Argus Sulphur

Formerly Argus FMB Sulphur

Executive summary Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

Holiday wind down and contracts dominate

With the Chinese holiday looming, the announcements of the prICES
Middle East October selling prices anticipated, and contract
negotiations in full flow, low levels of trade are being report- Sulphur spot prices
$/t ±
ed. Iran's IGCC has postponed its spot tender until after the
Golden Week holiday, because of the muted level of interest. fob Vancouver 160-163 t

Once the week of 8 October starts, expectations remain for fob Middle East (excluding Iran) 165-168 t
renewed vigour in the Chinese market in particular. India is fob Iran (lump-granular) 130-145 34
also expected to follow, to secure its November tonnes. Some fob Black Sea (lump-granular) 120-134 34
Brazilian spot demand is expected before this with Copebras
fob US Gulf 150-155 t
likely to come to the market within the next 7-10 days.
fob Med (under 10,000t) 125-132 34

cfr Med (under 10,000t) 145-152 34

Market drivers
cfr north Africa (lump-granular) 145-162 t

cfr Brazil 160-165 34

China celebrates Golden Week cfr India 173-180 34

The Chinese market will celebrate Golden Week next week, cfr China (molten-lump-granular) 130-186 t

putting pretty much all trading activity on hold until week of ex-works Nantong Yn/t 1,505-1,515 u

8 October.

Qatar's Muntajat sets $170/t fob for October Key freight rates $/t
QSP Loading Destination ’000t Low High
Muntajat's Qatar Sulphur Price (QSP) at $170/t fob implies
Vancouver China 50-60 20 23
China cfr price $5-10/t higher than most recent concluded
Middle East EC India 30-35 17 19
granular business.
Middle East N/River China 30-35 23 25

Further 4Q price settlements reported Middle East South China 30-35 20 22

Quarterly contract settlements continue to be reported at an Black Sea North Africa 30-35 24 26

increase on 3Q, setting the tone for new 4Q spot purchases. US Gulf Brazil 35-40 18 20

30-60 day Outlook

China sulphur stocks vs sulphur import price cfr

Buy and sell-side divide remains $/t

mn t Sulphur stock vol CFR China Spot
A divide in the market remains as to where prices are going 1.9
190

next. Key end-users continue to report that sufficient stocks 170

and healthy contract supply is allowing them to stay out of 1.7

150

the spot market. Also, the current sulphur price rises are be-
ing viewed as being at a disconnect to the end-product fer- 1.5 130

tilizer market by buyers, and little interest in spot trade is 110

1.3
being reported until the price gap is corrected or addressed.
90
On the sell-side, suppliers anticipate and continue to
1.1
pursue price increases, encouraged by the tightening supply 70

in the Middle East and FSU, in hand with increased volumes 0.9 50

being committed to contracts, while end-user spot demand Sep-17 Nov-17 Jan-18 Mar-18 May-18 Jul-18 Sep-18

is rising.

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Available on the Argus Publications App
Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

Sulphur prices
Freight market summary $/t ±

Spot
Fertilizer freight rates drifted higher this week but the
momentum behind the movement was limited and the fob Vancouver 160-163 t

market continued to lack any definite direction. fob Middle East (excluding Iran) 165-168 t

Several fixtures were concluded at or slightly above fob Middle East netback 162-164 34

last-done levels but owners did not push hard for in- fob Iran (lump-granular) 130-145 34
creased levels and charterers were able to keep a lid on fob Black Sea (lump-granular) 120-134 34
the market. Rates between the US Gulf and Asia-Pacific fob US Gulf 150-155 t
remained around $24,000/d though some charterer
fob Med (under 10,000t) 125-132 34
reportedly discussed $26,000/d. Ultramaxes were still
cfr Med (under 10,000t) 145-152 34
available below this level at $23,000/d and below.
cfr north Africa (lump-granular) 145-162 t
Fronthaul voyages from the Black Sea were around
cfr Brazil 160-165 34
$22,000/d.
cfr India 173-180 34
Several sugar cargoes from Brazil into South Africa
were booked at higher levels of $18,000/d but US coal cfr China (molten-lump-granular) 130-186 t

export volumes dipped as well as shipments between ex-works Nantong Yn/t 1,505-1,515 u

