Syngenta grows profits despite lower sales as pivot to premium technologies pays off

Syngenta Group increased first-half 2026 profitability despite a 2% drop in sales, driven by a strategic pivot away from low-margin activities toward premium crop protection technologies, biologicals, and AI-powered agriculture. The company’s EBITDA rose 2% to $2.4bn with improved margins, supported by growth in proprietary technologies and digital platforms like CROPWISE® AI. Significant gains were seen in markets such as China and Brazil, while ongoing portfolio reshaping further reduced exposure to less profitable segments. Under new CEO Hengde Qin, Syngenta is prioritizing profitability over volume through innovation, digitalization, and cost discipline.