CIS market prospects were discussed at the conference in Batumi

On September 15-16, the “Argus Mineral Fertilizers 2021. Markets of the CIS, Caspian and Black Sea Countries” conference took place in Batumi (Georgia). The event brought together a wide international audience of key manufacturers, trade and transport companies, relevant government agencies, shippers, exporters, and representatives of the financial sector. Over 200 delegates from 30 countries attended the conference to receive unique information about the market, for personal communication and exchange of contacts.

Argus Vice President Business Development, Oliver Hatfield, reported on trends in the global fertilizer market and global demand dynamics. Besides macroeconomic analysis, Mr. Hatfield presented an overview of the markets for ammonia, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus fertilizers. Among the trends in the global market, the expert noted a sharp increase in prices for finished fertilizers and raw materials after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tatiana Grebennikova, Head of Marketing Department at EuroChem Trading Rus, reported on the impact of global climate change on mineral nutrition technologies. In her speech, she examined in detail the consequences of climate change for the agricultural sector and its adaptation using the example of Georgia.

“Mineral fertilizers can help to increase the sustainability of agricultural activities amid climate change,” concluded Tatiana Grebennikova.

Timur Mukhamedzhanov, Director of Uzkimyoimpeks, spoke on the development of the export potential of the chemical industry in Uzbekistan. Mr. Mukhamedzhanov explained the state of the industry in the country and noted that the current state policy is aimed at developing new chemical projects, including those implemented in cooperation with large international companies.

Evgeny Krishtalev, the Senior Analyst at Argus, spoke about the logistics of transportation of mineral fertilizers in the Caspian Sea — Black Sea transport corridor. Evgeny Krishtalev, particularly, highlighted the issues of competition of routes and tariffs, and the specifics of transportation in the Azerbaijan-Georgia corridor and the Volga-Don shipping canal.

On the second day of the conference, the participants visited the multifunctional sea terminal Pace in the port of Poti and the new terminal for transshipment of mineral fertilizers Wondernet Express Investment Group in Batumi.