Vietnam’s fertilizer and pesticide imports, especially from China, rose sharply in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year, according to a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development report. SEE MORE Oil prices fell on Wednesday, halting a run of eight straight days of gains on signs that a persistent rise in U.S. crude production is running out of steam. SEE MORE Oil prices have fallen by about 10 dollars a barrel since mid-April, a decline of some 20 percent that qualifies as a bear market. The technicals for oil prices are bearish, showing a trend of lower highs and lower lows, and prices well below critical moving averages. But oil producers and analysts are looking at the wrong fundamental data to explain what triggered the move lower -- and what will continue to drive oil prices in the near term. SEE MORE Following talks in Brussels on Tuesday, the next negotiating session on EU carbon market reforms is likely to take place on or close to July 10, a well-placed EU source said late Tuesday. SEE MORE Prices across the fertilizer complex remain soft as June ends, with little indication July will be much different. Growers should continue to press for the best deals in what is a buyers’ market. SEE MORE