The fertilizer industry was heavily challenged in 2016. It was confronted with uneven global nutrient demand, soft economic prospects, depressed crop prices, rising market competition and volatile energy prices. This combination created high uncertainty in fertilizer markets throughout the year. SEE MORE Following a firm increase in 2016/17, world demand is anticipated to grow modestly in 2017/18 Owing to favourable weather following an exceptionally strong El Nino event and prospects for improving returns from farming in countries with supportive exchange rates SEE MORE Zinc prices have been on the rebound since the beginning of June, supported by mine supply worries and declining global inventories. SEE MORE China is "concerned" by Washington's probe into aluminum imports from the world's top producer of the metal on national security grounds, China's Commerce Ministry said on Thursday, as the two economies' 100-day trade talks continue. SEE MORE Oil futures rose Wednesday, with NYMEX August crude up 50 cents to $44.74/b as traders focused on a weekly decline in US production estimates and data showing fewer crude imports coming from Saudi Arabia this month. SEE MORE