According to China Chemical News, potash fertilizer prices remained firm last week. This was driven by tightening supply and rising prices of potassium chloride on one hand, and stable-to-rising prices of potassium sulfate under cost pressure on the other.

Domestic potash production and shipments remain suboptimal. As enterprises gradually enter winter maintenance periods, supply reductions are becoming increasingly evident. The official delivered price for Qinghai 60% powdered crystal potash stands at 3,100 yuan (per ton, same below), with market circulation prices ranging from 3,150 to 3,200 yuan.

Port inventories of imported potash have reached 2.45 million tons and continue to increase slowly, though they remain lower than in previous years for this time. Some traders occasionally raise prices slightly based on sales conditions. However, with major contracts already signed, downstream buyers do not anticipate shortages and do not expect significant price hikes. Consequently, they remain cautious about purchasing potash fertilizers at higher prices, leading to market price fluctuations. Port prices for 62% white potash range from 3,150 to 3,500 yuan, with the lower end serving as a reference price. However, supply is tight at this level, while higher-priced transactions remain sluggish and subject to negotiation. 60% large red granular potash trades between 3,300 and 3,400 yuan, with the lower end as the reference price. Higher quotes apply to small-packaged products, while bulk-bag products command slightly lower rates. Border trade spot supplies in Manzhouli are temporarily tight, though later arrivals are expected to increase. Border trade 62% white potash prices range from 3150 to 3300 yuan, with the lower end serving as a reference price. Higher prices see only limited transactions, though larger orders are negotiable.

Last week, potassium sulfate prices continued to rise, influenced by firm potassium chloride prices. Processed potassium sulfate plants maintained relatively stable operating rates around 45%, easing inventory pressure. Factory-gate prices for 52% fully water-soluble powdered processed potassium sulfate rose slightly to 3,900–3,950 yuan, as manufacturers negotiate with the market amid widespread cost inversion challenges. Resource-based potassium sulfate production, sales, and transportation remain largely stable. Some manufacturers have halted operations, though overall capacity utilization remains steady. Resource-based 50% powdered potassium sulfate delivered prices hover around 3,550 yuan, maintaining stability for an extended period.

Overall, the potash fertilizer market currently exhibits divergent trends. Potassium chloride demand persists but lacks momentum, with downstream buyers adopting cautious procurement after phased restocking and heightened risk concerns at elevated price levels. Potassium sulfate demand remains subdued, though low operating rates support processed Mannheim-type manufacturers without inventory pressure. Industry insiders anticipate the overall potash market will maintain stability. Potash chloride prices will be anchored by shipment volume fluctuations: significant increases will trigger price declines, while sharp reductions may drive prices upward. Potash sulfate producers will continue seeking opportunities to reduce losses.

As an integrated internet platform providing benchmark prices, on December 17th, the benchmark price for imported potassium chloride, according to SunSirs, was 3533.33 RMB/ton, an increase of 0.95% compared to the beginning of the month (3500.00 RMB /ton).

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