Herbicides China Monthly Report

Market analysis

In February 2026, herbicide raw material markets continued their divergent pattern, with product prices dominated by their respective supply and demand fundamentals and exhibiting significant differences in trends.

The domestic herbicide market showed stable divergence. Influenced by supply and demand, export policies, and stockpiling preparations, glyphosate edged down, butachlor led the gains, while clethodim and others continued to correct.

On 11 February, 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a technical report on diflufenican, imposing restrictions on its renewal, pointing out excessive metabolites and high risks to aquatic organisms. Fluorine-containing products face PFAS-related reviews, sounding an alarm for Chinese exporters regarding compliance.

Corporate developments

Global agricultural technology leader Syngenta Group is progressing with plans for a Hong Kong listing in 2026, potentially raising up to USD10 billion. The IPO aims to optimise its capital structure, reduce debt, and fund R&D while strategically adjusting its shareholder base. If successful, it would be Hong Kong's largest listing since 2019.

On 11 February, Jiangxi's Department of Ecology and Environment announced proposed acceptance of the environmental impact report for Jiangxi Tianyu's flexible production project for 1,200 t/a MCPP‑P and other herbicides.

Policy

On 6 February, 2026, MARA issued implementation guidelines to advance the central authorities' directives on agricultural modernisation and rural revitalisation.

Registration

On 30 January 2026, the first batch of pesticide products proposed for registration was announced, including 149 herbicides. Propanil led in application volume, with three single‑formulation and eight mixed‑formulation submissions.

In this monthly report, the USD/CNY exchange rate is USD1.00=RMB6.9695 (Source: The People's Bank of China, 2 February, 2026). All prices include VAT unless otherwise stated. Export goods are valued at FOB prices. Paraquat is subject to a 9% VAT, while diquat, glufosinate, and glyphosate are subject to a 13% VAT.