Europe and the Mediterranean and rates slipped slightly. Contract - monthly/quarterly
There were few fertilizer fixtures this week and with
fob Vancouver 3Q 2018 160-163
public holidays across Asia both this week and next
fob Middle East (excluding Iran) 3Q 2018 119-135
week, booking activity is expected to remain limited.
fob Qatar QSP Oct 2018 170

fob UAE OSP Sep 2018 152

Asia fob Black Sea (lump-granular) 3Q 2018 117-122

fob US Gulf 3Q 2018 124-129

cfr north Africa (lump-granular) 3Q 2018 127-147

China cfr Brazil 3Q 2018 145-149
Offers of granular sulphur to the Chinese market are at the
cfr China (molten-lump-granular) 3Q 2018 130-186
mid-to-high-$190s/t cfr this week. Whilst the impending
cfr Tampa 3Q 2018 $/lt 121
Golden Week holiday is keeping the number of offers low,
cfr Benelux (loc refs) (molten) 3Q 2018 118-134
the price level has increased across the week; spiking fol-
cpt NW Europe 3Q 2018 160-177
lowing the announcement of the Qatar Sulphur Price (QSP)
at $170/t fob. But, because of the holiday, no spot granular
business was confirmed and prices are still holding in the
mid-$180s/t cfr. Sulphur freight $/t
Buyers are expected to return to the market following the Loading Destination ’000t Low High
holiday, which will boost the granular price higher.
In the crushed lump market, offers are remaining at the Vancouver China 50-60 20 23
level of $180/t cfr but no business has been confirmed this
Middle East EC India 30-35 17 19
week with buyers still targeting prices closer to $170/t cfr
Middle East N/River China 30-35 23 25
for the product.
Middle East South China 30-35 20 22
When it comes to molten sulphur, prices have firmed once
again, with the range indicated to be spanning $130-150/t Middle East Brazil 30-35 21 23

cfr. Molten sulphur trade has picked up as limitations con- Middle East North Africa 30-35 22 24
tinue to ease and tonnes are priced up to $60/t lower than Black Sea North Africa 30-35 24 26
granular sulphur offers. Black Sea Brazil 30-35 25 27
On the molten contract side, negotiations are expected to
Baltic Brazil 30-35 28 30
start in mid-October.
Baltic North Africa 30-35 25 27
The China cfr price has been assessed at $130-186/t.
US Gulf Brazil 35-40 18 20

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 2 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

Molten sulphur deliveries to Chinese ports

Phosphate market summary Vessel DWT Origin Discharge port ETA

Japan, Sakai
Sulphur Glory 2,999 Fuzhou 29-Sep 18
Senboku
Japan, Sode-
Market realism prevails Sulphur Garland 4,965
gaura
Qingdao 26-Sep 18

A substantial flurry of DAP sales into India and to a lesser Sulphur Espoir 3,999
Japan, Kawa-
Shanghai 26-Sep 18
saki
extent Pakistan represents the realisation by both trad-
Japan Sode-
ers and producers alike that it is best to make sales now Koho Maru 1,787 Zhangjiagang 26-Sep 18
gaura
lest the rupee in India depreciate further or other sellers Japan,
Hestiana 3,599 Zhangjiagang 26-Sep 18
Mizushima
beat them to the deal. Further MRP hikes are unlikely
now. Traders have lost money having taking positions Sulfur Advance 4,959 S. Korea, Ulsan Longkou Gang 25-Sep 18

above $415/t fob China and liquidated. Likewise, Chi-

nese producers have sold direct at $426-428/t cfr, which China DAP fob vs sul import cfr
still presents a better netback relative to the domestic
market and also eases the pressure on 500,000t of port $/t China DAP fob low-high price spread (LHS)

inventories. 450 China sulphur cfr low-high price spread (RHS) 300

In total, India bought 360,000t of DAP this week while

400
Pakistan took an estimated 130,000-180,000t DAP from 250

Morocco, Australia and China. 350

200
India looks on course to import 5.5mn t of DAP with
300
5mn t now booked. Most of the Pakistan major importers
150
are still in the hunt for DAP in the low/mid-$430s/t cfr 250
despite provisional data showing inventories at end- 100
200
August having risen to a substantial 620,000t at the end
of August and projected to top 800,000t in September - 150 50
higher than India. Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep

