Recent developments
Fertilizer market shifts
Yara's Q4 results showed EBITDA recovery and a return to profit amid fixed cost reductions. multi-year fertiliser deal in Scandinavia, aiding export stability. In China, NEXTCHEM won NX STAMI technologies contracts for energy-efficient nitric acid and urea upgrades.
Low-carbon ammonia
Uniper and AM Green signed a long-term offtake for up to 500,000 t/y of renewable ammonia from 2028 for Europe. Yara's low-cost, low-emission ammonia growth strategy includes potential U.S. investment with Air Products; related projects target FID by mid-2026.
Herbicides and traits
EPA granted federal registration for BASF's Engenia herbicide for over-the-top use in dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton; stewardship training is planned. BASF introduced new Stoneville cotton varieties with Axant Flex and TwinLink Plus; associated herbicide registrations, including Alite ISO and Engenia, are pending.
Biologicals expansion
BASF agreed to acquire AgBiTech, adding NPV-based biological insect control and manufacturing to strengthen its BioSolutions portfolio, notably in Brazil.
Sustainable feedstocks and materials
Partners reported Year 9 progress for the Pragati sustainable castor program, with certified acreage, higher yields, and reduced water use. BASF highlighted the Tinuvin NOR platform for plasticulture durability, extending mulch and greenhouse film lifetimes. Corteva and bp launched Etlas to develop oilseed-based feedstocks for SAF and renewable diesel from 2027 using existing cropland.
Partnerships and policy
Dangote Industries and XCMG signed a strategic cooperation agreement spanning mining, petrochemicals, fertilizers, building materials, and agricultural processing, with new-energy and intelligent equipment. Nobian joined the EU Critical Chemicals Alliance, which is defining essential molecules and sites to prioritize investment and reinforce European supply resilience.