(Dave Bedard photo)

Canpotex sees terminal expansion decision late next year

Winnipeg | Reuters — The new chief executive of Canpotex expects the Canadian potash trader to decide around late 2016 where to expand West Coast terminal capacity, a move that could give it a faster route to Chinese buyers in a highly competitive market. Options include building a $775 million terminal at Prince Rupert, B.C., […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Agrium)

Sask. seeks price protection in altering potash taxes

Winnipeg | Reuters –– Potash-rich Saskatchewan hopes to revise its taxes on production of the crop fertilizer to avoid big revenue drops in years when prices sag, the Canadian province’s economy minister said Friday. Saskatchewan, home to mines operated by PotashCorp, Mosaic Co. and Agrium, is conducting its first full review in 10 years of […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Agrium bucks fertilizer sector trend with Q3 profit

Reuters — Canadian fertilizer and farm retail dealer Agrium on Thursday reported quarterly profit jumped nearly nine per cent, as higher sales volumes and lower costs helped it buck the sector’s trend of weaker earnings. Weaker currencies in fertilizer-buying markets such as Brazil and India are weighing down prices, leading rivals PotashCorp and Mosaic Co. […] Read more

Mosaic’s mine shaft tower from its K3 facility in southern Sask. Photo: Greg Berg

Mosaic sees sliding fertilizer sales; cost-cutting boosts profit

Fertilizer sales look to slide through the rest of the year, U.S. producer Mosaic Co. said on Tuesday, as greater shipments into key markets by rivals in Belarus and China boost competition. The world’s largest producer of finished phosphate products reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by cost-cutting. Fertilizer prices have fallen as the strong […] Read more

Mosaic’s potash facility at Esterhazy, Sask. (Greg Berg photo)

Mosaic lays off staff at Sask. potash mine

Reuters — U.S. fertilizer company Mosaic Co. has laid off 46 unionized workers, or eight per cent of the workforce, at its Colonsay, Sask. potash mine, the company said Friday, as producers struggle with weak demand. Potash prices have fallen in the past year due to excessive mining capacity and reduced demand in key markets. […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Agrium)

Slowdown in sales softens fertilizer market

CNS Canada — A lack of buying throughout North and South America has put fertilizer prices under pressure, but so far, no one is lining up to capitalize on the weakness, according to an industry watcher. “Farmers aren’t in the mood to buy fall fertilizer. I think they’re more uncertain this year than they normally […] Read more

(K-plus-S.com)

PotashCorp withdraws takeover bid for K+S

New York/Frankfurt | Reuters –– PotashCorp said Monday it had withdrawn its 7.9 billion euro (C$11.6 billion) offer for German potash producer K+S, citing a decline in global commodity and equity markets and a lack of engagement by K+S management. K+S shares dropped 24 per cent after Potash announced its decision in a statement, wiping […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Mosaic cuts potash output as demand slumps

Reuters — U.S. fertilizer company Mosaic Co. said Monday it would cut potash production and maintain its reduced phosphate output pace, lowering its outlook for sales. Delayed fertilizer purchases in Brazil and North America have weakened markets, along with volatile currency and equity markets and lower crop prices, Mosaic said in a statement after markets […] Read more


(Dave Bedard photo)

PotashCorp says not actively discussing K+S takeover

Reuters — PotashCorp is not actively discussing its takeover proposal with Germany’s K+S, but remains interested in a combination of fertilizer producers that would aid North American potash sales and offer new access to Europe, CEO Jochen Tilk said Wednesday. PotashCorp’s standing offer of 7.9 billion euros (C$11.75 billion) or 41 euros per share is […] Read more

(K-plus-S.com)

K+S rejects PotashCorp offer, promises on German mines

Frankfurt | Reuters — German salt and fertilizer company K+S AG once again rejected PotashCorp’s takeover offer Friday, saying the Canadian company’s assurances about maintaining jobs and mine sites in Germany were unreliable. Saskatoon-based PotashCorp sent an unsolicited letter to K+S’s management and supervisory boards, K+S said in a statement. The letter included a proposal […] Read more