Throughout December 2023, the Ammonium Nitrate market in both the European and North American regions exhibited a subdued state. The decline in prices on a global scale is predominantly linked to an excess availability of the material, combined with a lack of robust demand from the domestic fertilizer market. Concurrently, the fertilizer market underwent a phase of reduced activity during this period, with producers emphasizing contracted volumes over the potential spot availability anticipated in January.

In December 2023, there was a visible downward trend in Ammonium Nitrate prices within the European market. This decline in prices can be principally ascribed to a subdued demand for Ammonium Nitrate from the prominent downstream fertilizer sector. As the year neared its end, exhibiting minimal activity and with spot demand remaining subdued, the situation was compounded by adverse weather conditions affecting the UK, France, and Germany. This weather-related impact poses a threat to the demand for Ammonium Nitrate in 2024. Despite the conclusion of the winter planting season, the inventory of Ammonium Nitrate has not been depleted to the anticipated extent due to persistent wet weather conditions.

On the contrary, the Ammonium Nitrate market in the United States underwent a period of stagnation in December 2023, following a slight decline in the previous month. The stagnation in prices can be primarily ascribed to a limited demand for Ammonium Nitrate, both in the international and domestic fertilizer markets, compounded by substantial stockpiles within the nation. Persistent challenges at the Panama Canal, a critical global trade route originating in the USA, contributed to this scenario. Further, some shipping companies are opting to bypass the Suez Canal due to concerns about potential rebel attacks, choosing alternative trade routes instead. The limitations at the Panama Canal have compelled certain shippers to reroute exports, including Ammonium Nitrate, through the Suez Canal to access Asian markets. If the constraints at the Suez Canal persist, it may become increasingly challenging for the US to export Ammonium Nitrate, potentially resulting in an oversupply and subsequent reduction in prices.

As a consequence of delayed shipments to the international market, there has been an accumulation of Ammonium Nitrate inventories within the country. Moreover, the demand for Ammonium Nitrate remained subdued in the United States, coinciding with the conclusion of the peak fertilizer season. Internationally, the market experienced a period of low activity as producers prioritized contracted volumes over potential spot availability in January. Notably, the market for Ammonium Nitrate in Brazil, a major importing country, remained quiet, with no new deals reported. With the season drawing to a close and buyers holding sufficient stock, there is no urgency to make additional purchases. The confluence of these factors has contributed to the stabilization of Ammonium Nitrate prices.

As per ChemAnalyst, an anticipated increase in Ammonium Nitrate prices is foreseen in the global market in the coming months. This upward trend is primarily attributed to robust demand and elevated production costs.