Elsewhere, OCP is expected to sweep the board in

Ethiopia as expected. It faced minor competition from Domestic Market
Russia and Saudi Arabia but competitive prices ensured it Puguang prices have been increased by Yn20/t at both sites.
stands to take at least 625,000t of NPS/NPK business. The Wanzhou is now priced at Yn1,480/t and Dazhou Yn1,360/t.
only concern is financing but an award is still expected by Maintenance, which commenced on 6 September, was sched-
the end of this week. uled to conclude on 26 September.
OCP was also a significant seller in Pakistan, netting Ex-port prices commenced the week at Yn1,515/t, equiva-
$407/t fob Jorf Lasfar which is a substantial decline on lent to low-$180s/t cfr, and business was thin with only
the last Argus assessment. This probably reflects the small trades concluded by buyers in the river. Close to press
paucity of demand west of Suez and limited further op- time, offers were in the domestic market at Yn1,500-1505/t,
portunities in the US. equivalent to high-$170s/t cfr, but no buying interest or
West of Suez there was little business. Argentina took deals were heard at this level with the holidays removing
in small lots of floating 10-50 ex-China in the higher- buying interest and end-users said to be targeting prices sub-
$430s/t cfr but demand is subdued due to concerns over Yn1,500/t for the next purchases.
the country’s export duties on agricultural commodities. Paper market prices were at Yn1,520/t at the start of the
Brazil bought another 10,000-15,000t of MAP in the mid/ week but jumped up to Yn1,540/t almost immediately after
high-$450s/t cfr for October shipment, more or less in line
with last week’s prices.
In Indonesia and Iran, there were expressions of inter- Currency exchange rates ($) 27 Sep
est for TSP totalling over 150,000t for 4Q shipment. Bra- Euro (€) 1.1707
zilian TSP demand is, however on the wane seasonally. Chinese yuan (Yn) 6.8896
Despite Australia, Europe and Ethiopia expected to Brazilian real (R) 3.9849
absorb significant tonnage in 4Q, the market still looks to Indian rupee (Rs) 72.5750

be in surplus hence some downside is expected.

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 3 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

China port inventories

China port inventories

09-25-18 09-26-17 09-27-16

Longkou 20 5 18
Qingdao 0 12 78
Zhenjiang 590 200 350
Zhanjiang 140 110 100
Fangcheng 300 290 270
Nantong 320 510 800
Tangshan 10 4 24
Beihai 170 80 50 Tangshan
Nanjing 30 40 40 Longkou
Qingdao
CHINA
Total China port inventory ‘000t Zhenjiang
Nanjing Nantong
Yangtze
27-Sep-16 1,730 river

26-Sep-17 1,251

25-Sep-18 1,580 Fangcheng Zhanjiang

Beihai
300 800 1,300 1,800 2,300

the QSP was announced for October. finalise its supply contracts, with volumes previously con-
Port stocks are standing at 1.58mn t this week, down by cluded at around 500,000t/yr.
30,000t on the week, following two consecutive weeks of
increases in the inventory levels. Vietnam
There are reports of ex-Vietnamese product sold in to China
India but no further details were available at press time.
The import market is subdued this week with expectations
that Indian buyers will return to the market next month for
November deliveries. Middle East
Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF) is still yet to
open the pricing round of its tender, after receiving only one Further 4Q settlements reported
technical offer. Reports of contract settlements continue, with Moroccan
Full tender details here >> buyers reporting conclusions in the range of $145-173/t cfr.
On the export side, supplier Reliance Industries is yet to The high end represents the conclusion with Middle East

Sulphur deliveries to Indian ports

Volume Expected
Vessel Destination Origin Charterer Receiver
(t) Arrival Date

VSC Pollux Paradeep Ras Laffan BGN KIT/IFFCO 32,000 18-Sep-18

Sulphur Guardian Vizag Japan Mitsui CIL 12,500 11-Sep-18
Great Ocean Vizag Ras Laffan BGN CIL 21,799 10-Sep-18
Great Ocean Chennai Ras Laffan BGN CIL 10,000 6-Sep-18
FLC Wealth Vizag Shuaiba Swiss MMTC/SAIL 7,150 7-Sep-18
Clipper Phoenix Hadia Ras Laffan Sun International Tata/Sai Phosphate 20,500 6-Sep-18
Bayern S Paradeep Iran Eastern Commodities KIT/IFFCO 24,982 18-Aug-18
Clipper Phoenix Paradeep Ras Laffan Sun International PPL 18,000 1-Sep-18
Roshak Paradeep Iran Comzest KIT/IFFCO 44,632 13-Aug-18
Nord Mumbai Paradeep Iran Swiss Greenstar 26,500 11-Aug-18
Sulphur Guardian Vizag Japan Mitsui CIL 12,500 4-Aug-18

Argus Direct subscribers can download this data here

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 4 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

