March Market Update 2025
Another month has passed, and unfortunately, South East Australia is still experiencing very little rain. It sounds like a lot of you on the phone are busy moving rainwater around the farm as tanks are getting low! We did see a small storm pass through parts of Victoria and New South Wales last month, but South Australia remains extremely dry. Everyone is keen for more moisture.
Chemical Update
Regarding summer spraying products, there’s no real change from last month. With minimal need for summer spraying, the pressure on domestic prices to move existing stocks continues to build and will likely do so until it rains. This is still a good time to consider purchasing glyphosate and paraquat, as both domestic and worldwide demand remain low. Also, if you’re thinking about stocking up on Triclopyr for next summer, I’m sure both Crop Smart and our competitors would be happy to discuss a deal!
Internationally, we know that post-COVID overproduction in China has flooded the global supply, which is the main driver behind the low prices we’re currently seeing. One grower even commented on how great it was to see chemical prices near their lowest point ever, wishing the same would happen with farm machinery – which continues to go in the opposite direction! These low overseas prices are likely to stay until demand increases or production is cut. However, we understand that Chinese manufacturers are currently operating on very low margins and are compelled to continue production to keep their factories running and staff employed.
Moving on to sowing products domestically, it’s a different story. There’s significant buyer activity, and most organised growers have already placed or are in the process of placing their orders. Consequently, some actives like prosulfocarb (Smart Silver 800g/L) and metribuzin (Smart Metribuzin 750WG) are becoming tight, and prices are increasing as companies work through their generic products and look to buy from wholesalers, which pushes up their cost of goods sold (COGS). If you happen to miss out on prosulfocarb, it’s worth checking out the 2025 pricing for Syngenta Boxer Gold, as it’s currently very well-priced, lower than in previous years. At the current sales pace, we anticipate the lowest prices will be within the next week or two before demand creates local pressure for prices to rise. Remember, by ordering early, you can secure these low prices and guarantee your supply without needing to pay upfront.
Fertiliser Update
Fertiliser markets continue to be very quiet for this time of the year and prices have remained stable over the past month. We are busy finalising blend changes, adding Flutriafol to existing orders and dispatches exports.
With the majority of seeding tonnes committed the focus turns to dispatches ex works and getting the product home. Southern terminals are not yet at capacity and availability for new bookings is OK at moment. The first sign of rain will flip this and getting slots will become difficult to say the least. We encourage customers to be proactive with bookings and get the product home in advance.
Phosphates Market Update
Phosphate pricing remains very stable and availability at the time of writing for new orders is satisfactory. Please communicate any requirements you still have with your Crop Smart representative, and they can assist with any pricing and availability queries.
Nitrogen Market Update
Urea prices have softened over the past 4 weeks which is positive on the back of falling international prices.
Supply wise no issues currently in the South-East with good stocks in all ports. A word of caution whilst supply is ok currently cast your minds back to 2023 where we saw good supply early in the year and then conditions turned favourable with prices rallying and shortages eventuated. By no means are we there today but stay informed…
Hope you’ve managed to take advantage of the quieter summer spraying period to have a break, spend time with family, and catch up on some jobs around the farm. We’re all hoping for some rain soon to fill our tanks and replenish subsoil moisture. If our fertiliser or chemical experts can assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local Crop Smart team. As always, we truly appreciate your support.
