EU ammonium sulfate imports rise in Dec on stronger Chinese supplies ahead of CBAM

The EU's ammonium sulfate imports rose 315.9% year over year to 522,000 metric tons in December 2025, primarily driven by higher inflows from China, according to the latest data from S&P Global Market Intelligence's Global Trade Atlas, as buyers accelerated shipments ahead of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism implementation in 2026.

China accounted for 99% of December volumes, shipping 519,000 mt to European buyers, an increase of 349.8% year over year and 158% month over month, the data show.

Market participants said Chinese suppliers ramped up shipments to meet stronger fertilizer demand in the EU, putting pressure on domestic producers heading into the spring planting season.

The increase in Chinese exports has highlighted competitive pricing offered by Asian suppliers amid limited affordable nitrogen fertilizer alternatives in Europe, market participants said. The influx of imported material may exert downward pressure on regional ammonium sulfate prices in early 2026, especially if demand from the agricultural sector does not keep pace with the growing supply.

China dominates

China's full-year 2025 exports to the EU reached 1.445 million mt, up from 395,000 mt in 2024, Global Trade Atlas data show.

The sharp increase in Chinese shipments comes as European buyers seek competitively priced nitrogen sources, according to market participants. Ammonium sulfate -- a byproduct of caprolactam and acrylonitrile production -- has become an increasingly appealing option for farmers who require both sulfur and nitrogen nutrients.

Serbia, the EU's second-largest supplier, exported just 2,000 mt in December, down 33.8% year over year, according to Global Trade Atlas. Full-year volumes from Serbia fell 71.7% to 9,000 mt.

Norway, which ranked as the third-biggest supplier, recorded no December shipments but delivered 6,000 mt in 2025, up from 1,000 mt in 2024, the data show.

Record annual imports

Total EU ammonium sulfate imports reached 1.532 million mt in 2025, rising from 555,000 mt in 2024, exceeding the five-year average of 590,000 mt, according to Global Trade Atlas.

The increase represented the highest annual import volume on record and underscored shifting trade patterns as European buyers increasingly source from Asia-Pacific suppliers.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the standard caprolactam-grade ammonium sulfate FOB Northwest Europe spot price at $277/mt on Feb. 19.