October 11, 2016: Daily sulfur report – Downstream factories made some stock replenishments after the holiday
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Daily Sulfur Report: Downstream factories made purchases after the holiday Author/Source: Date: 2016-10-12 Clicks: 15 On Tuesday (October 11), downstream factories carried out purchases after the holiday, and port suppliers pushed up prices; the price of bulk sulfur particles in the Yangtze River region rose to 740 yuan per ton. It is reported that a factory in Hubei purchased 10,000 tons of spot sulfur particles yesterday, with the transaction price yet to be confirmed. 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 340,000 tons at Zhenjiang Port. Downstream factories are placing orders for purchases after the holiday; given the high costs associated with replenishing stock from overseas markets, suppliers are generally unwilling to sell at low prices. Today, the price of bulk particles has risen to 740 yuan per ton, while some factories are asking for 730 yuan per ton – it is therefore not easy to obtain goods at low prices. The sulfur inventory in Fangchenggang is around 323,000 tons. The large manufacturers in the southwest continue to consume these inventory resources; the spot market remains sluggish, and there are no new negotiation developments in the international market as well. The reference price for bulk granules in Fangchenggang is 700–710 yuan per ton. The sulfur inventory at Qingdao Port is around 80,000 tons. The prices offered by suppliers at the port are relatively high; the reference price for block or powdered sulfur is 730–740 yuan per ton, while the reference price for granular sulfur in tons is 800 yuan per ton. The sulfur-based acid production plant of Shikefeng Chemical has been put into operation; there are procurement plans for this week, which may provide some guidance regarding the transaction prices at Qingdao Port. Future market forecast: Downstream factories will carry out periodic stock replenishments, which will drive up port prices. There is little news regarding negotiations in the international market, so there are no clear indications at present; in the short term, port prices are likely to rise only slightly. It is expected that after these stock replenishments, factory prices will once again remain stable with little change. (China Agri-Media)
Sulfuric Acid: Fluctuations in Market Prices Author/Source: Date: 2016-10-14 Clicks: 22 Last week, the regional trends in China’s sulfuric acid market became more distinct, with prices varying across different regions. The prices of 98% acid in regions such as Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Chongqing have increased by 20–30 yuan; the main driving force behind these price rises is the reduced supply of sulfuric acid or expectations of such a reduction. At the same time, affected by the new transportation regulations, some downstream enterprises in the sulfuric acid industry have increased their purchasing volumes. In Henan and Guangxi, the price of 98% acid has dropped by 10 to 30 yuan; this is mainly due to some state-owned enterprises giving way first as a result of rising shipping costs, that is, sharing the increased costs with their suppliers. It is expected that sulfuric acid prices may decline further in the future. The sulfuric acid market in North China is operating steadily; sales in Hebei are satisfactory, with companies relying mainly on short-distance transportation for deliveries. Due to rising freight costs, some companies intend to raise their prices; currently, the prevailing transaction price for 98% acid is between 110 and 170 yuan. The market in Shanxi is operating at a steady pace; shipments are average and prices have declined. Currently, the prevailing transaction price for 98% sulfuric acid is between 110 and 120 yuan. Prices are expected to remain low in the future. The sulfuric acid market in the Northeast is performing averagely, with the production facilities of key companies in that region undergoing periodic maintenance, which has led to a decline in inventory levels recently. The sulfuric acid market in East China is performing fairly well, with prices rising in some areas. Prices in Jiangsu have risen, while those in other areas remain stable with a wait-and-see attitude. There is limited news regarding the markets in Anhui and Jiangxi; the major acid-producing enterprises in these regions are operating at a steady pace, resulting in an ample supply in the market. Looking at downstream demand in the later stage, the weakening demand in the fertilizer market is a major factor, which will directly affect the shipment of sulfuric acid. Currently, the prevailing transaction price for 98% acid in Jiangsu is between 150 and 180 yuan, while in Zhejiang it is between 170 and 200 yuan. In Anhui, the prevailing price for 98% acid is between 80 and 120 yuan, and in Jiangxi it is between 110 and 180 yuan. The sulfuric acid market in Central China performed moderately, with prices falling in some areas. The main acid production facility in Henan completed its maintenance last week, and an increase in sulfuric acid production is likely following the completion of this maintenance. Currently, the Henan market is unable to absorb all the local production, so it is inevitable that some of it is sent to other provinces. Sulfuric acid prices in South China show mixed trends. The price of sulfuric acid in Guangdong has risen; currently, the prevailing transaction price for 98% acid is between 160 and 190 yuan. The price of sulfuric acid in Guangxi has dropped; currently, the prevailing transaction price for 98% acid is between 70 and 160 yuan. The shipping prices of some enterprises in the southwest region have been adjusted; the price of 98% acid in Chongqing has increased by around 30 yuan, driven by maintenance work on the main acid-producing facilities in the province, with a noticeable upward trend in certain segments of the market. The sulfuric acid market in Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan is stable, with moderate market shipments. The mainstream transaction price of 98% acid in Chongqing is between 310 and 340 yuan, while in Guizhou it is between 250 and 280 yuan. In Sichuan, the mainstream transaction price is between 220 and 260 yuan, and in Yunnan it is between 220 and 270 yuan. Sulfuric acid prices remain stable in the northwest region. The mainstream transaction price of 98% acid in Shaanxi ranges from 80 to 140 yuan, while in Gansu it ranges from 30 to 160 yuan. Price adjustments for liquid chlorine in Shandong and Hebei (China Agri-Materials News Network)