RNS Number:4793K
Syngenta AG 
29 April 2003


Media Release - Communique aux Medias - Medienmitteilung


First Quarter Trading Statement 2003



Basel, Switzerland, April 29, 2003

Sales in the first quarter of 2003 increased by 8% to $2 billion (2002: $1.84
billion), reflecting a positive impact from the further weakening of the dollar.
At constant exchange rates sales were 1% lower.

In Crop Protection, sales at constant exchange rates were 2% lower. Regional
performance for Europe, Africa and the Middle East was affected by competition
in fungicides in France, while performance in Germany was stable. In NAFTA,
sales advanced in both Canada and the USA, with notable progress across all
product lines except non-selective herbicides. In Latin America there was a
marked recovery in Brazil and ongoing growth in Argentina. Asian sales were
impacted by a decline in South Korea.

Growth in new products contributed $116 million to sales, driven by
CALLISTO(R), which tripled, reflecting the success of new combinations and
underpinning performance in the US selective herbicide market. In insecticides,
ACTARA(R) and CRUISER(R) also registered strong progress. Range
rationalization resulted in a negative sales impact of $20 million.

Seeds sales rose by 3% at constant exchange rates. Corn sales in the USA
benefited from early spring shipments. Vegetables continued their strong growth
in Europe and Flowers performed well in both NAFTA and Europe due to
distribution chain improvements and new products.

For the full year sales are expected to benefit from ongoing recovery in Brazil
and Argentina, as well as growth in new products. Cash flow generation will
remain strong with improved business performance delivering increased EBITDA and
significant earnings per share growth, notwithstanding the constraining effects
of currency movements on the EBITDA margin.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2002 were approximately US $6.2 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in
over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in
London (SYA), New York (SYT) and Stockholm (SYN). Further information is
available at www.syngenta.com


Analyst/Investor Enquiries:   Jonathan Seabrook (Switzerland)    +41 61 323 7502
                              Jennifer Gough (Switzerland)       +41 61 323 5059
                              Rhonda Chiger (USA)             + 1 (917) 322 2569
Media Enquiries:              O'Patrick Wilson (Switzerland)     +41 61 323 2323
                              Judith Auchard (UK)            +44 (0) 1483 260184
                              Lori Captain (USA)              + 1 (302) 425 2121

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by
terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', '
prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such
statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's
publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results,
changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form
part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any
offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or
Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefore.






Unaudited First Quarter Product Line and Regional Sales

Syngenta                                              1st Quarter      1st Quarter    Actual(1)       CER(1)
                                                             2003             2002            %            %
                                                               $m               $m
Crop Protection                                              1570             1472          + 7          - 2
Seeds                                                         429              372         + 15          + 3
Total                                                        1999             1844          + 8          - 1

Crop Protection
Product line
Selective herbicides                                          565              534          + 6          - 2
Non-selective herbicides                                      146              151          - 3          - 9
Fungicides                                                    424              398          + 7          - 6
Insecticides                                                  218              194         + 12          + 4
Professional products                                         169              150         + 12          + 7
Others                                                         48               45          + 6         - 13
Total                                                        1570             1472          + 7          - 2
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East                                670              609         + 10          - 8
NAFTA                                                         562              547          + 3          + 2
Latin America                                                 110               96         + 15         + 15
Asia Pacific                                                  228              220          + 4          - 5
Total                                                        1570             1472          + 7          - 2

Seeds
Product line
Field Crops                                                   274              240         + 14          + 2
Vegetables and Flowers                                        155              132         + 18          + 6
Total                                                         429              372         + 15          + 3
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East                                244              197         + 24          + 2
NAFTA                                                         171              157          + 9          + 9
Latin America                                                   2                6         - 72         - 72
Asia Pacific                                                   12               12          + 2          - 7
Total                                                         429              372         + 15          + 3



(1)  CER = constant exchange rate. Product line variances take into account
minor reclassifications made in 2003.


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