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Sulfur Analysis Author/Source: Date: 2016-09-22 Clicks: 4 On Wednesday, sulfur prices remained stable, with little change in the selling prices at ports and refineries. Before the 11th, downstream factories inquired about purchases, but due to high inventory levels at the ports, the factories were keen to lower prices. However, suppliers, considering that prices in the international market remained high, were not willing to sell at low prices for now, resulting in a stalemate between buyers and sellers. Regarding ports: The current sulfur inventory in China’s major ports is 1.71 million tons, of which 790,000 tons are stored at Nantong Port and around 355,000 tons at Zhenjiang Port. Trade activity in these ports is sluggish, with the price of bulk sulfur remaining stable at around 730 yuan per ton. Recently, tenders were issued for the Yanbu refinery in Saudi Arabia and the sulfur project in Qatar; the winning bid prices were reported to be 80–81 dollars per ton FOB, which translates to an arrival price of 90–93 dollars per ton in the Chinese market, higher than the spot prices at ports. High prices in the overseas market provide some support for the spot market, but demand from downstream sectors is weak, port inventory levels are declining slowly, and it is difficult for sulfur prices to rise. The sulfur inventory in Fangchenggang is around 290,000 tons; the reference price for bulk granular sulfur at the port is 700 yuan per ton, with few trade updates available. The southwestern factories focus more on overseas market resources; some manufacturers say that the actual negotiated prices for mainstream Middle Eastern pellets can drop below \"90\". The sulfur inventory at Qingdao Port is around 80,000 tons; downstream factories purchase it as needed, and there are no significant fluctuations in the market prices. The reference price for powdered sulfur at Qingdao Port is 690–700 yuan per ton. The new regulations implemented on September 21 regarding height and weight limits for road freight vehicles have had an impact on logistics in the northern market; freight costs are expected to increase by 20%-30%. The extent to which these regulations will be enforced remains unclear, and most shipping companies have chosen to wait and see. Some manufacturers have reported that the transportation of goods has been restricted. Future market forecast: Overseas sulfur prices are high, but there are few reports of domestic manufacturers placing orders, so their impact as a guide is limited. The consumption of sulfur stocks in ports is slow, with downstream factories purchasing as needed; there is no significant increase in trading volume. It is expected that the sulfur market will remain in a state of stability. (China Agri-Media)