Syngenta H1 2026 sales fall 2% to $12.2B as China grain trading cuts weigh on revenue

Syngenta Group reported $12.2 billion in sales for the first half of 2026, down 2% year over year and 7% at constant exchange rates, as the company reduced its low-margin grain trading business in China. Despite lower revenue, EBITDA increased 2% to $2.4 billion, lifting the group’s EBITDA margin to 19.5% from 18.6% a year earlier. The company said margins expanded across all business units as it focused on higher-quality earnings, cost discipline and core businesses.

Second-quarter sales fell 7% to $5.7 billion, while EBITDA declined 2% on a reported basis but increased 4% at constant exchange rates. Syngenta Crop Protection was the strongest contributor to group sales growth, with first-half revenue rising 4% to $6.6 billion. China sales increased 20%, Brazil grew 7% and Europe rose 8%, while Latin America declined 11% amid pricing pressure, elevated channel inventories and destocking. Syngenta Seeds sales increased 1% to $2.5 billion, supported by strong growth in Brazil, Europe and Asia, while ADAMA sales were flat at $2.1 billion as higher volumes and a more streamlined product mix helped improve profitability.

Syngenta Group China remained a drag on consolidated revenue, with sales falling 15% to $2.5 billion as the company continued to reduce low-margin grain trading and optimize its MAP business. The business also no longer includes Sinofert following the transfer of ownership to Sinochem Holdings at the end of 2025. At the same time, Syngenta continued to expand its technology pipeline, securing almost 900 registrations, re-registrations and label extensions during the first half and integrating AI capabilities into its CROPWISE digital platform. Hengde Qin, who became CEO on Aug. 1, is leading the group as it seeks to accelerate innovation and digital capabilities while maintaining profitability in a volatile market environment.