Since the start of this year, the domestic price of potash fertilizer in China has been on a steep upward trend, drawing widespread concern. According to data from the China Fertilizer Information Network, the port delivery price of white potassium was 2,250 yuan per ton in October 2007. By January 2008, it had surged to 3,300 yuan, and by March, it reached 3,600 yuan. In April, the price climbed further to 4,000 yuan. As a critical input for agriculture, the sharp rise in potash prices has sparked significant attention across various sectors. To support farmers and promote agricultural production under the "three rural" policy, the Chinese government introduced multiple regulatory measures to control the rising costs of agricultural materials. Despite strict price controls, the domestic potash price continued to climb. According to reports, the main reason behind this increase is the rapid rise in international potash prices. Globally, fertilizer prices have surged due to shifts in grain supply and demand. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that global grain inventories at the end of the 2007/2008 season were only 405 million tons—the lowest since 1982—with an inventory-to-consumer ratio of 18.8%, close to the 18% warning level. Additionally, food shortages in parts of Southeast Asia and Haiti, along with the weakening US dollar, have driven fertilizer prices to record highs. According to the International Fertilizer Market Weekly (FMB), a leading industry publication, the CIF prices of potash in major importing countries have skyrocketed. In Southeast Asia, CIF prices rose from about $230 at the beginning of the year to $450 by the end of 2007, and have now hit a historic high of $750. Brazil, the fourth-largest importer, saw its CIF prices reach $750 in Q2 2008—more than double the same period last year. Industry experts predict that international potash prices could soon surpass $1,000 per ton. China’s annual potash demand is nearly 11 million tons, but domestic production is only around 3 million tons, making the country heavily dependent on imports—over 70%. Although China has historically maintained relatively low import prices, recent sharp increases in global markets have directly impacted local prices. For example, the delivered price of bulk potash imported from Russia and Belarus rose from around $260 in September 2007 to $350 in December, and reached $510 by April 2008. Moreover, the rapid growth of agricultural production and the increasing adoption of balanced fertilization practices have led to a surge in demand for potash, outpacing nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. By early 2008, potash supplies became increasingly tight, with port stocks falling below previous years’ levels. According to the China Minmetals Chemicals Import and Export Chamber of Commerce, potash imports from land fell by 46% between January and February, causing a severe shortage in northern regions. With limited stock and delayed import contracts, potash shortages became evident in major fertilizer regions by March, leading to continuous price hikes between dealers and end-users. In summary, China's heavy reliance on foreign potash, combined with global price surges and local supply-demand imbalances, has driven up domestic potash prices. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the market and the need for more stable and transparent supply chains. (Reporter: Gong Jie)

TPU For Films And Sheets

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a type of polymer resin that is known for its flexibility, durability, and versatility. It is a thermoplastic material, which means it can be melted and reprocessed multiple times without losing its original properties.

TPU is commonly used in various industries, including automotive, electronics, footwear, and sportswear. It is often used to make products such as phone cases, cables, hoses, seals, gaskets, and inflatable structures.

Some key properties of TPU include:

1. Flexibility: TPU has excellent flexibility, allowing it to bend and stretch without breaking. This makes it suitable for applications where flexibility is required, such as in shoe soles or flexible electronic components.

2. Abrasion resistance: TPU has good resistance to abrasion, making it suitable for applications that require durability and resistance to wear and tear.

3. Chemical resistance: TPU is resistant to many chemicals, including oils, solvents, and greases. This makes it suitable for applications where exposure to chemicals is expected.

4. Weather resistance: TPU has good weather resistance, meaning it can withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures without degrading or losing its properties.

5. Adhesion: TPU has good adhesion to various substrates, allowing it to be easily bonded or laminated with other materials.

Overall, TPU is a versatile material that offers a balance of flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Tpu For Films And Sheets,Transparent Tpu For Films,Eco-Friendly Tpu For Sheets,Transparent Shiny Tpu Films

XUCHUAN CHEMICAL(SUZHOU) CO., LTD , https://www.xuchuanchem.com