Nutrien expects to proactively take up to 8-week inventory shutdowns at its Allan, Lanigan and Vanscoy potash mines during the fourth quarter of 2019. The production downtime is in response to a short-term slowdown in global potash markets. If all three potash facilities were to remain idled for the full 8 weeks, potash production could be reduced by approximately 700,000 tonnes and potash annual EBITDA could be reduced by US$100-$150 million.
Despite the current short-term market conditions, the company remains positive on potash demand for 2020, as well as the medium to long-term potash fundamentals. They remain focused on a gradual ramp up of production to meet demand.