Spot Sales Selection 27 Sep 2018

Origin Seller Buyer Destn ’000t $/t bulk Shipment

Undisclosed Undisclosed Copebras Brazil 46 mid-$160s/t cfr Oct-18

Iran IGCC Undisclosed Undisclosed 16 $130/t fob Sep-18
Iran IGCC Trader Undisclosed 30 mid-$140s/t fob Sep-18
Qatar Muntajat Undisclosed Undisclosed 35 $146-147/t fob Oct-18
Undisclosed Swiss MMTC India 6 $170/tcf Aug-18
Libya NOC BGN Undisclosed 2x8 mid-$130s/t fob Aug-18
Undisclosed Swiss Din Vu DAP Vietnam 20 High-$150s/t cfr Aug-18
Middle East Muntajat Swiss Undisclosed 35 mid-$130s/t fob Aug-18
Middle East Trader Ambatovy Madagascar 40 mid-$130s/t fob Aug-18
Open Trader Copebras Brazil 40 mid/high-$140s/t Aug-18
Undisclosed BGN PPl India 30 mid-$150s/t cfr Jul-18
Iran IGCC Undisclosed Undisclosed 30 mid-$110s/t fob Jul-18
Qatar Muntajat BGN Undisclosed 30 mid/high-$130s/t fob Jun-18
Iran IGCC Undisclosed Undisclosed 30 mid-$120s/t fob Jun-18
Turkmenistan IPC Trader China 35 mid-$130s/t cfr Jun-18
Iran IGCC Undisclosed Undisclosed 30 mid-$120s/t fob Jun-18
Iran IGCC Undisclosed Undisclosed 30 mid-$110s/t fob Jun-18
Undisclosed Sun International Dinh Vu Dap Vietnam 15 mid-$140s/t cfr Jun-18
Undisclosed Tricon Akzo Argentina 15 mid/high-$150s/t cfr Jun-18
India MRPL Trader Undisclosed 35 low-$140s/t fob Jun-18

Argus Direct subscribers can download this data here

Sulphur spot price comparison

has been firmed slightly; to span $165-168/t.
$/t

200 Bahrain
State-owned Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) will issue
180 fob Vancouver
fob Middle East its 2019 supply tender in the first week of November. The
cfr China
160
company will offer 120,000t to the market.
140
Details of the company's last annual tender are here >>

120
Iran
100 Supplier IGCC has postponed the closing date of its tender to
sell 45,000t of granular sulphur by two weeks, citing logisti-
80
cal problems and slowing demand in China, ahead of the
60
2017 Apr Jul Oct 2018 Apr Jul Golden Week holiday that starts on 1 October.
Continue reading>>
producers and nets back to high-$140s/t fob, but supply-side Jumbo bags of around 2,000t are on offer from supplier
confirmation of the settlement price was not available at NIOPDC. The company expects to complete a sale by 29
press time. September.
For Brazil, buyers indicated settlements had been made at NIOPDC has been offering small lots of bulk sulphur from
around $173/t cfr for ex-Middle East tonnes, netting back to the the Arak refinery on an ex-works basis.
low/mid-$150s/t fob, but there are further market indica- Fob Iran prices are still range-bound at $135-145/t, and
tions prices could be towards the high-$170s/t cfr Santos for IGCC’s tender will likely be the next test of the price.
final settlements. The following inquiries are currently in the freight market;
Traders and Adnoc settled contracts at $163/t fob, and so „„ 40,000t loading Bandar Abbas 7-12 October for shipment
far this indicates the high end of the fourth quarter Middle to Fangcheng, China.
East contract price.
The spot market remains quiet because of tight availability „„ 30,000-44,000t of bagged sulphur, loading Bandar Abbas
and the holiday season muting the world's biggest import 25 September - 5 October, for shipment to South China.
market, China. But, with monthly selling prices announce-
ments starting at a dramatic increase on the previous month
and offer prices climbing in all markets, the Middle East fob

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 5 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

