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May '23 Farmer Fertilizer Focus - Phosphates

By: Josh Linville, Vice President- Fertilizer

May '23 PHOSPHATES
 
Josh Linville
Vice President - Fertilizer
Major global phosphate export location price graphs

I will have 2 graphs:  one that lists historical pricing in short tons and one in metric tons so that everyone can read it in a form they prefer.  All prices are listed in USD.  All prices are FOB or priced at their origin.

I will say this now and will say it going forward to eternity:  these are the flat price graphs for each individual location.  Your price where you are is going to be different.  There are logistics.  There is the cost of storage/interest/insurance/etc.  These graphs should not be taken as "it shows the price at $700,  why isn't my price $700".  These graphs should be used to give an appreciation for price movements.

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What everyone wants to know first, what do we think will happen going forward
Global
World phosphate demand has been somewhat lower than expected in the last several months.  While that has weighed on phosphate values, it also should mean that a resurgence of demand should be somewhere in the future.  However:
It feels like as the world moves closer to late June/July/August, global values are going to remain under pressure.
Fall demand is already going to be very skeptical of stepping in early after the last year.  Spring '24 demand will be that much worse.  China is taking leaps back to normal export volumes (huge as they are the worlds largest).  Grain values have been under pressure.  One of the higher cost producers in the world (Florida region) continue to see that cost drop.  All that and the NOLA DAP futures market saw trade at $500 which is a large price reset from today.
Anything can happen but I lean toward lower prices in the near term.
North America
That was one heck of a spring run.  So much so that we actually saw nearby NOLA DAP values RISE near the end of spring.  Very indicative of a spring that wiped out inventories.  Still:
Very hard to look to the future months and think prices can climb from today
The only things that can support the market in my mind is the counter vailing duty case still blocking imports and the big spring run which wiped out warehouse inventories (big demand this summer).  Outside of that, the list is long on why it should drop.  Just the simple fact that NOLA DAP physical is currently in the mid-$600's...and August NOLA DAP futures traded $500 last week.
The market is expecting a reset and a big one at that.  Just have to be patient because that isn't today.
Should you buy your spring '23 phosphate needs?
Global
This is tricky depending on where you are. The further away from production regions ("ahem"...Australia), the more dependent you are on product that is already in place...or not in place.  The closer you are and the further from application you are, I start to lean to hold.  That said:
If you have demand in the coming weeks and resupply is not nearby, better to know you have it and give up some downside potential.
This is very much a situation that you should be discussing with your retailer.  They will have a better feel for your local market, what is in place, what isn't, etc.  With global prices having seen weakness for months, it is very hard to put unsold product in place.  They cannot lose that kind of money.  Have the talk and get a solid POV.
North America
For most across North America, spring demand is very much in the rear view mirror.  That is based on the calendar just as much as it is that nearby values have jumped.  Doesn't happen without a solid spring run.  That said:
For nearby needs, I highly suggest talking to your retailer about a plan of attack as inventories/logistics are tight.
However, for future/summer fill needs, keep watching.
The futures market, if we use the August NOLA DAP trade from last Friday at $500, is indicating that values will fall $150 from where replacement is right now.  If I am back to being a trader, I would short $500 all day long.  
CME Futures settlement indications

While the fertilizer futures market is far from as liquid as its grain counterparts, it is still active and gives us an insight into what the market is thinking.

Please note that the values below can and will change daily.  This is merely a look at where they are as of writing:

