Dmitry Osipov, Chief Executive Officer of URALCHEM commented: “Compared to the 4^th quarter of 2008, when we saw a steep decline in the demand for mineral fertilizers and a drop in production, the results of the 1^st quarter of 2009 demonstrate positive dynamics; the marketable products output grew by 28%. Even under the ongoing conditions of economic crisis, by the end of the 1^st quarter of 2009 URALCHEM was able to provide for the production facilities to be working at full capacity. In the 1^st quarter of 2009 the decrease in the production volume amounted to 9% compared to the same period in 2008. Meanwhile, the increase in production of nitrogen fertilizers, which form the Company’s key product line, amounted to 12%. As to phosphate fertilizers, the decrease in production in the 1^st quarter of 2009 was due to the difficulties with purchases of apatite concentrate, the key phosphorus containing raw material”.