Oman
Duqm refinery to start construction early 2019
The 230,000 b/d Duqm Refinery in Oman is on track to start
Proposal to change China ex-works sulphur commissioning at the end of 2021, with financial close on
assessments loan agreements due within days. Construction is set to
Argus proposes to change its China ex-works sulphur commence early in 2019 and is scheduled to take 36-40
assessments because of the planned cessation of sulphur months.
discharge operations at Langshan berth. Continue reading >>
Under this proposal, the ex-works Nantong Yn/t as-
sessment will be renamed ex-works China Yn/t and will Qatar
include sulphur sold from the domestic stockpiles at October Qatar Sulphur Price up $25/t
Chinese ports on an ex-works basis. State-owned marketer Muntajat has set its October Qatar
Argus will accept comments on this change up to 4 Sulphur Price (QSP) at $170/t fob Ras Laffan/Mesaieed, an
October 2018. To discuss comments on this proposal, increase of $25/t on the September price of $145/t fob Ras
please contact Claira Lloyd at claira.lloyd@argusmedia. Laffan/Mesaieed.
com or +44 20 7199 1613. Formal comments should be Continue reading >>
marked as such and may be submitted by email to fertil-
izer@argusmedia.com or by post to Claira Lloyd Argus UAE
Media Ltd, Lacon House, 84 Theobald’s Road, London, The MV Butinah, a bulk carrier vessel owned by Adnoc Logis-
WC1X 8NL, UK and received by 4 October 2018. Please tics and Services, arrived at Ruwais port on 23 September.
note, formal comments will be published after the
consultation period unless confidentiality is specifically
requested.

SULPHUR this week

Tupras, Turkey, cancels Iran’s IGCC postpones

e-tender scheduled to be 45,000t granular
held this week tender

North Africa 4Q contracts

start to settle $145-173/t
cfr Qatar’s Muntajat sets Oc-
tober QSP at $170/t fob

Argentina’s Bunge se-

cures tonnes at around
$190/t cfr

Disclaimer: Argus depicts geo-political borders as defined by the United Nations Geospatial Information Section.
For more information visit http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/world.pdf

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 6 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

Africa Sulphur deliveries to Jorf Lasfar port

Vessel Tonnage Origin ETB

Fourth quarter settlement reports commence
La Tonda 54,817 Ruwais, UAE Discharging
Contracts for tonnes for shipment to Morocco are reported
Aqua Prosper 56,643 Discharging
as concluded by the buy-side within the range of $145-173/t
cfr north Africa. There is no confirmation of Tunisian prices Al Yasat II 53,743 Ruwais, UAE Berthed

at present from the buy-side but market participants indi- Medi Perth 60,000 Ust Luga, Russia 28-Sep-18

cate that prices are likely to match the top-end of Moroccan Dacc Egfo 35,000 Ruwais, UAE 29-Sep-18

conclusions. Delfa 15,000 Ruwais, UAE 2-Oct-18

Supply-side confirmation is pending, but the top-end of Ras Ghumays 60,000 Ust Luga, Russia 6-Oct-18
the range is likely to reflect ex-Middle East tonnes and the Good Hope 49,500 Jubail, Saudi Arabia 6-Oct-18
bottom ex-Mediterranean tonnes. FSU product will span a TR Niklas 54,250 Jubail, Saudi Arabia 12-Oct-18
range on an origin and crushed lump/granular spread.
North Africa spot prices have been assessed up to range Discharging total 438,953
$145-162/t cfr as global market prices firm and, with buyers
indicating that contract prices are not settled below $145cfr, Argus Direct subscribers can download this data here
no spot business will likely be able to be concluded below
this level in the near term. Libya
The tender from NOC was awarded in the mid/high-$130s/t
Egypt fob to a trader and is expected to be shipped to Egypt.
The award of the latest Libya tender (see below) implies A freight inquiry has appeared in the market since the
an increase in the Egyptian cfr price of granular sulphur award for 8,000t loading Mellitah 26-28 September for ship-
towards the mid-$150s/t cfr. But recently concluded business ment to Abu Qir, Egypt.
is still sitting in the low-$150s/t cfr.
Morocco
Fertilizer producer OCP is out of the spot market with set-

Freight inquiry highlights

30,000t loading Assaluyeh

or Bandar Abbas, Iran 20-30
September for shipment to
Fangcheng or Zhenjiang,
China

4,000t loading Sines,

Portugal 2-4 October for
shipment to Safi, Morocco
or Abu Qir, Egypt

40,000t loading Ruwais,

UAE 25 September - 5 Oc-
tober for shipment to China

Disclaimer: Argus depicts geo-political borders as defined by the United Nations Geospatial Information Section.
For more information visit http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/world.pdf

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 7 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

Spain exports vs fob Med Xxx

tled contract tonnes covering current demand and also the
current disconnect between raw material costs and finished ’000t $
phosphate fertilizer products making spot market sulphur Morocco Tunisia Germany Egypt Other Med fob (RHS)
60 160
unappealing at present.
140
50
120
South Africa 40
100
In the freight market, an inquiry for 40,000t loading Ruwais, 30 80

