China Ammonium Sulphate Market Update: Granulation Demand Supports Firm Caprolactam Grade Offers

China's ammonium sulphate market strengthened during September 18-24, 2026, as granulation plants purchased actively and producers continued to execute earlier export orders. For overseas fertilizer importers and distributors, the key procurement reference is Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade, whose relatively uniform crystalline material is widely considered for direct application, blending and granulation requirements.

Key Takeaways for Buyers

Shandong caprolactam-grade ammonium sulphate was reported at RMB 1,230-1,290 per metric ton on September 24, up RMB 70-80 from September 17. At the fixed working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8, this equals approximately USD 181-190 per metric ton. Northern China factory export indications were around USD 205-210 per metric ton FOB, with the lower end rising by about USD 5 during the week.

These figures are market references rather than a firm offer from any manufacturer or exporter. Current quotations must be reconfirmed according to specification, packing, quantity, loading method, destination port, Incoterm and shipment window.

China Market Overview

Domestic ammonium sulphate prices moved higher across several production routes. Granulation plants increased raw-material purchasing, supporting auction prices and tightening some nearby feedstock availability. Caprolactam producers continued to rely on previously booked export orders, allowing new offer levels to remain firm even though fresh transaction volume was limited.

Caprolactam operating rates averaged 69.86%, up 0.64 percentage points, while coke-sector operating rates remained near 67.85%. Supply therefore changed only moderately. The stronger market was driven more by concentrated procurement and committed orders than by a major reduction in total production.

Export Demand and Inventory Signals

China FOB caprolactam-grade references were approximately USD 205-210 per metric ton, while extruded granular references remained around USD 210-220 per metric ton. The international granular market continued to receive support from firm Brazilian values and outstanding orders, but softer international urea prices and uncertainty around trade inspection policy made buyers more cautious toward the end of the week.

Sampled Chinese port inventory declined to approximately 780,000 metric tons on September 24, down about 230,000 metric tons from the previous period as export vessels loaded cargo. Lower port inventory indicates active movement, but it does not by itself confirm prompt availability. Buyers should ask whether the offered cargo is uncommitted, where it is positioned and whether the shipment window matches the required vessel or container schedule.

Short-Term Outlook

The caprolactam-grade market is expected to remain firm but cautious around the National Day holiday. A Shandong reference near RMB 1,260 per metric ton, approximately USD 185 per metric ton at USD 1 = RMB 6.8, was indicated for the following period. Stable production, orders extending into mid-to-late October and continued granulation demand provide support, while policy uncertainty, geopolitical developments and movements in international urea prices remain important risk factors.

Overseas procurement teams should avoid treating a domestic RMB reference or a general FOB indication as a guaranteed offer. Actual export pricing depends on product specification, producer, packing, inland logistics, port costs, lot size and loading schedule.

Specification Points to Confirm

An RFQ should identify caprolactam grade and state the required nitrogen and sulfur content, moisture limit, free-acid requirement, particle appearance and intended application. Buyers should request the available COA for specification comparison and the current MSDS for storage, handling and transport review.

Because ammonium sulphate grades can differ in color, crystal form and suitability for granulation or blending, the buyer and supplier in China should agree on the specification before confirming the order. A representative sample or pre-shipment inspection may be discussed when appropriate, but no inspection arrangement should be assumed unless it is included in the contract.

Packing and Shipment Considerations

Container shipment is suitable for many regular import orders, while bulk vessel shipment may be considered for sufficiently large fertilizer programs. Buyers should provide the required bag size, pallet preference, total quantity, destination port, Incoterm and desired shipment window so that Jinan ZZ International Trade Co.,Ltd. can check an appropriate loading plan.

Holiday schedules, port positioning and previously committed export cargoes may affect timing. Importers should therefore confirm the latest production availability, packing lead time and vessel or container space before relying on a proposed schedule.

RFQ Checklist

For an efficient quotation, provide: Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade; intended agricultural or industrial use; required specification; total quantity; packing and pallet requirements; container or bulk vessel preference; destination port; Incoterm; shipment window; and documentation requirements including COA and MSDS.

Short FAQ

Why did China's ammonium sulphate market strengthen this week?

Concentrated purchasing by granulation plants, earlier export orders and relatively stable production supported firmer offer levels.

Is the USD 205-210 per metric ton FOB range a current firm quotation?

No. It is a weekly market reference for September 24. A current export quotation must be reconfirmed for the buyer's specification, quantity, packing and shipment terms.

Which ammonium sulphate product is linked to this article?

This article is connected only to Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade, in line with the product supplied and promoted through chcachem.com.

Procurement Note

Overseas buyers can review the Ammonium Sulphate Caprolactam Grade product page on chcachem.com. Send Jinan ZZ International Trade Co.,Ltd. your specification, quantity, packing, destination port and shipment window to request current availability, COA/MSDS information and an RFQ-based quotation.