Ammonium Sulfate Price Update — 18 September 2026

China standard caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate firmed again on our latest read, with the export assessment lifting to $200-205/t fob. At least one northern supplier has taken offers up to $210/t fob. The move is small in absolute terms, but it continues a trend that has kept Chinese ammonium sulfate supported for several weeks.

This update covers the latest assessment. For the full week-ending table and destination-by-destination detail, see our weekly market report for the week ending 17 September 2026.

The latest numbers

The key point for buyers: the low end of the China fob assessment has moved up. Standard caprolactam-grade was assessed in a $195-205/t range in the prior weekly read; the latest assessment sits at $200-205/t, so the floor under export pricing has risen even though the top of the range is unchanged.

Why it moved

Two forces are at work, and they behave differently.

The nitrogen complex is stronger. Ammonium sulfate does not trade in isolation. When the wider nitrogen market firms — and urea in particular has been the driver — ammonium sulfate tends to move with it. That support can persist or reverse with the urea market, so it is worth watching rather than assuming.

Export availability is still limited. The regional export market has run tight for weeks. Southern producers have largely placed their allocated volumes, and the cargoes still on offer are limited in size. In that environment, even steady demand is enough to keep the assessment supported.

The combination is what matters: a firmer nitrogen complex sets the direction, and tight availability removes the discount that would otherwise appear.

Destination snapshot

Brazil — Standard caprolactam-grade CFR reached $250-260/t, up roughly $15/t week on week, while compacted CFR held at $250-260/t. Brazilian demand for compacted material remains the structural support on this route.

Northwest Europe — Granular caprolactam-grade was indicated at €379-402/t fob, broadly steady. European values sit well above Asian fob levels, reflecting freight, duty and local supply conditions.

Southeast Asia — Caprolactam-grade CFR was indicated at $225-235/t, steady, with demand quieter as the nitrogen application window in parts of the region nears its end.

What it means for buyers

Confirm allocation before you fix the price. In a supply-constrained market, a competitive number that cannot be allocated is worth less than a higher number that ships on time. Resolve the tonnage question first.

Qualify the grade against your application. The spread between standard caprolactam-grade at ~$200-205/t fob and other grades reflects genuinely different products from different production routes. Match the specification and the production source to what your process needs, and verify the lot COA against it. Our production-source guide sets out how the routes differ.

Treat CFR as volume-dependent. Freight varies materially with parcel size and routing. Any CFR figure is only meaningful against a specific parcel and destination.

Keep shipment windows flexible. With availability still the binding constraint, build some slack into your downstream commitments.

On pricing in this article. The figures above are indicative market assessment levels for the grades referenced, drawn from our own market monitoring. They are not offers and do not represent a quotation for any specific parcel, origin or shipment window. Ammonium sulfate prices vary with grade, production source, packaging, parcel size, destination and freight, and are quoted per inquiry and confirmed in the sales contract.