Export prices for Ukrainian grain have increased amid healthy exports and stable importers’ demand. This week, Egypt’s GASC has purchased 60,000 t of Ukrainian wheat at $269/t C&F within one of the tenders. In addition, an importer from Lebanon has bought 30,000 t of grain with 11.5% protein content at $253/t C&F.
The phosphate market is generally calm, with players showing low activity, waiting and watching. In Egypt, only small lots are offered for sale. Some importers are requesting prices for Egyptian DAP, which are currently almost in line with Moroccan fertilizer.
Trade has perked up on the Egyptian urea market, with deals to sell at least 135-140,000 t of granular fertilizer signed at $340-350/t FOB. Abu Qir has sold 45-50,000 t of urea at the same price. HFC has signed a contract to sell 50,000 t of granular urea to Ethiopia at $345-350/t FOB Egypt… Read more »
Steel scrap prices on the rise in Turkey. Suppliers successfully stand their ground, aiming to raise the quotes due to shortage of scrap and the approaching holiday season. Buyers accept the new prices and actively entering into new deals.
Prices for imported iron ore continue going up in China, reaching a new high in the past year and a half. The market is significantly influenced by news from Vale, the world’s second-largest iron ore producer.
The railway traffic of mineral fertilizers dropped by 44,000 t to about 157,000 t in Ukraine in November, showing a 22% plunge compared with October.
Quotes for imported thermal coal have grown on the West European market, although trade is moderate. Market participants refer the price increase to the seasonal factor.
A total of 1,708 wagons were transferred through the Batiovo – Epereshke land border crossing point in November, showing a handling rate of 57 wagons per day (compared with 56 wagons in the previous month) including 35 wagons with grain (up 1.7 units daily from October).
About 257 wagons were transferred daily through the Chop – Čierna nad Tisou land border crossing point as of December 7 (up 15 units per day in two weeks). Approximately 200 wagons per day were moving on export routes (down 3 units), while 57 wagons arrived with imported cargo (up 18 wagons).
Almost 6,300 wagons with grain were found waiting for unloading at Ukrainian sea ports on December 4. Taking into account that approximately 913 wagons per day are accepted at the stations, it might take up to 7 days to serve all the wagons currently standing in the railway network waiting for unloading at grain… Read more »