China Ammonium Sulphate Market Update: Prices Fall as Demand Weakens

China's ammonium sulphate market moved sharply lower during the week of May 22-28, 2026, as domestic supply remained comfortable while overseas buying interest stayed weak. The decline was most visible in Shandong, where both coking-grade and caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate prices dropped from the previous week. For product specifications and quotation support, buyers can also review our Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade page.

Market Overview

In Shandong, coking-grade ammonium sulphate was reported at RMB 1,030-1,040/mt on May 28, down by about RMB 170-175/mt from May 21. Caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate in Shandong moved to around RMB 1,500-1,600/mt, down by roughly RMB 150-170/mt over the same period. These figures should be reconfirmed for current quotations because weekly fertilizer prices can change quickly with plant operation, port inventory and export demand.

The main market pressure came from weak buying sentiment. Domestic industrial and agricultural demand was mostly need-based, while granular plants and rare earth-related demand offered limited support. Compound fertilizer operating rates stayed low, which reduced real-time raw material demand from downstream buyers.

Supply and Demand

Supply was not the main source of tightness this week. Caprolactam plant utilization was reported near 69.65%, while coking plant operating rates were relatively stable near 76.85%. Although some caprolactam units were running at reduced rates or under maintenance, the overall ammonium sulphate supply-demand balance still looked loose because demand did not absorb available material fast enough.

On the demand side, domestic buyers were cautious and showed limited acceptance of higher prices. Many end users focused on consuming earlier inventory instead of building new positions. This created more shipment and inventory pressure for suppliers, especially in a market where downstream purchasing confidence remained weak.

Export Market Signals

The export side also lacked strong support. China FOB caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate was reported around USD 250-260/mt, while compacted granular ammonium sulphate was around USD 220-230/mt. Both were lower than the previous week. Brazil's seasonal granular demand remains an important factor to watch, but current terminal and port inventories were still relatively high, and buyers were not rushing into large-volume purchases.

International urea price weakness also weighed on ammonium sulphate sentiment. When urea prices fall, some overseas buyers compare nitrogen costs more aggressively, which can reduce the short-term price advantage of ammonium sulphate. This made traders and importers more cautious about forward procurement.

Buyer Considerations

For international fertilizer buyers, the recent price correction may create negotiation opportunities, but timing remains important. Buyers should monitor Chinese plant operating rates, port stocks, Brazil demand, and international urea trends before confirming large cargoes. If demand continues to lag, suppliers may face further shipment pressure; if seasonal demand improves, prices could stabilize after the sharp decline.

For current ammonium sulphate inquiries, buyers should reconfirm grade, nitrogen content, moisture, packing, port, shipment window and latest market price before placing orders. Jinan ZZ International Trade Co., Ltd. can help overseas buyers check available supply and provide quotations based on current market conditions.

Short-Term Outlook

The short-term China ammonium sulphate market is expected to remain weak to lower unless export demand improves or domestic downstream buying recovers. Key factors to watch include international urea price movement, Brazil granular demand, port inventory changes, and the operating rates of caprolactam and coking units.

FAQ

Why did China ammonium sulphate prices fall this week?
Prices fell because supply remained comfortable while domestic and international demand was weak. High inventories and cautious buying added pressure to sellers.

What is the difference between coking-grade and caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate?
Both are used in fertilizer markets, but they come from different production routes and may differ in appearance, purity, particle form and buyer preference. Final specification should be confirmed by COA.

Is now a good time to buy ammonium sulphate from China?
The price correction may create buying opportunities, but buyers should reconfirm the latest quotation, port inventory, shipment schedule and international urea trend before placing orders.

What information is needed for an ammonium sulphate quotation?
Please provide grade, quantity, packing requirement, destination port, target shipment time and any required quality specifications.