 NOLA DAP
May$582.50
June$527.50
July-
August$485.00
September $485.00
October$517.50
general global dap/map information
image 59247
What has happened in the last 30 days?
Chinese exports are starting to get reported (global story)
Sorry for the history lesson but this is for the newbies here:
In the fall of 2021, the Chinese government imposed a phosphate (and urea) export ban.  Global inventories were extremely low and global values extremely high.  Being the world's largest DAP/MAP producer and exporter, the government decided it was better to slow/stop exports to help the Chinese farmer.  Banning exports would ensure adequate supplies at home.  By removing the international market, it would also lower the domestic price.  
As much as I hate to admit it, it worked.
Now, the global inventories sufficient and values much more in line with "normal", the government loosened these restrictions which has allowed producers to reengage the world marketplace.
This means the rest of the global producers have more competition...and China didn't waste much time.
We are starting to see them linked to more business being done and even more business to be discussed.  In recent weeks, they were linked to a sale to India at a price of $550mt delivered.  
This return affects the market in equal parts fundamentally and emotionally.
From the fundamental POV, this returns a lot of tons to the global export total that was not there.  When they departed, global supplies dropped and it pushed world price ideas even higher.
From the emotional POV, if you are a supplier/trader, you have just watched the world's largest exporter/competitor return.  It should send a chill thru long positions.
While much remains to be seen, it is hard to see this progressing the way it is and not think that it results in a lower than before price floor.
India stockpiles are big (global story)
If you glance above, you will see that India is the world's 2nd largest DAP/MAP importer on an annual basis.  So when we see stockpiles growing which could affect their future demand, we take notice.
One of the stories that continues to be discussed is where they sit on their overall inventories as they start to prepare for the coming season.  Their April/May imports are generally not large but the world will expect to see action in June.  
With them appearing to be so far ahead, the world may not see them in June.  Sometimes, one of the world's largest buyers delaying purchases a month or two is all it takes for things to fall apart...go look to the urea market for plenty of examples...
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Florida/U.S. production costs fall once again (global story)
I honestly thought I was going to have to do this month's newsletter without knowing the May Tampa NH3 price.  For those unaware, phosphate production has two big variable costs - sulfur and NH3.  Sulfur prices are generally set on a quarterly basis so we already knew that.  NH3 is set monthly and we go that value today (Thursday, April 27th).
May Tampa NH3 was set a further $55 lower than April which means the cost of production drops as well.  
Let me state that just because the cost of production goes down does not ensure the cost of the market goes down.  While we can wish that was the case, it isn't reality.  It would be the same as someone coming to you, asking how much it costs you per bushel to raise anything, and then saying the market should be that plus a small margin...
...wait, some years that would actually be nice!!
Back to phosphate.  This drop means that Florida plant gate DAP cost of production is now the lowest that it has been since September 2021!  Again, it doesn't mean that prices have to go down...but it certainly lowers the price floor.  With a lot of future indications pointing lower, this matters.
Did North America just have a solid spring phosphate run?! (N.A. story)
If the price of nearby NOLA DAP barges are any indication, that is a resounding yes!
Phosphate values have been under pressure for some time following multiple seasons with poor demand.  For a lot of March, values remained stagnant and built our thought that spring just wasn't progressing as we thought it would.
Then the pop happened.  NOLA DAP values climbed from around $600 to as high as $660 in a very short time.  If inventories were plentiful, there is no way that price climbs.  Long positions would fall all over themselves in an attempt to offload high priced product before summer.  It takes a short market to climb like that!
When we started March, I believe demand would be solid.  The price was significantly lower and grain values had been holding.  Then March came and mother nature never played nice.  Lot of areas reported difficult conditions.  I once again underestimated the Ag industry.
Today, we are planning for a low inventory carryout into summer which is a boost for manufacturers wanting higher prices.  If the spring demand had been poor, warehouses would already be full and suppliers would have few sales options.  Now, everyone is aware of how empty the system is.  That means plenty of demand opportunities.  It does not mean prices cannot fall.  Just gives them a much needed win from their side.
August '23 NOLA DAP futures trade points to a hard reset coming (global story)
As mentioned before, I'll be the first to admit that NOLA DAP futures could handle more liquidity.  That does not mean that price indications/trade do not matter.
Today, the nearby NOLA DAP physical market continues to hold in the mid-$600's.  However, August '23 NOLA DAP paper traded at $500!
A lot of farmers should be looking at significantly lower phosphate values this summer.  With grain prices doing what they are doing...its needed.
Where are current values in relation to the past
NOLA/New Orleans, Louisiana DAP price comparison
Number 5 exporter of DAP/MAP in 2021
Top 5 export destinations (2.6MMT exported in 2021)
  1. Canada (63%)
  2. Brazil (11%)
  3. Colombia (7%)
  4. Mexico (6%)
  5. Australia (5%)