UAE, for shipment to Richards Bay 26-28 September is linked 60

20
40
to the recent spot purchase by Foskor. 10
20
A price in the high-$170s/t cfr has been attached to the 0 0
deal and is linked to trader Swiss Singapore. Market partici- Jul 17 Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul 18
2018
pants indicate there is nothing below this price being offered
2017
to the South African market, and previous business had not
0 100 200 300 400 500
been concluded below the mid-$170s/t cfr.
Freight between the Middle East and South Africa is indi- 170,000t, up by around 4pc. Exports to Morocco are for OCP
cated at around $17-20/t. and are largely shipped under quarterly contract.
Senegal received 50,000t, up from zero during the same
Foskor takes maintenance on phosacid line period in 2017, and just 9,000t in 2016. Exports to France
Phosphate and NPK producer Foskor is undertaking mainte- and Egypt totalled 17,000t and 11,000t respectively, with
nance on one of its three sulphuric acid lines. deliveries to France surging 189pc.
Continue reading >> For July, Spain exported 34,000t, up by 48pc last July.
Morocco continued to receive the lion’s-share at 31,000t, up
by 44pc on the year.
Mediterranean
Turkey
Mediterranean fob and cfr prices continue to lag behind Refiner Tupras was meant to hold its monthly e-tender this
the increases in the wider global market. Fob prices remain week but cancelled and will confirm by next week if the ten-
range bound with a high end in the low-$130s/t fob and cfr der will be held or not for October supply. Supply constraints
prices continue to top out in the low-$150s/t cfr. But expec- have been linked to the cancellation.
tations persist of higher prices on next done business. Details of the September supply e-tender are here.
First sulphur is expected from the Socar Turkey Aegean
Greece Refinery (STAR) in December. When at full capacity the facil-
A supplier has sold a cargo within the current Mediterranean ity is estimated to produce 150,000t/yr.
fob range of $125-132/t fob. On the demand side, a freight market inquiry for 20,000t
loading Kavkaz, Russia for shipment to Samsun 2-6 October is
Portugal linked to Toros' monthly requirements.
Maintenance works are scheduled at Galp's Sines refinery in Also, Bagfas is heard to have operational restrictions at
the south from mid-October, but will have a minimal impact its sulphuric acid plant at present, which is keeping it out of
on its sulphur production rates. the sulphur market.
A 60 day turnaround is ongoing at Galp's Porto refinery in
the north, but is having no impact on sulphur production
rates. West Europe

Spain Fourth quarter contract negotiations are underway

Jan-Jul exports up 6pc The supply/demand balance has improved on the quarter,
Spain exported 282,000t in the year to July, up by 6pc on with sulphur from Grossenkneten understood to be returning
the year. Exports from Spain come largely from refiner to the supply chain. Buyers are largely expecting prices to
Repsol, which has a sulphur producing capacity of around rollover in response.
500,000t/yr. But, the regional market remains slightly undersupplied,
Morocco received the majority of Spanish exports, at and international prices are currently at annual highs, which

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 8 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

is encouraging suppliers to target a price increase on the USA.

quarter.
„„ 51,000-60,000t loading 2-4 October for delivery to San-
France tos, Brazil.
The MV Iver Ability, a molten sulphur carrying vessel, arrived
at Bayonne port on 26 September, after departing Bilbao, Freight between the Baltic Sea and Tampa is indicated at
Spain on 23 September. $28/t.

Ust-Luga, Russia - Sulphur loading vessels Vancouver Dry Bulk Sulphur Exports (000t)
Vessel DWT Destination Departure Country Jul-18 Jan-Jul 18 Jan-Jul 17

TR Niklas 63,497 Morocco, Jorf Lasfar 22-Sep-18 Australia 67 419 344

China 49 336 511
Western London 39,260 Brazil, Santos 21-Sep-18
Cuba 30 177 120
New London Eagle 63,410 USA, Tampa 17-Sep-18 Chile 0 160 110
New Caledonia 52 101 37
Nord Chesapeake 60,447 Brazil, Santos 14-Sep-18
Mexico 51 81 206
Medi Perth 60,447 Morocco, Jorf Lasfar 9-Sep-18 New Zealand 0 64 103
Brazil 0 39 40
UBC Sagunto 33,313 Brazil, Santos 7-Sep-18
Other 1 0 15
Reliable 38,800 Senegal, Dakar 27-Aug-18

