Agricultural Solutions

Q3 2020

Sales in the Agricultural Solutions segment were considerably below the third quarter of 2019. Strong volumes growth and slightly higher prices could not offset the significantly negative currency effects.

In Europe, sales were slightly above the prior-year quarter. Higher volumes and higher prices more than offset negative currency effects, especially in Turkey and eastern Europe.

Sales were considerably lower in North America. Significantly higher sales volumes, especially of fungicides, could not compensate for lower price levels, especially for herbicides in a continuing challenging market environment, and negative currency effects.

In Asia, sales rose slightly as a result of higher volumes, in particular in India and China. Negative currency effects had an offsetting impact. Prices were on a level with the prior-year quarter.

Sales declined considerably in the region South America, Africa, Middle East. This was driven by significantly negative currency effects, particularly in Brazil. Much higher sales volumes, especially in Brazil, and significantly higher price levels could not offset this effect.

Income from operations (EBIT) before special items declined considerably, mainly due to currency effects.

EBIT for the third quarter of 2020 included a special impairment charge in connection with measures to streamline the glufosinate-ammonium production network.

Compared with the previous quarter, the Agricultural Solutions segment recorded a considerable decline in sales and EBIT before special items due to seasonal factors.