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South Korea’s LNG market in December 2025 was shaped by fluctuating demand signals, short-lived weather-driven buying, strategic LNG cargo diversions, and strong momentum in the LNG shipbuilding sector. Market participants continued to weigh inventory levels, fuel-switching economics, and rising import costs amid geopolitical and currency pressures.

Welcome to Argus Korea Commodities Insights, your go-to source for the latest developments shaping South Korea’s energy, industrial, and trade sectors. Today we’re diving into the key stories since January 1, 2026. Let’s get started.

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of the ammonium sulphate (AS) market in Brazil, covering why demand is growing, how AS and urea fit in Brazilian crop nutrition, why AS imports overtook urea in 2025 and key price and demand trends globally and in Brazil. We also introduce the new Argus compacted Ammonium Sulphate cfr Brazil daily price assessment. Join Harry Minihan, Global Editor – Nitrogen, Upasruti Biswas, Senior Reporter – Fertilizers, and Bruno Castro, Reporter – Grains and Fertilizers as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.   Key questions answered in this podcast: · What is ammonium sulphate, why is it important and why has demand for it grown? · Which Brazilian crops are best suited to AS/urea – and when is AS substituted for urea? · What role does AS play in Brazil, and how significant is Brazil in the global AS market? · Why did AS imports into Brazil overtake urea in 2025, and could this trend continue? · How are AS prices and demand evolving globally and in key markets like Brazil and India? · Why did Argus launch the compacted Ammonium Sulphate cfr Brazil daily price assessment, and how does it improve price transparency?  

Os fluxos de diesel russo para o mercado brasileiro voltaram com força total neste início de 2026. Mas será que esse protagonismo veio para ficar? Acompanhe a conversa entre Marcos Mortari, um dos responsáveis pela publicação Argus Brasil Combustíveis, e Amance Boutin, gerente de desenvolvimento de negócios da Argus. 

Russian diesel has made a comeback in Brazil at the start of 2026. But is this renewed dominance here to stay? Listen to this conversation between Marcos Mortari, who works for the Argus Brazil Motor Fuels publication, and Argus Business Development Manager Amance Boutin. 

Faraday Institution CEO, Professor Martin Freer, speaks with Chris Welch, reporter for Argus Battery Materials, about the evidence behind the UK Gigafactory Commission’s new report, entitled ‘Britain’s Battery Future’. Freer notes that while the Commission does not favour one chemistry over another, Europe’s lack of LFP manufacturing represents a genuine opportunity for local investment if LFP is to play a role in EVs and grid storage. In the interview, Freer also addresses UK energy costs, the need for an automotive OEM to anchor cell production, and the principles behind “conditional collaboration” with China. Key topics: • UK policy shift from “open for business” to active deal making • Energy cost competitiveness and site readiness • Conditional collaboration with China • Linking cathode manufacturing to EV and gigafactory investment

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of China’s phosphate export market, focusing on DAP and MAP quotas, NP and NPS exports, the decline in phosphate exports, changing regional trade flows, when exports could be resumed, impact of the sulphur price rally and China’s phosphate production capacity outlook. Join Huijun Yao, Editor – Asia Fertilizers and Johann Jing, Market Analyst, Phosphate, Potash and NPK as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series. Key questions answered in this podcast: How has China’s phosphate export market evolved? How are DAP and MAP export quotas implemented? What is China’s expected approach to NP and NPS exports? Why have China’s phosphate exports declined over the past year, and how has this reshaped regional trade flows? When might China resume DAP and MAP exports, and how is the sulphur price rally influencing this? What is the outlook for China’s phosphate production capacity? Related links Argus Phosphates price reporting service | More info | Request trial More information: Phosphate short and mid to long-term outlook services Free sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights Fertilizer Matters podcast series

In this episode, Hannah Adler, Senior Reporter on the biomass desk, explores developments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and how it can be implemented in the biomass sphere. She’s joined by Jon Cartlidge, Commercial Director at Battelle, to discuss: Why Battelle moved into carbon storage after decades as a nonprofit research leader. Which sectors—like ethanol, biofuels, and heavy industry—are leading the charge in adopting CCS and why. Battelle’s vision for scaling CCS by 2030, including technical challenges and innovations. Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. Request a free trial or more information.

O Brasil é o terceiro maior produtor mundial e o segundo maior exportador de farelo de soja. A Argus está lançando um indicador de diferenciais portuários para o farelo em Paranaguá, auxiliando a tomada de decisão por esmagadoras e outros participantes dos mercados de grãos e proteínas dentro e fora do país. Saiba mais acompanhando essa conversa entre Renata Cardarelli, responsável pela publicação Argus Brasil Grãos e Fertilizantes, e Nathalia Giannetti, colaboradora do mesmo relatório e da publicação Argus AgriMarkets.  

