OSTCHEM plants produced 850,000 tons of mineral fertilizers in 1H2025

Production decreased by 7.5% y/y

In January-June 2025, the OSTCHEM nitrogen holding (part of Group DF) reduced its production of mineral fertilizers by 7.3% compared to the same period in 2024, to 849,900 tons. This was reported to GMK Center by the press service of Group DF.

Cherkasy Azot produced 567.1 thousand tons (-21% y/y) of products in the first half of the year, while Rivneazot produced 282.7 thousand tons (+40.9% y/y).

The overall decline in production is due to forced equipment shutdowns at Cherkasy Azot in the first quarter of 2025, as well as unstable energy supplies. During this period, the holding quickly redistributed production loads between plants, increasing fertilizer output at Rivneazot.

«Our priority remains the stable supply of fertilizers to Ukrainian farmers, even in the most difficult times. The success of spring and autumn field work depends on this. In wartime conditions, technological flexibility, adaptability, and non-standard management decisions are paramount for us as a manufacturer. In addition, we continue to invest in production stability and energy efficiency,» said OSTCHEM Production Director Serhii Pavliuchuk.

In the first half of the year, ammonium nitrate was the most produced product, with 355,700 tons. Last year, this figure was 362,900 tons. UAN came in second place, with a production volume of 308,900 tons. In this segment, the share of Ukrainian production remains high due to the logistical advantages of Ukrainian manufacturers. Next is urea – 138,300 tons (183,600 tons last year). A small share of production is accounted for by VAS – 16,200 tons, and ammonia – 22,600 tons.

Against the backdrop of declining domestic production, the flow of uncontrolled cheap imports into Ukraine continues to grow. In the first half of the year, 1.5 million tons of traditional fertilizers (nitrogen and complex) were imported into Ukraine, of which 828 thousand tons were nitrogen fertilizers. At the same time, imports of ammonium nitrate amounted to 190 thousand tons (176.6 thousand tons last year), urea – 379.6 thousand tons (311.3 thousand tons), and UAN – 61.49 thousand tons (50.8 thousand tons).

“For the first time, the volume of urea imports more than doubled the volume of Ukrainian production, which is an alarming signal for the entire industry and requires systemic solutions,” the company concludes.

As a reminder, OSTCHEM plants reduced fertilizer production by 13% y/y in 2024. Cherkasy Azot produced 1.4 million tons of mineral fertilizers (+0% y/y) during the period, while Rivneazot produced 407,000 tons (-22% y/y).

OSTCHEM is a nitrogen holding company of Group DF, which unites the largest producers of mineral fertilizers in Ukraine. It includes Rivneazot, Cherkasy Azot, as well as Severodonetsk Azot and Stirol (which are not operating and are located in the occupied territories).