Recent developments
Fertilizer trade turbulence
Disruption around the Strait of Hormuz constrained ammonia, urea, phosphates and sulphur flows, lifting fertilizer prices. Despite this, Yara reported higher margins and strong volumes, leveraging flexible sourcing and production. Yara also proposed governance changes, nominating Helge Lund as Chair.
Capacity and exports
Brazil’s UFN III restart targets 3,600 t/d urea and 2,200 t/d ammonia by 2029 to address domestic demand. In Southeast Asia, Uhde’s FEED for Brunei Fertilizer Industries will expand export storage and loading. The energy transition featured Topsoe’s green ammonia FEED in Jordan, aimed at export to fertilizer markets.
Critical inputs in EU
LKAB advanced its Luleå critical‑minerals demonstration to extract phosphorus and rare earths from iron‑ore residues, while updating resources with higher iron‑phosphate‑REE estimates. These programs seek regional supply of phosphate and REE co‑products under EU strategic designation.
Portfolios and logistics
BASF acquired AgBiTech to scale biological insect control beyond Brazil, while divesting its Aseptrol chlorine dioxide business. dsm‑firmenich exited pine‑based agro ingredients via the sale of Action Pin to AP Marensin. Upstream logistics shifted as OCI sold its ammonia terminal and distribution arm to AGROFERT, retaining access via a throughput agreement.
Digital and manufacturing
BASF and Nutrien launched a program using xarvio tools and agronomist support to verify low‑CI corn for biofuel incentives. BASF will modernize Nunhem seed processing in the Netherlands. Market conditions were mixed as Croda flagged softer Crop Protection, while new capacity and partnerships surfaced through Croda’s Dahej facility, Saltigo’s custom‑manufacturing showcase, and Synthos AGRO’s ChemSpec presence.