Fertilizers, Chemicals

June 25, 2025

Platts implements changes to its suite of Sulfuric Acid Asia assessments June 25

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, has implemented changes to its suite of Sulfuric Acid Asia assessments, effective 25 June 2025.

This launch follows a decision note (opens in a new tab)published May 14, and will add further granularity to Platts sulfuric acid coverage in Asia.

The changes are summarized below, followed by detailed explanations.

  1. Launch of FOB South China (FSZCA04) and FOB China River (FSZCB04) sulfuric acid assessments.
  2. Change in methodology for FOB China, sulfuric acid weekly range assessment (FSACA04)
  3. Launch of FOB Japan (FSZCC04) and FOB South Korea (FSZCD04) sulfuric acid assessments.
  4. Change in methodology for FOB Japan and South Korea (spot), weekly range assessment (FSAJB04)
  5. Change in methodology for CFR India, sulfuric acid weekly range assessment (FSAIA04)

Launch of FOB South China and FOB China River sulfuric acid assessments

Platts has launched two sulfuric acid assessments, FOB South China and FOB China River, effective 25 June 2025.

These weekly single-number assessments will add further granularity to Platts sulfuric acid coverage in the China region.

Detailed specifications for the assessments are as follows:

Assessment NameFOB South China (FSZCA04)FOB China River (FSZCB04)
QualitySulphur burner acid, smelter acidSulphur burner acid, smelter acid
Quantity10,000 mt -20,000 mt10,000 mt -20,000 mt
LocationFOB FangchengFOB Nantong
TimingLoading 2- 4 weeks forwardLoading 2- 4 weeks forward
FrequencyWeekly, every WednesdayWeekly, every Wednesday
Unit of assessment$/mt$/mt
Timestamp1630 Penang close, following the Penang publishing calendar1630 Penang close, following the Penang publishing calendar

Information regarding different location, cargo size and timing may be considered and normalized, where necessary, to align with the standard specifications listed above.

Change in methodology for FOB China, sulfuric acid weekly range assessment (FSACA04)

Platts has also changed the methodology for its existing FOB China, sulfuric acid weekly range assessment, effective 25 June 2025. The assessment will reflect the FOB China, sulfuric acid price, with the range derived from the two new assessments outlined above (symbol FSZCA04 & FSZCB04) rather than being assessed in its own right. No other market information will be taken into account.

For example, if FOB South China, sulfuric acid was assessed at $55/mt and FOB China River, sulfuric acid at $60/mt on a given date, then FOB China, sulfuric acid will be calculated as a range of $55-$60/mt.

Platts has also adjust ed the specifications for FSACA04 to align with those of the two new assessments above.

Launch of FOB Japan and FOB South Korea sulfuric acid assessments.

Platts has also launched two sulfuric acid assessments, FOB Japan and FOB South Korea, effective 25 June2025.

These weekly single-number assessments will add further granularity to Platts sulfuric acid coverage in the Northeast Asia region.

Detailed specifications for the assessments are as follows:

Assessment NameFOB Japan (FSZCC04)FOB South Korea (FSZCD04)
QualitySmelter acidSmelter acid
Quantity10,000 mt -20,000 mt10,000 mt -20,000 mt
LocationFOB HibiFOB Ulsan
TimingLoading 2- 4 weeks forwardLoading 2- 4 weeks forward
FrequencyWeekly, every WednesdayWeekly, every Wednesday
Unit of assessment$/mt$/mt
Timestamp1630 Penang close, following the Penang publishing calendar1630 Penang close, following the Penang publishing calendar

Information regarding different location, cargo size and timing may be considered and normalized, where necessary, to align with the standard specifications listed above.

Change in methodology for FOB Japan and South Korea(spot), weekly range assessment (FSAJB04)

Platts has also changed the methodology for its existing FOB Japan and South Korea, sulfuric acid weekly range assessment, effective 25 June 2025. The assessment will reflect the FOB Japan & South Korea, sulfuric acid price, with the range derived from the two new assessments outlined above (symbol FSZCC04 & FSZCD04) rather than being assessed in its own right. No other market information will be taken into account.

For example, if FOB South Korea, sulfuric acid was assessed at $45/mt and FOB Japan, sulfuric acid at $50/mt on a given date, then FOB Japan & South Korea, sulfuric acid will be calculated as a range of $45-50/mt.

Platts has also adjusted the specifications for FSAJB04 to align with those of the two new assessments above.

Change in methodology for CFR India, sulfuric acid weekly range assessment (FSAIA04)

Platts has also changed the methodology for its existing CFR India, sulfuric acid weekly range assessment, effective 25 June 2025. Platts changes the naming in the existing CFR India to CFR East coast India.

Following this change, the assessment would only reflect the CFR East Coast India.

Assessment NameCFR East coast India
QualitySulfur burner acid, smelter acid
Quantity10,000 mt -20,000 mt
LocationCFR Tuticorin
TimingDelivery 4-6 weeks
FrequencyWeekly, every Wednesday
Unit of assessment$/mt
Timestamp1630 Penang close, following the Penang publishing calendar

Information regarding different locations, cargo size and timing may be considered and normalized, where necessary, to align with the standard specifications listed above.

Please submit any feedback, comments or questions about this proposal to fertilizer@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

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