Belaruskali looking to export 850,000 tonnes of fertilizer in April
MINSK. March 25 (Interfax) - OJSC Belaruskali plans to ship at least 850,000 tonnes of potash fertilizer under export contracts next month, the company website says, citing General Director Valery Kiriyenko.
"Belaruskali is today working at the peak of its [capacity]. In March we have to produce and ship at least one million tonnes of product. The plans for April are for the production and shipment of at least 850,000 tonnes. That does not count deliveries on the domestic market," Kiriyenko said.
The enterprise achieving maximum production volume is evidence of the gradual rejuvenation of the world potash market. "Potassium prices are slowly but surely recovering. OJSC Belarusian Potash Company, with 100% Belarusian capital, is functioning today. It has already provided operation results [and] has signed a number of contracts," Kiriyenko said.
Belaruskali is looking to get Belarusian potash prices higher, stabilize operations, and bring forex revenue into the country.
"Yes, we now see a favorable situation with potassium sales. The buyer understands that the price is set, that there are [reasons why] it will gradually rise. So production volume is increasing. Clients want to buy product at a lower price so as not to buy it at a high [price] tomorrow," he said.
Belaruskali's net profits slipped year-to-year in 2013, he said. "Today there are [reasons] to say that our profits will be greater this year," he said. With the aim of lowering the cost of sales of the product it produces, Belaruskali is now transitioning auxiliary divisions to outsourcing, he said.
