China Ammonium Sulphate Market Update: Coking-Grade Prices Rise While Export Offers Weaken

China's ammonium sulphate market showed mixed price movement during June 12-18, 2026. Coking-grade prices increased as traders and granular producers purchased material for existing orders, while caprolactam-grade transactions remained cautious and China FOB export offers moved lower. For overseas buyers, the market offers different procurement signals by grade and particle form rather than a single nationwide price direction.

Market Overview

Shandong coking-grade ammonium sulphate was reported at RMB 1,056-1,120/mt on June 18, about USD 155-165/mt using the working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8. The regional benchmark averaged about RMB 1,088/mt, or USD 160/mt, up RMB 35.5/mt from the previous week.

Shandong caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate was reported around RMB 1,360-1,460/mt, about USD 200-215/mt. The lower end fell by RMB 40/mt while the upper end was unchanged. This divergence reflected firmer auction participation for some coking-grade cargoes but weaker acceptance of high-priced caprolactam-grade material.

Buyers evaluating Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade should compare the current grade, crystal appearance, nitrogen content, moisture, packing and shipment basis instead of relying only on regional headline prices.

Supply Conditions

Caprolactam plant utilization averaged 67.90%, down 1.58 percentage points from the previous week, while coking plant operating rates stayed near 75.43%. Supply from some other by-product sources, including cyanuric acid, MMA and new-energy-related plants, declined because of maintenance and weak production economics.

The overall supply-demand balance therefore tightened moderately even though the main caprolactam and coking production routes remained relatively stable. Lower output from secondary sources supported some domestic purchasing activity, but it did not remove the pressure from weaker international nitrogen fertilizer prices.

Domestic Demand and Inventory

Domestic agricultural and industrial users continued to buy mainly for immediate requirements. Some traders and granular producers were more active because they had earlier orders to fulfill. Rare-earth-sector demand was only moderate.

Compound fertilizer operating rates fell to 32.02%, down 1.19 percentage points, and were expected to remain low as seasonal demand weakened. Sample port inventory was about 825,000 tons, broadly stable week on week. Vessel loading was gradually reducing stocks at some ports, but buyers should still confirm the actual cargo location and loading schedule.

Export Market Signals

China FOB caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate was reported around USD 200-215/mt on June 18, down from USD 225-235/mt one week earlier. China FOB compacted granular ammonium sulphate was around USD 190-210/mt, down USD 10/mt across the range.

Expected Brazilian granular demand continued to support market interest, and some Chinese cargoes were already committed for delivery. However, falling international urea prices reduced ammonium sulphate's relative price advantage and encouraged overseas buyers to negotiate more cautiously. Export inspection-policy uncertainty also increased risk control among traders.

Buyer Considerations

International buyers should first choose the required product form. Caprolactam-grade crystalline material, coking-grade material and compacted granular ammonium sulphate can differ in appearance, handling, price and destination-market preference. Final compliance should be checked against the supplier's specification and certificate of analysis.

For an accurate quotation, buyers should provide the required grade, nitrogen and sulphur specifications, crystal or granular form, quantity, 25 kg or jumbo-bag packing, destination port and preferred shipment period. These details allow available cargo, packing and freight options to be checked against the current market rather than providing a non-actionable indicative price.

Short-Term Outlook

China ammonium sulphate prices are expected to remain narrowly mixed in the short term. Reduced supply from some secondary production routes and existing order fulfillment may support low-end domestic cargoes. At the same time, weak international urea prices, cautious terminal demand and resistance to high offers may limit further gains.

The main factors to monitor are Brazilian granular demand, international urea prices, export inspection developments, port inventory movement and domestic granular-plant purchasing. All price figures should be reconfirmed for current quotations because grade, packing, loading port and shipment timing can materially affect the final offer.

FAQ

Why did coking-grade ammonium sulphate prices rise in China?
Some traders and granular producers increased purchasing to fulfill existing orders, while supply from several secondary by-product sources declined.

Why did China FOB ammonium sulphate offers fall?
International urea prices weakened, high-price acceptance was limited and export-policy uncertainty made traders and buyers more cautious.

Which ammonium sulphate grade should an overseas buyer request?
The choice depends on the application and destination market. Buyers should specify whether they need caprolactam-grade crystals, coking-grade material or compacted granules and confirm the required analysis.

What information is needed for a firm quotation?
Please provide grade, specification, particle form, packing, quantity, destination port and preferred shipment period so current cargo and freight options can be checked.