January 14, 2014
In an aim to discuss the key issues set to shape the industry over the next year at CRU's Seventh Phosphates International Conference & Exhibition, business leaders from the international phosphate community representing fertiliser, industrial and feed industries will gather in Paris on March 23-25, 2014.
The conference, organised annually in participation with the International Fertiliser Industry Association (IFA), is the premier global gathering for the phosphates industry, attracting over 300 participants from 40 countries.
After a dramatic drop in phosphates prices in 2013, Phosphates 2014 provides an important forum for the international phosphates industry to understand what will move the market in 2014 - policy, supply or demand? CRU's Senior Consultant, Juan von Gernet, comments:
"2013 has been a year in which phosphate prices plummeted as the world's largest importer - India - continued to struggle with an imbalanced subsidy scheme. With exporters fighting to place tonnages in other growth markets, stocks around the globe have accumulated to record levels. The question that is now being considered is whether this is a short term blip or rather a longer term structural slowdown?"
Phosphates 2014 will include a series of high-level commercial presentations that will examine the fundamentals across all end-use industries, focusing specifically on the underlying dynamics of demand, supply, prices and costs throughout key markets. The commercially focused programme will feature industry experts including keynote speaker, James T. Ortiz, President & COO, Indagro Incorp., who will address the challenges and opportunities facing the phosphates market including developments in the Indian subsidy system; and spotlights on Brazil, China, the US and MENA. In addition to the global market outlook, the two-day programme will also cover: feed, fertiliser and food markets; supply; recycling; industry challenges; spotlights on P4 and SSP; deep sea mining; and innovations in phosphate and phosphoric acid production. Other contributors to the speaker line-up include senior representatives from Aditya Birla Chemical, Rabobank International, Prayon, Willem Schipper Consulting and MBAC Fertiliser Corp.
CRU analysts will provide detailed outlooks on the phosphates and phosphate rock markets; and analysis of how the market looks set to develop over the short and medium term. CRU Consultant, Alberto Persona, who will present on CRU's phosphate rock outlook commented: "Phosphate markets are indeed facing a strong transitional phase. The last remnants of the past decades, in which production was mainly located close to target markets and based on non-captive raw materials, are now more and more challenged by large-scale integrated production. Investments in new technologies or more efficient processes are also challenging current rent positions, and might have a chance to free up new reserves previously neglected. Being able to track these changes and to assess their impact on the phosphate market will be key to success throughout the value chain, and this is precisely the objective of this conference."
In addition to two days of strategic discussion in the commercial programme, Phosphates 2014 will feature an expanded technical showcase with exhibitors highlighting new and improved technologies, materials and equipment, plant operations and project management applications from feasibility studies and mining technology through to new technologies for fertiliser finishing and transport. Over 15 showcase presentations will add significant value to the overall conference by marrying technological advancements and industry analysis to deliver delegates a comprehensive, business-centric overview of the phosphates market in 2014 and beyond.
The 7th Phosphates Conference & Exhibition will be taking place from 23-25 March 2014, Paris Marriott Rive Gauche, France.
