Major Moroccan phosphates producer OCP has added NP 5-42 to its list of products.
The product is a compound NP under HS code 310559, with ammonia the source of nitrogen in its production.
But OCP is marketing NP 5-42 as part of its initiative on triple superphosphate (TSP) and says it is compatible with sources of nitrogen — notably urea, amsul, AN and CAN — for mechanical blending and steam granulation.
Standard TSP contains 46pc P2O5 and no nitrogen. It contains the same percentage of P2O5 as DAP, but less than the 52pc of P2O5 in the standard MAP grade that OCP produces.
OCP is focusing on Europe for NP 5-42 but might begin to offer it elsewhere in the future. Prices have not yet emerged.
European phosphates offtake is slow as the market focuses on securing nitrogen. European buyers say the introduction of NP 5-42 has come too late for NPK blenders for this season, and that they might be reluctant to deviate from their customary raw materials.
DAP and MAP exports to Europe from the Moroccan port Jorf Lasfar totalled 585,000t and 209,000t, respectively, in January-October, according to lineup data. TSP exports from Jorf Lasfar to Europe reached 96,000t during the same period.
OCP is ramping up its capacity and output of TSP with a particular increase in shipments to Brazil and India. Its TSP volumes will include customised formulas, including NP 5-42.
Moroccan TSP capacity has risen to 2.98mn t/yr from 2.28mn t/yr in 2024, according to Argus Analytics,and is forecast to reach 4.88mn t/yr by 2028.
OCP's focus on TSP stems partly from a desire to limit its exposure to volatile import prices for its ammonia feedstock. DAP contains 18pc nitrogen, compared with TSP's zero nitrogen content. The 5pc nitrogen in OCP's NP 5-42 product therefore reduces ammonia feedstock demand by around 72pc on a tonne-for-tonne basis, compared with DAP.
Prices for ammonia delivered to Morocco have increased by nearly 50pc since June and were last assessed at $590/t cfr on a midpoint basis on 30 October.
