Group sales $12.0 billion, 2% higher than H1 2019 (6% at CER2) despite a $0.5 billion currency headwind

EBITDA of $2.2 billion, 7% higher than H1 2019, (20% at CER)

All four business units recorded underlying sales growth

COVID-19 impacts well managed; supply maintained throughout

Conditions still challenging in H2 2020, but Group stays committed to achieve growth in 2020

Total sales in Syngenta’s Crop Protection business grew 6% (12% CER) to $5.5 billion, with growth in all regions.

Sales in Europe, Africa and the Middle East were 5% higher.

In North America, sales were up 4% constrained by cold weather and excessive rain in the second quarter.

Sales in Latin America grew 10%.

In Asia Pacific, sales were up 12% CER with a strong performance in Australia following improved weather conditions and continued momentum in India. Exchange rate headwinds reduced reported sales to 8%. In China, sales increasing by 18% CER, driven by the launch of Adepidyn.

In the first half of 2020, ADAMA delivered total sales of $2 billion, in line with the prior year but 7% higher CER.

Sales in Europe were in line with last year CER, with higher inventories in distribution channels remaining from the poor season last year alongside COVID-19 concerns, both constraining demand and increasing pricing pressure.

India, Middle East and Africa has seen 18% growth CER, driven mainly by favorable weather particularly in India and South Africa. Foreign exchange weaknesses with the Indian Rupee, Turkish Lira and the South African Rand were partially offset by price increases.

Sales in North America declined 6% CER challenged by weather conditions, primarily in the South, which delayed planting and reduced cotton acreage alongside a reduction in cotton demand due to lower retail apparel sales as a result of COVID-19.

In Latin America sales grew 28% CER due to strong performance in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Peru and despite the significant regional exchange rate headwinds.

Sales in Asia Pacific (excluding China) grew 9% CER with positive seasonal conditions in Australia largely offset by poor conditions in Southeast Asia and exchange rate headwinds.

China sales were 3% lower than prior year CER, with a 15% increase in branded, formulated sales challenged by disruption in the Hubei manufacturing base.

Syngenta Seeds business unit grew sales 2% (4% at CER) to $1.6 billion. Underlying growth was 7%.

Sales in Europe, Africa and the Middle East were in line with last year. Strong seasonal growth was impacted by corn supply challenges.

In North America, sales were up 13% with an increase in soy market share. Sales were supported by a recovery of both corn and soy growing areas which were flooded in 2019.

Sales in Latin America grew by 27% CER.

In Asia Pacific, sales continued to grow across all geographies.

The global vegetable business grew in all regions, resulting in 9% higher sales CER.

Syngenta Group China, encompassing crop protection, crop nutrition, seeds, MAP and Digital business, generated sales of $3.4 billion, with an underlying growth of 3% compared to the previous year.

The Modern Agricultural Platform (MAP) continued to expand nationwide adding 81 new locations in H1 to reach a total of 234 sites. Sales nearly tripled to $271 million. The MAP service area expanded to a total of 2.72 million hectares with 265,000 users and strategic cooperation with Alibaba’s HEMA “Freshippo” network and Wilmar. MAP is a key contributor to synergies with other Syngenta Group China businesses.

Syngenta Group China’s Crop Protection businesses grew sales by 12% CER driven by new product launches and growth in branded, formulated products.

Seeds sales were up 7% CER, profiting from the acquisition of a new corn hybrid.

Crop Nutrition (Sinofert) sales were 15% lower (11% CER) due to reduced selling prices. Volume increased by 5% and product mix improved with focus on specialty fertilizer products. Profit margin was maintained through cost reduction and mix improvement.