Sinochem Corp, the country's leading chemicals trader, was in preliminary talks with Nufarm for a possible takeover, marking the second attempt by a Chinese company to buy Australia's biggest farm chemicals supplier in two years.

"Sinochem and Nufarm are in early stage discussions regarding a potential acquisition of Nufarm. These discussions are incomplete and there is absolutely no certainty that matters will progress," the Beijing-based Sinochem said in a statement on Sunday.

"This is one of a range of potential growth opportunities that Sinochem is currently exploring," the company stated.