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Sulfur Analysis: Port sulfur prices remain stable Author/Source: Date: 2016-11-22 Clicks: 2 On Monday (November 21), port sulfur prices stayed stable; speculators’ enthusiasm for buying at higher prices diminished, leading them to adopt a wait-and-see attitude for now. After the downstream factories restocked last week and transported goods back, inventory was consumed, causing inventory levels at the Yangtze River ports to continue declining. The price of sulfur at Puguang Wanzhou Port has risen by 10 yuan to 860 yuan per ton. Due to the currently low daily production volume, inventory at Wanzhou Port remains low, at around 5,000 tons. Regarding ports: Currently, the sulfur inventory in China’s main ports is around 1.57 million tons, 680,000 tons in Nantong Port, and 360,000 tons in Zhenjiang Port. The reference price for bulk particles in the Yangtze River region is 880 yuan per ton. There has been a decrease in inquiries from factories and traders downstream, resulting in a sluggish trading atmosphere at the ports. In November, there were fewer ships arriving at the Yangtze River ports, and inventory levels gradually declined. Coupled with high prices in the international market, suppliers remain optimistic about future market trends. The sulfur inventory in Fangchenggang is around 320,000 tons. Recently, a large volume of supplies from factories has arrived at the port, causing the inventory there to continue rising. The operating rate of nearby factories is low, with a daily sulfur transport volume of around 5,000 tons. The spot trading atmosphere in Fangchenggang is sluggish, with no reference prices available for trading at the moment. The sulfur inventory at Qingdao Port is around 78,000 tons. The price for lump and powdered sulfur is 850–860 yuan per ton, while the reference price for granular sulfur is 880–900 yuan per ton. Downstream factories make purchases as needed; the price of sulfur has risen in this round, prompting these factories to restock as well. The overall trading atmosphere is fairly good. Linyi Hongri Chemical’s sulfur-based acid production plant was put into operation over the weekend; the factory had already stocked up on raw materials in advance to use up its inventory. Future outlook: With sulfur prices on the rise, speculators face higher costs for restocking, and factory purchases have also temporarily ceased; it is expected that sulfur prices will remain stable in the short term. Few shipments arrived at the Yangtze River ports this month, leading to a decline in inventory; suppliers remain optimistic, and there is still an expectation of rising sulfur prices in the future. (China Agri-Media)