Price comparisons

  • Vs 30 days ago - +8% or approximately $45 higher
  • Vs 90 days ago -+1% or approximately $5 higher
  • Vs 6 months ago - -8% or approximately $55 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -28% or approximately $251 lower

image 70053

U.S. Midwest Average (using multiple points across Midwest) price comparison

  • Vs 30 days ago - +9% or approximately $57 higher
  • Vs 90 days ago - +2% or approximately $16 higher
  • Vs 6 months ago - -12% or approximately $100 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -28% or approximately $273 lower

image 70054

U.S. Northern Plains Average price comparison

  • Vs 30 days ago - +10% or approximately $64 higher
  • Vs 90 days ago - +4% or approximately $26 higher
  • Vs 6 months ago - -10% or approximately $79 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -27% or approximately $274 lower

image 70055

U.S. Southern Plains Average price comparison

  • Vs 30 days ago - +9% or approximately $59 higher
  • Vs 90 days ago - +6% or approximately $41 higher
  • Vs 6 months ago - -9% or approximately $70 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -24% or approximately $235 lower

image 70056

Morocco DAP price comparison

Number 2 exporter of DAP/MAP in 2021

Top 5 export destinations (7M exported in 2021)

  1. Brazil (28%)
  2. India (14%)
  3. Bangladesh (8%)
  4. Argentina (6%)
  5. Nigeria (4%)

Price comparisons:

  • Vs 30 days ago - -6% or approximately $38 lower
  • Vs 90 days ago - -15% or approximately $105 lower
  • Vs 6 months ago - -24% or approximately $183 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago --51% or approximately $600 lower

image 70057

Black Sea DAP price comparison

Number 3 exporter of DAP/MAP in 2021

Top 5 export destinations (4MMT exported in 2021)

  1. India (42%)
  2. United States (21%)
  3. Australia (8%)
  4. Brazil (9%)
  5. Kenya (5%)

Price comparisons:

  • Vs 30 days ago - -8% or approximately $45 lower
  • Vs 90 days ago - -20% or approximately $128 lower
  • Vs 6 months ago - -21% or approximately $135 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -38% or approximately $325 lower

image 70058

India DAP price comparison

Number 2 importer of DAP/MAP in 2021

Top 5 import origins (4.8MMT imported in 2021)

  1. China (39%)
  2. Saudi Arabia (35%)
  3. Morocco (20%)
  4. Jordan (3%)
  5. Russia (2%)

Price comparisons:

  • Vs 30 days ago - -6% or approximately $34 lower
  • Vs 90 days ago - -18% or approximately $116 lower
  • Vs 6 months ago - -27% or approximately $201 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -41% or approximately $381 lower

image 70059

China DAP price comparison

Number 1 exporter of DAP/MAP in 2021

Top 5 export destinations (10MMT exported in 2021)

  1. Brazil (19%)
  2. India (19%)
  3. Pakistan (9%)
  4. Bangladesh (7%)
  5. Thailand (6%)

Price comparisons:

  • Vs 30 days ago - -8% or approximately $49 lower
  • Vs 90 days ago - -17% or approximately $111 lower
  • Vs 6 months ago - -25% or approximately $174 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -49% or approximately $519 lower

image 70060

Saudi Arabia DAP price comparison

Number 3 exporter of DAP/MAP in 2021

Top 5 export destinations (4.1MMT exported in 2021)

  1. India (42%)
  2. United States (21%)
  3. Australia (9%)
  4. Brazil (8%)
  5. Kenya (5%)

Price comparisons:

  • Vs 30 days ago - -3% or approximately $20 lower
  • Vs 90 days ago - -18% or approximately $122 lower
  • Vs 6 months ago - -25% or approximately $182 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -50% or approximately $539 lower

image 70061

Brazil DAP price comparison

Number 1 importer of DAP/MAP in 2021

Top 5 import origins (6.15MMT imported in 2021)

