For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
Due to strong demand sentiments of consumers from the downstream fertilizer sector during the period, prices of Potash remained firm in the North American market during the first quarter of 2022. The prices of feed muriate of Potash also remained firm during quarter 1 in the North American market. The potash price trend was stagnant in the first month of the quarter. However, prices increased in the 2nd month of Q1 due to increased demand in the agriculture season. The prices were stable in the last month of Q1, 2022.
Asia Pacific
The prices of Potash fluctuated in the Asian market due to mixed demand sentiments of the consumer from the downstream fertilizer industries during quarter 1 of 2022. Stockpiling activities of the consumers before the agriculture season also affected the demand during the period in the Asian market. The prices of feed muriate of Potash also shifted due to diverse demand in the downstream sector. Uncertainties in the material supplies due to the impact of war and inflated crude oil values in the second half of the quarter and consistent demand in the agriculture sector rose the values in the second half of the quarter.
Europe
The price trend of Potash remained firm to increase in the European market. The prices of feed muriate of Potash also increased in the European market during quarter 1 of 2022. High freight costs and uncertainties in supplies in H2 of Q1 due to the Ukraine and Russia war impact in the East- European region and soared Crude oil and energy values boosted the production costs of Potash in the European market, especially towards the end of the quarter. The demand from the consumer end also remained firm in the market.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In North America, weak demand for Potash held prices in a constant to tight range in Q4. Buyer interest has fallen in the last two months as the holiday season approaches. Muriate of Potash (MOP) CFR New York prices were quoted as USD800/MT. Following the peak of the winter season, demand for Potash slowed even more, as end-use sectors had already purchased enough cargoes at the start of the quarter. Due to uneven demand and supply dynamics, Potash prices remained flat in Q4.
APAC
After reaching a new high in the previous quarter, Potash prices have fallen in Asia in Q4. The Potash market in India turned bullish during the festival season, bolstering this sharp surge in India. Following a drop in demand following the holiday season, the trend reversed during the last month of quarter. In December, Potash prices remained on a downward trend, with supply outstripping demand. Traders remained concerned about their inventory levels and continued to enable intense discussions to encourage the sale of current goods before the end of the year.
EUROPE
Potash prices remained on a upward trajectory during Q4 2021. Although demand from downstream sectors such as fertilisers was low, availability remained low as transportation operations was suspended owing to weather conditions in several regions, supporting prices modestly. Due to congestion on key trade routes, high freight costs, and other factors, trading operations in Asia and Europe remained limited. The price of Potash in the region was also affected by a lack of containers.
