Syngenta Group reports modest Q1 2026 growth as margins expand through innovation

Syngenta Group reported a 2% year-on-year increase in first-quarter 2026 sales to USD 6.4 billion and a 5% rise in EBITDA to USD 1.4 billion, reflecting a continued shift toward higher-margin, innovation-led products. However, sales declined 4% at constant exchange rates due to currency headwinds and a challenging global market environment with geopolitical uncertainty and trade disruptions. The group’s EBITDA margin improved to 21.9%, up from 21.4% a year earlier, supported by cost discipline and operational efficiencies.

The crop protection division led growth, with sales rising 3% to USD 3.5 billion, driven by strong demand in China and Europe, especially for biological products and new technologies. The seeds business achieved a 7% increase in sales to USD 1.5 billion, supported by strong results in Latin America and Asia, while North America declined due to restructuring. ADAMA posted a 4% increase in sales to USD 1.0 billion, benefiting from gains in North America and Europe despite ongoing pressure in China. Syngenta Group China reported flat sales of USD 1.5 billion, but underlying growth reached 11% after adjusting for the exit from its grain trading business.

The company reported continued progress in scaling artificial intelligence across product development, agronomy, and commercial operations, along with strong adoption of next-generation crop protection technologies and biologicals. Nearly 350 product approvals were secured during the quarter, as Syngenta expanded its innovation pipeline and reinforced its commitment to delivering higher yields with lower environmental impact.