Uncertain outlook affectsprices and sales

摘要

Spot markets are feeling the effects of retreating cropprices in recent weeks, as well as renewed concern aboutthe wider outlook for the global economy. This has resultedin slow acceptance of the latest price rise in SE Asia andperhaps contributed to the cautious price increaseannounced by K+S. The European market leaderannounced Q4 prices would rise by ?12/mt to ?375/mt CIFNW Europe for granular MOP, with other suppliersexpected to follow. The hike, equivalent to $16/mt, takingprices to $513/mt, goes some way to closing the gap withBrazil and SE Asia but K+S has left the door open forfurther increases by the end of the year.