Agrochemicals

Recent developments

Market and outlook

Supported by price and volume gains, BASF raised its 2026 EBITDA outlook after Q2 results, noting Agricultural Solutions outperformed estimates. Guidance assumes moderate macro growth while flagging logistics risks in the Middle East. Cash generation remained constrained by higher raw‑material working capital.

Nitrogen capacity shifts

Petrobras will restart the UFN‑III nitrogen fertilizer plant (3,600 tpd urea; 2029 start). In the U.S., Topsoe’s SynCOR Ammonia technology will enable a 500 STPD blue‑ammonia fertilizer unit, while Yara will not proceed with the LCEC ammonia acquisition and reallocates capital to alternative U.S. projects. Efficiency upgrades continued via thyssenkrupp Uhde’s ammonia converter revamp at İGSAŞ.

Corporate developments

Upstream–downstream alignment advanced as Tessenderlo made a minority equity investment in FMC Corporation. Technology scope broadened when Nextchem completed the acquisition of Ballestra Group, adding phosphate/potassium fertilizer and acid platforms. At OCI, the board recommended NNS’s EUR 4.10 all‑cash offer and steps to convene an EGM tied to the Orascom vote.

Crop inputs innovation

Adapzo Active was classified as FRAC Group Code 56, introducing an HDAC‑inhibiting mode for Asian soybean rust with no known cross‑resistance. Seed options widened as BASF introduced the InVigor Gold L322 canola hybrid for warmer, drier U.S. areas. Supply‑chain efficiency improved with the Syngenta Supplier Award for Waste Reduction to AGC.

Circularity and funding

The Bernheze biomethane facility began injecting renewable biomethane, returning digestate as organic fertiliser. Municipal heat reuse expanded via a district heating extraction system using sewage‑sludge residual heat. Early‑stage capital rose as the EIF committed €25 million to Yield Lab Europe Fund 2. Regional collaboration included a Petrobras–Pemex Memorandum of Understanding covering fertilizers and petrochemicals.