China Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade Market Update: Weak Urea Trend Pressures Export Offers

During the week of August 7-13, 2026, China ammonium sulphate prices moved lower. The market was pressured by steady supply, weak domestic buying, falling international urea values and cautious export inquiries. This update is written for fertilizer importers, distributors and agricultural buyers who are tracking China supply, packing and shipment planning.

Key Takeaways for Buyers

FOB China caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate was reported at USD 180-200/mt on August 13, down about USD 20/mt from the previous week. FOB China extruded granular ammonium sulphate was reported at USD 175-200/mt, down about USD 20-25/mt. Current quotations should be reconfirmed before issuing an RFQ because export offers may change with urea prices, port inventory and shipment timing.

In North China, caprolactam-grade domestic physical deals were mainly around RMB 1,080-1,110/mt, equivalent to approximately USD 159-163/mt using the working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8. The next-period reference for Shandong caprolactam-grade material was around RMB 1,050/mt, or about USD 154/mt on the same exchange-rate basis.

Market Overview

Supply stayed broadly stable. Caprolactam plant operating rates were around 68.44%, slightly higher week on week, while coking enterprises operated around 72.24%. Overall ammonium sulphate supply therefore adjusted only within a narrow range.

Demand remained the weaker side of the market. Domestic compound fertilizer operating rates fell to about 29.97%, down 1.40 percentage points from the previous period. Industrial and agricultural end users purchased mainly on a just-needed basis, while many export buyers stayed at the inquiry stage because international urea prices continued to fall.

Port inventory also limited market confidence. Sample ammonium sulphate port inventory was around 940,000 mt as of August 13, 2026, with only small changes across major ports. High stock levels made buyers more cautious and increased downward pressure on offers.

Packing and Shipment Considerations

For overseas buyers sourcing Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade from a supplier China, the main points to confirm are crystal quality, nitrogen and sulfur content, moisture, free acid, caking condition, packing type and export documents. COA and MSDS should be checked before order confirmation.

Common packing options include 25 kg bags, 50 kg bags and jumbo bags, depending on destination market requirements. For ammonium sulphate, both container shipment and bulk vessel shipment can be considered according to order size, destination port, discharge capability and shipment window.

RFQ Checklist

To receive a more accurate quotation from a manufacturer, distributor or exporter, buyers should include the required grade, specification, packing, quantity, destination port, preferred shipment window, container or bulk vessel requirement, and any COA/MSDS or customs document requirements in the RFQ.

Short-Term Outlook

The short-term market is expected to remain weak and may move lower. Key factors to watch include international urea price direction, domestic export inspection transition, customs declaration progress, port inventory changes and downstream compound fertilizer purchasing activity.

Short FAQ

Why did China ammonium sulphate prices fall this week?

Prices fell mainly because international urea weakened, domestic buying was cautious, export transactions were limited and port inventory stayed high.

What was the FOB China price reference for caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate?

As of August 13, 2026, the FOB China reference was about USD 180-200/mt. This is a market reference only and should be reconfirmed for current quotations.

Is caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate suitable for fertilizer buyers?

Yes. Caprolactam-grade material is widely used in fertilizer applications, but buyers should confirm specification, appearance, moisture, nitrogen content, sulfur content and packing before ordering.

Can ammonium sulphate be shipped by bulk vessel?

Yes, for suitable order sizes and ports, ammonium sulphate may be arranged by bulk vessel shipment. Smaller or mixed orders are commonly handled by container shipment.

What should buyers prepare before sending an RFQ?

Buyers should prepare the required specification, packing, order quantity, destination port, shipment window and document requirements such as COA and MSDS.

Procurement Note

Jinan ZZ International Trade Co., Ltd. can help overseas buyers review product specification, packing, COA/MSDS, destination port requirements and shipment planning for ammonium sulphate inquiries. Buyers can use the product page above to check procurement details before submitting an RFQ.