Brazil is the third-largest producer and the second-largest exporter of soybean meal. Argus is launching a port differentials indicator for soybean meal in Paranagua, supporting decision-making for crushers and other participants in the grain and protein markets in Brazil and abroad. Learn more by following this conversation between Renata Cardarelli, who is in charge of the Argus Brazil Grains and Fertilizers publication, and Nathalia Giannetti, contributor to the same report and to Argus AgriMarkets.

From the hiccups of the US–China tariff war and sanctions to refinery and petrochemical closures, the northwest European LPG market faced unprecedented upheaval in 2025. Peter Wilton, editor of International LPG, is joined by the LPG London team to discuss the major trends that shaped the past year, as well as the emerging patterns that could influence prices and flows in the year ahead.

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of the EU’s proposal to suspend CBAM for fertilizers. This episode clarifies the importance of Article 27A, outlines the potential suspension process and timeline, reveals the political influences of France, Italy and the EU Mercosur trade agreement, assesses the current impact on importers and EU farmers, and reviews the EU’s proposed suspension of tariffs on urea and ammonia.   Join Mike Nash, Senior Editor – Fertilizers, Dafydd ab Iago, EU Correspondent and Aidan Hall, Market Reporter – Fertilizers as they discuss and analyse this key development in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.   Key questions answered in this podcast:   ·        What is the Article 27 A proposal and why is it important in relation to a potential suspension of CBAM for fertilizers?   ·        What ‘serious and ‘unforeseen’ circumstances could influence an EU Commission decision on suspension?   ·        What political factors are shaping this issue, including the positions of France and Italy and the status of the EU–Mercosur trade agreement?   ·        If the EU chose to suspend CBAM for fertilizers, what steps would the process involve, and how long would implementation take?   ·        How is this uncertainty currently affecting fertilizer importers and European farmers?   ·        What’s the latest on the EU’s proposed suspension of tariffs on urea and ammonia?   Related links   ·        Request Access: Argus Fertilizer CBAM Cost Calculator*   ·        Learn more on Argus fertilizer price reporting services   ·        Watch our CBAM webinar series   ·        Free newsletter sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights   ·        Fertilizer Matters podcast series   *The calculator is provided as part of Argus fertilizer price reporting services. Request a trial to our services to access the calculator  

A conferência Fertilizer Latinoamericano (FLA) acontece em Miami entre 26 e 28 de janeiro. Gisele Augusto e Bruno Castro, colaboradores da publicação Argus Brasil Grãos e Fertilizantes, antecipam os principais assuntos que serão discutidos nesse evento que reúne cerca de 400 empresas e representantes de mais de 50 países.

The Fertilizer Latinoamericano (FLA) conference will take place in Miami from January 26 to 28. Gisele Augusto and Bruno Castro, contributors to the Argus Brazil Grains and Fertilizers report, preview the main topics that will be discussed at the event, which brings together around 400 companies and representatives from more than 50 countries. 

Argentina produjo una gran cosecha de trigo, con alta productividad pero bajo contenido de proteína. Jeffrey Lewis, especialista del servicio Argus AgriMarkets, viajó al país por invitación de la Bolsa de Cereales y Productos de Bahía Blanca y compartió sus impresiones del viaje con Renata Cardarelli, responsable del informe Argus Brasil Granos y Fertilizantes.

A Argentina produziu uma grande safra de trigo, com elevada produtividade mas baixo teor de proteína. Jeffrey Lewis, especialista do serviço Argus AgriMarkets, viajou ao país a convite da Bolsa de Cereais e Produtos de Bahia Blanca e compartilhou suas impressões da viagem com Renata Cardarelli, responsável pelo relatório Argus Brasil Grãos e Fertilizantes.

Argentina produced a large wheat crop, with high yields but low protein content. Jeffrey Lewis, an Argus AgriMarkets specialist, traveled to the country at the invitation of the Bahia Blanca Grain and Products Exchange and shared his impressions of the trip with Renata Cardarelli, who is responsible for the Argus Brazil Grains and Fertilizers report.

Our Global Lead for Base Oils, Guo Harn Hong, drives the conversation with Argus market experts Li Li Chng, Tara Tang, Victor Hu and Chu Ren Tan on how the Asia-Pacific base oils market performed in 2025 and what to look out for in 2026.   Listen now to discover: Market performance in 2025 and what market participants should expect this year New plant start-ups in India and expected repercussions on regional trade flows Rising production in Saudi Arabia and the impact on the Middle Eastern market Expected supply disruptions and grades likely to be impacted Trends to look out for in 2026

Welcome to Argus Weekly Korea Commodities Insights, the go-to source for what’s shaping South Korea’s energy and commodities markets. This week’s edition covers three major stories that could change the game for power generation, coal imports, and industrial investment.

Argentina se prepara para dejar de ser importadora neta de combustibles para automotores y acelerar la exportación de diésel y gasolina. Camila Fontana, subjefa de redacción de Argus en São Paulo, y Flavia Alemi, especialista en combustibles en América del Sur, analizan qué hay detrás de este cambio.