TOTAL 250 1,377 1,486

Iberian Bulker 37,668 Brazil, Santos 20-Aug-18

Strategic Tenacity 36,851 Brazil, Santos 18-Aug-18

North America
Argus Direct subscribers can download this data here
Canada
East Europe Vancouver fob prices rose by $3/t to $160-163/t with
netbacks from China and the most recent business in the
Fourth quarter settlements so far low-$160s/t. Supply has improved with Syncrude in Alberta
Contract prices for sulphur shipments to Morocco are indi- nearing full rates after its extended maintenance.
cated to span $145-173/t cfr north Africa for the fourth quar-
ter, but it is not yet clear where in the range ex-FSU product Jan-Jul exports down by 7pc
prices fall, as prices will vary depending on loading port and Dry bulk exports from Vancouver port totalled 1.37mn t in
product type. Supply-side confirmation of price settlements the year to July, around 7pc lower on the year.
was not available at press time. Shipments to Australia continued to outstrip those to
There are also market reports that GazpromExport (GPE) China, accounting for around 30pc of overall exports, at
will only have a maximum of 200,000t available for 4Q ship- 419,000t and up by 22pc on the year. China received just
ment, but this remains unconfirmed by the supplier. 336,000t, down by 34pc. Lower deliveries to China are partly
For Brazil contract prices, buyers indicate prices span linked to more tentative buying patterns from end-users
$163-173/t cfr with ex-FSU tonnes at the top-end of the this year, with cheaper priced domestic tonnages taking a
range. This would imply a netback in the mid/high-$110s/t preference to international product.
fob but, suppliers indicate that contracts are not yet con- Exports to Latin America remained strong, with around
cluded and market participants have placed top-end Brazil 456,000t delivered to the region in total, and accounting
contracts closer to the high-$170s/t cfr. for around a third of ex-Vancouver shipments. Cuba, Chile
Polish supplier Grupa Azoty is expected to conclude three and Mexico received the most, at 177,000t, 160,000t and
cargoes for shipment to Morocco's OCP on a formula basis. 81,000t, respectively. Exports to Cuba surged by 47pc on the
Each cargo will be 25,000t in size. year. Exports to Brazil remained flat at around 39,000t.
Exports to New Caledonia also remained roughly flat
Russia on the year at around 101,000t. New Caledonia's demand
There are two freight market inquiries for Ust-Luga loaders: is largely for Vale’s mining operations in the south of the
„„ 35,000t loading 27-29 September for delivery to Tampa, country.

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 9 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

For July, 250,000t was shipped from Vancouver port, up Latin America
by 31pc on the year. Australia received the most, but down
by 39pc on last July, at 67,000t. Exports to China totalled
49,000t, up by 65pc. Data collected by Argus shows a Argentina
70,000t cargo was sold to China in June at low-$150s/t cfr Bunge has now purchased a 7,000t granular cargo, after
China. issuing an enquiry for it earlier this month. The cargo was
purchased at $190/t cfr for November arrival. The delivery
Suncor Montreal to begin maintenance is understood to be a part cargo, with additional sulphur
Suncor plans to shut down equipment on 25 September at aboard for discharging to another buyer.
the sulfur plant associated with its 130,000 b/d refinery in
Montreal, Canada. Brazil
Continue reading >> Copebras will next step in to the market in the first half of
October, seeking a cargo for early-December arrival. The
USA company's last purchase is expected to arrive at Santos in
US Gulf spot prices increased by $9.50/t on a midpoint basis, early-November.
with the most recent business in the $150-155/t fob range. Contract prices are continuing to be priced at $163-173/t
A recent 30,000t tender from the region was awarded to a cfr by the buy-side for 4Q shipments, but there are wider
trader within the range. market indications that contracts have not yet concluded
Supply is healthy in most regions and demand strong, lead- in full, and some agreements have been made in the high-
ing to balance in most regions of the domestic market. $170s/t cfr.
Freight between the Middle East and Tampa is indicated at
around $25-28/t.

4Q contracts update
Fourth quarter US Gulf prices continue to be indicated in
the mid-$130s/t to mid-$140s/t fob based on netbacks from
Brazil settlements and sell-side price indications.
Brazilian buyers have placed fourth quarter US Gulf con-
tract tonnes at $163/t cfr Santos.
Negotiations for the fourth quarter Tampa settlement have
begun for some participants, though not all have engaged.

