To help global procurement managers make more informed decisions, RMG Chem (rmgchem.com) has compiled the most comprehensive FAQ based on over a decade of export experience. Whether you are buying for a factory in Southeast Asia or a farm in New Zealand, these insights will help you optimize your 2026 strategy.
Q1: What is the best time of year to buy Urea and Ammonium Sulfate?
A: Chemical fertilizers follow a distinct seasonal cycle. In China, the export supply is usually most abundant and prices are more competitive during the "Off-Peak" window from June to September.
The Trend: Prices typically rise starting in October due to winter stockpiling in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of the planting season in major markets.
Strategy: For our clients in New Zealand and Brazil, we recommend securing contracts at least 60 days before the peak application season to avoid the "Last Minute Premium" and vessel space shortages.
Q2: How do I distinguish between high-quality and sub-standard Soda Ash?
A: In the chemical world, purity is profit. When sourcing Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate), look beyond the price per ton and focus on:
Total Alkalinity: RMG Chem guarantees a total alkalinity of $\ge 99.2\%$.
Impurity Levels: Low Chloride ($NaCl$) content is vital for glass manufacturers. High salt content can cause bubbles in glass or corrosion in industrial equipment.
Bulk Density: Ensure the density matches your machinery—Light for fast dissolution in detergents, Dense for high-temperature glass furnaces.
Q3: How does RMG Chem manage the logistics risks of "High-Difficulty" ports?
A: Shipping to markets like Lagos (Nigeria) or Santos (Brazil) requires more than just a booking.
Container Quality: We inspect every container for floor integrity and seal quality to prevent moisture ingress.
Demurrage Management: We leverage our long-term relationships with carriers (MSC, COSCO, CMA) to offer extended Free Time (14-21 days) at the destination port, giving you more time for customs clearance without incurring heavy fines.
Documentation: We provide 100% compliant SONCAP for Nigeria and precise NCM codes for Brazil to ensure zero-delay clearance.
Q4: What is the current market outlook for PVC and Caustic Soda in 2026?
A: The market is currently driven by two factors: energy costs and infrastructure demand.
PVC: With the rebound of construction in Southeast Asia, demand for SG5 resin remains high. We suggest a "Rolling Order" strategy to average out price fluctuations.
Caustic Soda: As an energy-intensive product, its price is highly sensitive to coal and gas costs in China. RMG Chem provides weekly market updates to our loyal partners to help them "buy the dip."
Q5: Why is RMG Chem considered a "Supply Chain Department" rather than just a trader?
A: Most traders only care about the sale. RMG Chem focuses on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Integrated Portfolio: We source from top-tier Chinese plants (Chlor-Alkali and Synthetic groups) to ensure you get "Factory Direct" pricing.
Risk Mitigation: From credit insurance (Sinosure) to third-party inspections (SGS), we remove the "China Sourcing Risk."
Localization: We understand the specific needs of your region, whether it's the high-purity requirements of Japan/Korea or the rugged packaging needed for Africa.