Sumitomo Chemical's Health & Crop Sciences sales up16% in H1 FY 2013

Sumitomo Chemical’s Health & Crop Sciences section sales increased by ¥19.7 billion to ¥139.5 billion ($1,427 million at the rate of ¥97.75= $1) for the first six months ended Sep 30, 2013 compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year, and operating income grew by ¥ 3.8 billion to ¥11.6 billion($118.4 million at the rate of ¥97.75= $1) in the first half year. Health & Crop Sciences segment includes crop protection chemicals, fertilizers, feed additives, household and public hygiene insecticides, and active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates.

In the area of crop protection chemicals, shipments of herbicides and other products rose in overseas markets due to increased production capacity and expanded sales. Market prices of the feed additive methionine declined. The correction of the yen’s appreciation had a positive effect on sales from overseas subsidiaries in yen terms.