Brazilian sulphur vessel line-up

Port, Terminal Buyer Charterer/Origin Vessel 000t Estimated time of berth

Santos, Tiplam Mosaic NA/US Saga Frontier 35 18-Oct-18

Santos, Tiplam Mosaic NA/US Cielo Di Tampa 35 6-Oct-18
Santos, Ataru Fertipar Fitco/Portugal Crinis 9 30-Sep-18
Santos, Tiplam Mosaic Trammo/Russia Iberian Bulker 35 23-Sep-18
Santos, Tiplam Mosaic Mosaic/US Spring Sky 38 15-Sep-18
Santos, Tiplam Mosaic Adnoc/Ruwais Belnippon 35 9-Sep-18
Santos, Termag CMOC Trammo/Russia Anita N 41 29-Aug-18
Santos, Termag Galvani Trammo/Russia Anita N 9 29-Aug-18
Santos, Termag Elekeiroz Trammo/Russia Anita N 5 29-Aug-18
Santos, Tiplam Mosaic Trammo/Russia Nordorinco 33 22-Aug-18
Santos, Tiplam Mosaic KPC/Shuaiba Lavieen Rose 30 17-Aug-18
Santos, Tiplam Mosaic Total/Russia Nord Treasure 32 12-Aug-18
Santos, Tiplam Mosaic Adnatco/Ruwais Hanton Trader II 35 26-Jul-18
Source - Wilson Sons

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 10 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

NEWS AND ANALYSIS on the consumption of phosphatic and potash fertilizers is

therefore likely in the fourth quarter.
Oil prices forecast to head higher Continue reading >>
Oil prices could end the year much higher from current
levels amid lower supplies from Iran and Venezuela and firm
demand growth, speakers told the Asia-Pacific Petroleum
Conference (Appec) in Singapore. IMO 2020 news
Continue reading >>
European refiners see clouds beyond IMO wind-
US, China move ahead with latest round of fall
trade tariffs European refiners will reap the rewards of the global ship-
The US and China have implemented the biggest round of ping industry’s response to the International Maritime
bilateral tariffs so far, covering a combined $260bn/yr of Organisation’s (IMO) marine fuels sulphur cap. But broader
traded goods including LNG, metals, fertilizers and chemical decarbonisation moves and environmental concerns pose
products. challenges.
Continue reading >> Continue reading >>

Morocco’s OCP signs R&D deal with China’s Hu- International Seaways to install scrubbers
bei Forbon New York-listed shipowner International Seaways has an-
Moroccan state-owned phosphates fertilizer producer OCP nounced plans to install exhaust gas cleaning systems, or
has signed an initial agreement with Chinese fertilizer manu- scrubbers, on seven vessels with an option for a further
facturer Hubei Forbon on further collaboration. three.
Continue reading >> Continue reading >>

EU, Iran search for way around US sanctions Q&A: Fuels standards key to sulphur cap sales
The EU, China, France, Germany, Russia and the UK said Bunker fuels' availability and compatibility remain a concern
today they plan to develop a new mechanism to ensure con- for shipowners and operators as they prepare to shift to
tinued oil exports from Iran despite looming US sanctions. 0.5pc fuels to comply with the International Maritime Organ-
Continue reading >> isation's (IMO) 2020 sulphur cap. Argus asked Danish bunker
fuel supplier Monjasa chief operating officer Svend Molholt
QP plans fourth LNG train in expansion push about his views on these issues.
State-owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) plans to build a fourth Continue reading >>
LNG plant to raise production capacity to 110mn t/yr, in-
stead of 100mn t/yr, as previously planned. Current capacity
is 77mn t/yr.
Continue reading >>

Nayara reapplies for Vadinar refinery expansion

Indian refiner Nayara Energy, formerly Essar Oil, is seeking
environmental approval to double capacity to 800,000 b/d
for its Vadinar refinery in Gujarat state, while also planning
to boost the number of its retail outlets by around 50pc.
Continue reading >>

Weak rupee to weigh on DAP, MOP demand in

India
Fertilizer importers to India have had to contend with a
weakening local currency in the third quarter — typically
the monsoon season in India — below-par rainfall and the
prospect of increasing domestic prices. An adverse impact

Copyright © 2018 Argus Media group Page 11 of 13

Argus Sulphur Issue 18-39 | Thursday 27 September 2018

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Fertilizer
illuminating the markets
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Grace Chilande
Fertilizer Market Specialist| AfricaFertilizer.org
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Managing Director
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