China Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade Market Update: Export Checks and Firm FOB Prices Lift Sentiment

China's ammonium sulphate market moved higher during July 10-16, 2026. Supply from caprolactam and coking sources was broadly stable, while international demand expectations, firmer global urea prices and new export inspection requirements changed market sentiment. Buyers became more cautious about execution details, but FOB and domestic offers still moved upward.

In Shandong, coking-grade ammonium sulphate rose from RMB 973-995/mt on July 9 to RMB 1,000-1,030/mt on July 16. This equals about USD 147-151/mt using the working rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8. Shandong caprolactam-grade material moved from RMB 1,000-1,100/mt to RMB 1,040-1,100/mt, or about USD 153-162/mt.

Related product for buyers: Importers can review CHCA Chem's Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade page for specification, packing, COA and shipment information before sending an RFQ. Buyers comparing other forms can also check granular ammonium sulphate or coking-grade ammonium sulphate.

Key Takeaways for Overseas Buyers

Supply did not change significantly. Caprolactam operating rates averaged 67.69%, down 2.73 percentage points from the previous period, while coking plant operating rates stayed around 74.67%. Overall supply was described as stable to slightly tighter, but not sharply reduced.

Demand improved mainly from export expectations and stronger international market sentiment. Monthly export volume was estimated around 2.00 million mt, slightly higher than the previous month, and the next period was expected around 2.20 million mt. Compound fertilizer operating rates also rose to 33.41%, up 3.61 percentage points, supporting domestic demand for some cargoes.

FOB China prices increased. Caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate FOB bulk moved from USD 157-165/mt to USD 175-185/mt. Extruded granular material moved from USD 175-185/mt to USD 180-190/mt. These changes indicate stronger export-side pricing compared with the previous week.

Market Drivers

International urea prices moved higher as geopolitical uncertainty affected market expectations. This supported ammonium sulphate sentiment because buyers often compare nitrogen fertilizer alternatives when planning shipment and application costs.

China's export inspection requirement for ammonium sulphate started on July 16. The market remained cautious because exporters and buyers still needed to track detailed procedures, documentation timing and inspection workflow. This did not stop price gains, but it made RFQ confirmation and shipment planning more important.

Domestic compound fertilizer demand improved moderately as some plants prepared autumn fertilizer production. However, the overall domestic market was still mainly driven by rigid demand, and some downstream sectors remained cautious.

Inventory and Port Situation

Sample port inventory for ammonium sulphate reached around 1.06 million mt, up 45,000 mt from the previous period. Inventory increased at Rizhao, Huanghua and Putian, while other ports were mostly stable. Later port inventory may decline slowly as vessels load and leave.

For export buyers, this means cargo availability is still present, but shipment timing needs to be checked carefully because port movement, inspection workflow and vessel schedules may affect execution.

Market Outlook

The next period is expected to remain firm with possible small gains in some locations. Shandong caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate was watched around RMB 1,080/mt, equal to about USD 159/mt. Supply is expected to stay relatively stable, while overseas inquiries and compound fertilizer demand may continue to support pricing.

The main uncertainties are the development of international geopolitical risk, global urea price movement, the implementation details of China's export inspection process and actual overseas terminal demand.

Buyer Considerations

For procurement teams searching for an ammonium sulphate supplier China, manufacturer, distributor or exporter, current market conditions require careful RFQ details. Buyers should specify grade, nitrogen content, moisture requirement, packing, bulk or container shipment, destination port, COA requirements and target shipment window.

Prices in this update are domestic and FOB market references, not final export quotations. Final offers should be reconfirmed close to shipment because inspection timing, port inventory, freight and vessel schedule can change transaction costs.

FAQ

Why did China's ammonium sulphate prices rise during July 10-16, 2026?

Prices rose because export demand expectations improved, international urea prices moved higher, and FOB China ammonium sulphate offers increased.

Did supply change significantly?

No. Caprolactam and coking plant operating rates were broadly stable, with only slight changes in overall supply.

How did FOB China ammonium sulphate prices change?

Caprolactam-grade FOB bulk increased to about USD 175-185/mt, while extruded granular material rose to about USD 180-190/mt.

What does the July 16 export inspection requirement mean for buyers?

Buyers should allow more attention to documentation, inspection workflow and shipment timing. Specific execution details should be confirmed for each order.

What should importers include in an ammonium sulphate RFQ?

Importers should provide grade, specification, packing, quantity, destination port, COA requirements and shipment window so exporters can quote accurately.