Weekly Phosphate, Potash Prices Fall

A new report from Mizuho investment bank said potash and phosphate fell last week, while nitrogen was mostly unchanged.  The price of potash in New Orleans fell about 1.5% to $328 per ton, while Midwest costs declined 0.7% to $373 a ton.  The report said phosphate prices dropped 0.3% to $851 a ton.

“Phosphate affordability is at its lowest level since 2008, and continues to raise concerns about demand referral and destruction,” Mizuho said. Nitrogen prices were mostly unchanged last week at about $376 a ton in New Orleans and $435 per ton in the Midwest.

“Supply disruptions and delays in capacities coming online have led to higher ammonia prices, with the benchmark Tampa price recently settled up $40 in October following a $53-per-metric-ton increase in September,” Mizuho said in its report.

Despite some volatility and recent declines, overall fertilizer prices are still considered high compared to long-term averages.

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