Nature loss

Bunge’s new bond brings investors EUDR compliance risks

Written by Josephine Richardson

Download full paper (0.4mb)

Bunge Global SA (BG), a global commodity trader with critical exposure to soy and palm oil deforestation risk, priced a USD600mn 5-year bond on 17 August 2026. With the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) due to come into force for large companies at the end of this year, the issuance raises timely questions about Bunge’s preparedness and the risks now sitting with bondholders.

Bunge reports 96.9% of its South American soy from priority regions as Deforestation and Conversion Free — but EUDR applies to all regions, meaning the gaps may still be financially material. Its annual report language potentially weakens the picture further, stating only that the company has “begun evaluating implementation efforts” needed for full compliance — leaving investors with limited visibility ahead of year-end.

The bond’s prospectus contains no specific deforestation risk disclosure. The book cover of 2.42x was below the recent market average of 3.32x — potentially consistent with reduced investor appetite. Peer issuer ADM, fifth on Trase’s Brazilian soy deforestation rankings, saw its 5y bond widen 2.5bps since pricing in early August, against less than 1bp of CDX IG movement.

AFII’s Bond Horizon tool flagged Bunge ahead of this issuance, illustrating how investors can time engagement with primary market activity to request better disclosure before new capital is committed.

About the author

Josephine Richardson

Josephine Richardson

Managing Director, Head of Research

Based in London, Jo leads AFII’s research and a global team supporting fixed income investors as they align their portfolios with climate and sustainability goals. She joined AFII after 18 years in fixed income markets at JPMorgan.

Before you sign up

By completing this form, you agree to AFII sharing information that we think you may be interested in, including our insights on climate transition. See our Data Protection Policy for more information about how we collect and use your personal data, and any rights you may have in relation to your personal data. You may opt out from our distribution list at any time.