Belarus Potash Co. (BPC) and China’s CNAMPGC have signed a Memorandum on Cooperation (MoC) for container shipments of more than 500,000 mt of potash to China in 2019-2023, BPC said on its website. The Belarus supplier said the memorandum is “a sizeable addition” to the previously signed five-year MoC for potash deliveries inked between the two companies. The two parties launched a test period for potash container deliveries in January. No details on price or terms were provided in BPC’s statement. Some 10 percent of the Belarusian company’s potash exports were shipped in containers last year.

K+S Group, Kassel, reported a 14 percent increase in first-quarter EBITDA of €269.9 million on revenues of €1.26 billion, up from the year-ago €236.8 million and €1.17 billion, respectively. The EBITDA result beat analysts’ estimates of €268.3 million (six estimates), according to Bloomberg data. Sales were up 8 percent and also came in higher than analysts’ expectations for €1.27 billion (five estimates). K+S has maintained its full-year EBITDA guidance in the range €700 million to €850 million (2018: €606 million) on a favorable market in the Agriculture customer segment and higher production volume at Bethune, Saskatchewan.

Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL), Tel Aviv, reported first-quarter net income attributable to shareholders of $139 million ($0.11 per diluted share) on sales of $1.42 billion, sharply down from the year-ago $928 million ($0.73 per diluted share) and $1.40 billion, respectively. However, net income adjusted for non-recurring costs was $150 million ($0.12 per diluted share), versus the year-earlier $106 million. Potash sales volumes (including internal sales) were down 8 percent, at 1.014 million mt from 1.106 million mt.

Three workers were killed in an explosion at OJSC Uralchem’s Azot branch in Berezniki in Russia’s Perm region this morning (Moscow time). A fourth worker has been hospitalised. The incident occurred during repair work at an ammonia unit at the site, the Interfax news outlet reported, citing the Emergency Situations’ regional department. Uralchem has confirmed the incident has not affected operations at the site and an investigation has been launched.