P
articipants in the global potash market have endured a
difficult first half of the year, with delays to contract
negotiations, low demand, high stocks and falling prices.
Sales volumes for the top eight producers declined by
2.6 million t during January – June this year compared with the
first six months of 2015.
Numerous producers referred to the market being in
suspended mode from March to July in lieu of the benchmark
China and India contract settlements.
But with both regions fully settled by August, the market is
expected to enjoy a period of contentment.
That is until Chinese negotiations begin again from early
2017, curtailed production starts back up and new capacity
comes on line.
Demand
Without the anchoring force of Chinese and Indian contract
prices early in the year, producers were forced to place
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