qingdao Port is around 59,000 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. The overall operational rate of downstream factories is not high; purchases are made based on actual demand, and the trading activity remains moderate. Future market forecast: Around the Spring Festival, downstream factories will largely use up their inventory, resulting in few new orders; thus, port trade conditions are expected to remain weak. Domestic refineries are reducing inventory levels through shipments, with price cuts being the main trend. (Bai Chuan)