query for yc, page-6

in addition to YC comments we need to understand that the whole fertiliser industry throughout the world is very much a "closed" industry. Information is kept close to the chest by manufacturers/suppliers/buyers/traders. The only truely accurate information comes from a few consulting firms who only provide the info through subscription.

I have quoted from the FMB Group who are based in England in previous posts. Fertiliser suppliers and a few dealers in Australia subscribe to FMB and probably subscribe to other groups.

A lot of quality intelligence comes from individual relationships built up over a number of years within the industry. However this info is very hard to access.

FMB issues a weekly phosphate report as well as nitrogen and potash report. They provide price guides as well as info on supply and demand sales and outlook.

Last weeks FMB phosphate report (2nd Sept) quoted phosphate rock prices that were the same as those quoted for the past six weeks or so. Basically phosphate rock has been steady now for some time even though DAP and MAP have been going up. eg DAP fob bulk from US Gulf $US502.00/t - $505.00/t. Hope this helps....