<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This Schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated statement of financial position of Terra Industries Inc. as of
September 30, 2000 and the related consolidated statement of income for the
three months then ended.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 14,970
<SECURITIES> 86,946
<RECEIVABLES> 119,627
<ALLOWANCES> (443)
<INVENTORY> 92,865
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 335,598
<PP&E> 1,294,672
<DEPRECIATION> (375,414)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,547,616
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 150,526
<BONDS> 469,101
0
0
<COMMON> 127,890
<OTHER-SE> 477,950
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,547,616
<SALES> 734,559
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 742,530
<CGS> 679,086
<TOTAL-COSTS> 679,086
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 44,664
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 36,594
<INCOME-PRETAX> (17,814)
<INCOME-TAX> 3,563
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (14,251)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (14,251)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.19)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.19)
</TABLE>