As a result of the announcement made by Russian Uralkali that it would exit the BPC sales organisation operated jointly with Belarussian Belaruskali and related statements on the part of Uralkali concerning the expansion of output, significant uncertainty about the future volume- and price development in the market for potash fertilizer has occured.

Against this background and following the principle of prudence, we no longer stick to our outlook for 2013 to slightly increase the operating earnings EBIT I compared to 2012 (€ 804.1 million). It is probable that the expected increase in earnings of the Salt business unit will not be sufficient to compensate for the decrease in earnings of the Potash- and Magnesium Products business unit.

Also the prospects stated in the financial report 2012 of a further slight increase in earnings for 2014 are potentially no longer achievable.

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