According to the Agricultural News, potash prices remained generally stable last week, whilst market demand was relatively subdued. Currently, domestic potash production is proceeding reasonably well; however, as Yanhu Potash and Zangge Potash primarily supply fixed industrial clients, there is a limited supply in the open market. Coupled with low operating rates and output at smaller plants, supply remains tight. The official delivered price for 60% prismatic potassium chloride in Qinghai stands at RMB 3,100 (per ton, same below), remaining stable, with supplies primarily directed to industrial users; the market price hovers around RMB 3,300. Port inventories of imported potash stand at 2.15–2.20 million tons, a significant decrease week-on-week. The primary reason is the rise in shipping costs driven by the international situation; although production capacity remains stable,

Last week, potash prices remained generally stable, with market demand relatively subdued. Currently, domestic potash production is satisfactory; however, as Yanhu Potash and Zangge Potash primarily supply fixed industrial clients, market supply is limited. Coupled with low operating rates and low output at small-scale plants, supply remains tight. The official delivered price for 60% prismatic potassium chloride in Qinghai stands at RMB 3,100 (per ton, same below), remaining stable, with supplies primarily directed to industrial users; the market price hovers around RMB 3,300.

Port inventories of imported potash stand at 2.15–2.20 million tons, a significant decrease week-on-week. This is primarily due to rising sea freight costs driven by the international situation; whilst production capacity remains stable, there are certain risks associated with shipping operations. The price of 62% white potash at ports ranges from RMB 3,150 to 3,550, with the lower end serving as a guide price, whilst the higher end is currently concentrated in southern regions. The price of 60% large red granular potassium chloride at ports ranges from RMB 3,300 to 3,400, with transactions at the higher end being sluggish. Cross-border trade shipments are arriving gradually at the Manzhouli border crossing, but volumes remain limited. The price of 62% white potassium chloride in cross-border trade ranges from RMB 3,150 to 3,200; supplies are limited and the market remains stable for the time being.

Last week, market prices for potassium sulphate rose slightly. The operating rate for processed potassium sulphate remained at around 45%, with expectations of a decline. The ex-factory price for 52% fully water-soluble powdered processed potassium sulphate is between 4,300 and RMB 4,400, with some higher quotes at RMB 4,500, though actual transactions are extremely rare. The operating rate for resource-based potassium sulphate remains at a relatively high level, with stable operations. The delivered price for 50% powdered potassium sulphate stood at RMB 3,700–3,750; due to relatively tight supply, prices rose slightly.

Overall, current demand for potash fertilizers is relatively weak and falls short of expectations, though this is a normal seasonal fluctuation. This situation is expected to persist for some time. The market generally believes that potash fertilizer prices are unlikely to fall significantly; some distributors are considering buying at lower prices, but at current price levels, downstream purchasing enthusiasm is notably lacking, with most adopting a wait-and-see approach. Looking ahead, the domestic potash market is set to remain in its off-season, compounded by significant uncertainty in the international landscape. Potash prices are likely to continue fluctuating within a narrow range, with no major surges or drops anticipated. Unless international potash prices rise sharply, leading to a significant reduction in imports, or unless a sustained supply of imports causes port inventories to rise again, the overall stable operating pattern of the potash market is expected to remain unchanged.

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