OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has assigned Russia-based OJSC EuroChem Mineral and Chemical Company ("EuroChem") an Issuer Default "BB-" (BB minus) rating and a Short-term "B" rating. The Outlook on the Issuer Default rating is Stable.

"The ratings reflect EuroChem's leading position in the Russian fertiliser market, conservative financial policy and strong financial profile," says Angelina Valavina, Director of Fitch's Industrials team.

The Stable Outlook reflects Fitch's expectations that the world fertiliser industry will continue to develop favourably and that the company will be able to maintain its solid credit profile despite anticipated large investments and rising costs.