Friday’s Insider: Can fertilizer industry be considered a competitive sport?

The fertilizer industry is not just a business; it’s a competitive sport. And as in every sport, there are some rules. Every participant, whether it is a producer, trader, importer, or receiver, finds itself in a constant contest. Producers compete with each other to secure their share of the market. Traders battle to win over producers and importers, while importers race to lock in better deals and attract the trust of their local receivers. Every day brings a new challenge, a fresh opportunity to stay ahead.

But is this competition fair? The answer is complex. There are times when the game is played above the board, guided by market dynamics and professionalism. Yet, there are moments when the lines blur-cases of blackmail, bribery, kickbacks, and even internal investigations have surfaced. These darker episodes remind us that the stakes are high and not everyone plays by the same rules.

Despite this, I find immense enjoyment in competing. For me, it’s not just about the financial rewards — it’s about the thrill of the game. Each successful deal, from negotiation to execution, feels like winning a prize. And the bigger the contracted volumes, the higher the stakes. This is where the real intensity lies. Large deals demand sharper strategies, quicker thinking, and greater resilience, making every win even more satisfying.

Competition, however, isn’t always clean. Rival traders may try to undermine you with rumors or negative talk. Strangely enough, I view this as a compliment — it means I’m doing something right. When competitors feel the need to talk behind your back, it’s often because they see you as a threat. Instead of retaliating, I focus on what matters most: closing the deal. Success is the best answer to criticism. No amount of gossip can overshadow the results of hard work and professionalism.

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This mindset has shaped my approach to the fertilizer business. I believe in outperforming, not undermining. When you consistently deliver results, your actions speak louder than any words. The rivalry may be intense, but the true satisfaction lies in being better—better than your competitors, better than the challenges you face, and better than you were yesterday.

Ultimately, the fertilizer industry is as much about character as it is about contracts. It’s a game where every player has a choice: to build or break, compete with integrity or cut corners. For me, the choice is clear. The joy of this industry lies not just in winning but in winning the right way.

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About the Author of “Friday’s Insider”: Ilya Motorygin is the co-founder of GG-Trading and brings 30 years of experience to the fertilizer industry. Renowned for his comprehensive problem-solving skills, Ilya expertly manages deals from inception to completion, overseeing aspects such as financing, supply chains, and logistics.