  1. China (32%)
  2. Morocco (31%)
  3. Russia (24%)
  4. Saudi Arabia (5%)
  5. United States (5%)

Price comparisons

  • Vs 30 days ago - -5% or approximately $33 lower
  • Vs 90 days ago - -13% or approximately $85 lower
  • Vs 6 months ago - -8% or approximately $48 lower
  • Vs 1 year ago - -53% or approximately $648 lower

image 70062

Bull/Bear Factors
Because no market is ever guaranteed to go higher/lower, we try to consider the factors that can sway values so that we are able to act when they occur rather than react.
Bullish Factors
  • North America just wiped out inventories – with nearby phosphate values rising like they have, it is a solid indication that spring demand wiped out inventories.  That is a win for the manufacturing/high priced crowd.  They know they have a lot of sales options in front of them which means they can be a little more picky/patient than if everything was already full.
  • Further Russian actions in Ukraine could cut them from world market – Russia is still a major player in the world phosphate export market.  While I doubt that we will see them do something bad enough to warrant the world shutting them off, anything is possible.  If I wake up tomorrow morning and see the worst news on my phone...I might get a little more bulled up.
  • .... – honestly, I'm struggling to come up with a 3rd bull factor.  That is how negative I am the current marketplace.
Bearish Factors
  • Florida production costs continue to fall – while it doesn't mean the phosphate market HAS to drop, it does mean that it is a lot easier FOR it to drop.  If the market smells more downside price potential than upside, then demand will be much more stand offish (really surprised that didn't get spell checked).  The dodgier the demand, the more unsold inventories grow.  The more those grow, the easier it is to drop your price to get a sale.
  • Summer buyers will be very reluctant/cautious – further to the above, demand is going to have to be convinced to step forward.  The last year saw early buyers get punished.  Grain values are falling.  Interest rates are high.  I could go on but you get the point.  
  • Futures market already trading a lot lower – when the futures market is trading $150 lower than the spot market, I'm pretty sure that as solid a signal as you can find.
Where are the current phosphate/grain ratio values today?

We believe that only looking at the flat price of either grains or fertilizer can be misleading:

  • Only selling grain can hurt you if fertilizer prices rise substantially
  • Only buying fertilizer can hurt you if grain prices fall

We look at the ratio "value" to get a better indication of where we are or how many bushels of X does it take to pay for 1 ton of fertilizer.

Would you rather:

  • Spend 150 bushels to pay for 1 ton of DAP
  • Spend 80 bushels to pay for 1 ton of DAP

When we compare the current ratio value against recent years, we start to see if we are high or low.

YOUR VALUES WILL LOOK DIFFERENT

This graph looks at the NOLA DAP price vs the flat grain price. There are no logistics on either product. Your location will look different due to fertilizer logistical costs, grain basis, etc.

image 70063
image 70064
image 70065
image 70066
image 70067image 70068
image 70069
image 70070
image 70071
Josh Linville’s focal points
  • Futures market - I will be the first to admit that the NOLA DAP futures market is not the most liquid market in the world.  However, when there is trade, we have to take notice.  We recently watched NOLA DAP paper trade at $500.  That is vs today's spot price in the mid-$600's.  The market is expecting a big correction...at least right now it is.
  • Florida cost of production - every month, the perceived cost of production for Florida operations continues to fall.  I see Florida production as some of the highest cost produced tons in the world which effectively makes it the price setter.  While it doesn't guarantee that lower cost of production values will result in lower market values, it certainly lowers the price floor and raises the possibility.
  • Grain, specifically corn, values - in addition to the focus on a falling cost of production is the falling price of corn.  Phosphate is a variable rate product.  Many acres of ground can go with reduced or no application rates with little impact to yields.  If corn values continue to drop, it is going to be hard for farmers to step in and buy.  If there is no demand, prices will struggle to hold.
  • India stockpiles - India is the 2nd largest importer of DAP/MAP in the world...and their stockpiles are reportedly continuing to grow by the month.  Why does this matter?  If the stockpiles get bigger, they do not have to step into the market to purchase as early as usual.  If they can delay and global stockpiles grow, this weighs on price ideas.

All data was sourced from StoneX unless otherwise noted.

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