Australia has increased its imports of MAP and DAP this year because of reduced domestic production, changing demand patterns and regional conditions.
Australia MAP imports during January-October are 10pc ahead of a year earlier at 833,000t, according to GTT data, despite the severe drought in parts of New South Wales and Queensland states.
Rather than a strong application season, this is more indicative of cost competitiveness, the rising popularity of MAP compared with DAP, potential changes to seeding starter blends and reduced domestic production.
China and Saudi Arabia were the leading suppliers to Australia during January-October and both have grown their market share. Chinese shipments totalled 451,000t, up by 35pc and representing a 54pc share of imports.
Saudi Arabian shipments totalled 186,000t, up by 19pc. Imports from the US fell by 39pc from the previous year to 154,000t, reflecting a rise in shipments from the Ma'aden, Sabic and Mosaic Saudi joint venture MWSPC.
Australia's DAP imports rose by 43pc over January-October to 228,000t, attributed to IPL's Phosphate Hill three-month closure earlier in the year. China shipped the bulk of this at 152,000t, up more than threefold.
DAP exports also rose by 6pc to 263,000t. Shipments to India more than doubled to 125,000t, while Pakistan's shipments rose by 12pc to 122,000t. Traditional southeast Asian destinations saw volumes fall away with no shipments to Vietnam or Thailand at all so far this year. Successive challenging seasons because of drought and the rising favour of MAP have supported DAP exports.
Phosphate shipments from Saudi Arabia, China and the US are lined up for delivery to Australia's east and west coasts for use next season. These imports should rise in next year's quarter heading towards peak application.
The outlook for next season remains mixed because of differing weather conditions across the country, but domestic demand is expected to be later in emerging.
By Carl Roache
