Single superphosphate (SSP) price index

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Single superphosphate (SSP) price index

This post is a summary of the Single superphosphate (SSP) price developments. The price developments of Single superphosphate (SSP) are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Single superphosphate (SSP) price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Single superphosphate (SSP) prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Single superphosphate (SSP) prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Single superphosphate (SSP)
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Single superphosphate (SSP) prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Single superphosphate (SSP) market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Single superphosphate (SSP) price index

What is Single superphosphate (SSP)

Single superphosphate (SSP) is a type of fertilizer that is produced by treating phosphate rock with sulfuric acid. This process creates a mixture of monocalcium phosphate and gypsum, which is then dried and ground to form SSP.

SSP is a widely used fertilizer due to its high content of phosphate, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. It is often used on crops that require high amounts of phosphorus, such as corn, potatoes, and wheat.

One of the advantages of SSP is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to other phosphate fertilizers, such as diammonium phosphate (DAP) and triple superphosphate (TSP). However, SSP does have some disadvantages, such as its lower phosphorus content compared to other fertilizers, as well as the potential for sulfur buildup in soils with repeated use.

How is Single superphosphate (SSP) produced

Single superphosphate (SSP) is typically produced by reacting ground phosphate rock with sulfuric acid in a reactor vessel. The resulting reaction produces a mixture of monocalcium phosphate and gypsum, which is then dried and ground to create SSP.

The production of SSP typically involves the following steps:

Mixing

The ground phosphate rock is mixed with sulfuric acid in a mixer to create a slurry.

Reaction

The slurry is then transferred to a reactor vessel, where the reaction between the phosphate rock and sulfuric acid takes place. The reaction produces a mixture of monocalcium phosphate and gypsum.

Filtration

The mixture is then filtered to remove any solid impurities.

Drying

The filtered mixture is dried to remove any remaining moisture.

Grinding

The dried mixture is ground to a fine powder to create SSP.

Storage and packaging

The final product is then stored and packaged for distribution to customers.

It is worth noting that the quality and purity of the phosphate rock used in the production process can affect the quality of the SSP produced. Additionally, the process may produce some waste materials, which need to be properly managed to prevent any adverse environmental impacts.

What types of SSP are there

Single superphosphate (SSP) is typically produced in two forms, powder and granular. Both types contain the same chemical composition, but they differ in terms of particle size and physical properties.

Powder SSP

This is the most common form of SSP and is produced by grinding the dried mixture of monocalcium phosphate and gypsum into a fine powder. Powder SSP is typically more uniform in size, making it easier to handle and distribute. It is commonly used in dry fertilizer blends or can be applied directly to the soil.

Granular SSP

This form of SSP is created by taking the powdered form and then granulating it into a larger particle size. Granular SSP is generally easier to handle and apply than the powdered form because it can be easily spread using standard fertilizer equipment. It is also less prone to dusting and provides a slower release of nutrients compared to powder SSP.

There are also different grades of SSP based on the percentage of phosphorus content. For example, standard grade SSP contains about 16% phosphorus, while high-grade SSP contains around 20% phosphorus. The grade of SSP used will depend on the specific needs of the crop being grown and the soil conditions.

How big is the Single superphosphate (SSP)  market

According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global single superphosphate (SSP) market size was valued at approximately USD 4.2 billion in 2020, and it is projected to reach a value of around USD 5.7 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of approximately 5% during the forecast period.

The growth of the global SSP market is driven by factors such as increasing demand for food due to population growth, rising demand for high-value crops, and increasing awareness of the benefits of using fertilizers for plant growth. The market is also influenced by various factors such as changing weather conditions, fluctuating commodity prices, and government regulations.

According to https://oec.world/ :

Superphosphates, in packs >10 kg are the world’s 1807th most traded product.

In 2020, the top exporters of Superphosphates, in packs >10 kg were China ($294M), Morocco ($263M), Israel ($183M), Egypt ($93.2M), and Netherlands ($57.3M).

In 2020, the top importers of Superphosphates, in packs >10 kg were Brazil ($321M), United States ($81.9M), France ($66.5M), Indonesia ($62.7M), and Australia ($34.3M).

Which countries produce the most SSP

The production of single superphosphate (SSP) is widely distributed globally, with many countries producing it. However, I can give you some of the largest producers of SSP based on the latest available data:

India

India is the largest producer of SSP in the world, with a production of around 7.3 million tons in 2020. India has a significant demand for SSP due to its large agricultural sector, and the country also exports a considerable amount of the fertilizer to other countries.

China

China is the second-largest producer of SSP, with a production of around 4.4 million tons in 2020. China has a large agricultural sector, and the demand for SSP is high due to the need to increase crop yields and productivity.

Morocco

Morocco is the third-largest producer of SSP, with a production of around 1.4 million tons in 2020. Morocco is a major exporter of phosphate rock, which is a key raw material used in the production of SSP.

Pakistan

Pakistan is the fourth-largest producer of SSP, with a production of around 0.9 million tons in 2020. Pakistan has a large agricultural sector, and the demand for SSP is high due to the need to increase crop yields and productivity.

Other significant producers of SSP include the United States, Brazil, Russia, Australia, and Ukraine.

Further reading

• Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
• PubChem for chemistry and property  information