Syngenta Group reported a robust first-half 2026 performance, with group sales at $12.2 billion, down 2% year-on-year (-7% at constant exchange rates). Despite the revenue decline, the agricultural technology company strengthened profitability, posting an EBITDA of $2.4 billion, up 2% (+3% CER) versus the prior year.

The results reflect a strategic shift toward higher-quality earnings as the company continues to restructure its business portfolio. Syngenta Group’s EBITDA margin improved by 0.9 percentage points to 19.5% for the first half, driven by a focus on higher-margin businesses, innovation, and AI leadership. This margin expansion occurred across all business units, underscoring the effectiveness of disciplined cost management amid a volatile macroeconomic environment.

What the Numbers Show

A key divergence in the data is the contrast between top-line contraction and bottom-line growth. While group sales fell 7% on a constant exchange rate basis due to the reduction of low-margin grain trading businesses in China, EBITDA grew 3% on the same basis. This indicates that the restructuring activities are successfully shedding lower-margin volume to improve overall profitability, rather than simply reflecting weaker demand or pricing pressure.

Segment Performance

Syngenta Crop Protection, the largest segment, delivered sales of $6.6 billion, up 4% year-on-year (-1% CER). Growth was driven by strong demand for branded formulations and innovative technologies such as PLINAZOLIN, ADEPIDYN, and TYMIRIUM. The segment secured nearly 900 new registrations, re-registrations, and label extensions in the first half.

Syngenta Seeds reported sales of $2.5 billion, up 1% year-on-year (-3% CER). Field crops showed broad-based momentum, with Brazil leading growth at 18%. However, North America saw a 13% decline due to restructuring activities and decreased planted corn acres in the US.

ADAMA, the post-patent active ingredients supplier, posted flat sales of $2.1 billion year-on-year (-3% CER). Gross profit and margin improved through higher volumes and a streamlined product mix, despite continued pricing pressure in most regions.

Syngenta Group China recorded sales of $2.5 billion, down 15% year-on-year (-20% CER). This decline was primarily impacted by the ongoing targeted reduction of low-margin grain trading and the optimization of the MAP business. Notably, Sinofert is no longer consolidated as of January 2026 following the transfer of its equity stake to Sinochem Hong Kong.

Financial Highlights

For the second quarter of 2026, sales were $5.7 billion, down 7% compared to the prior year (-10% CER). Q2 EBITDA was $1.0 billion, down 2% in reported terms but up 4% at constant exchange rates.

The company continues to scale AI capabilities for operational leadership, integrating CROPWISE AI into its digital platform to provide growers with AI-powered features. Under new CEO Hengde Qin, who took over on August 1, 2026, Syngenta remains focused on accelerating innovation delivery and sustaining profitable growth.