"Urea prices have continued to rally as demand is firm and product availability is now short Feb/March," says Calum Findlay, Gleadell Agriculture’s fertiliser trader.
"Feedback from China suggests that the export tax increase will come in to force from February 1st as planned, which means price outlook is now firm to going firmer.
" continue in India/Bangladesh/Pakistan and production cutbacks and logistical problems will now squeeze prices higher with usage periods fast approaching.
"In the UK, both of GrowHow UK`s plants at Billingham and Ince remain down, stocks are low as they continue to execute old orders before addressing new business.
"On the price side, GrowHow have yet to announce new terms for Feb/March delivery but they will be watching the upward turn in global prices with interest. We have a good quality imported product to offer nationally for Jan/February delivery which remains a good cost effective alternative.
"Phosphate prices have now fallen a long way from their peak in August 2008 and, if you have a spring requirement, Gleadell have a Granular compound, analysis 10N + 40P + 5 SO3, to offer at terms substantially discounted to any other product being offered anywhere else in the UK today," Mr Findlay