Summary
As spring plowing preparations enter a critical phase across China, the agricultural inputs market has entered a peak stocking period. In February, China’s herbicide market showed significant divergence, with 18 out of 28 major varieties experiencing month-on-month price declines. Butachlor led the gains, while glyphosate edged down. On the corporate front, Syngenta Group is advancing its Hong Kong IPO, Lier Chemical is accelerating its glufosinate-P expansion, and isoxafenacil received its first domestic registration. Amid complex market conditions, real-time price query and registration information tools have become essential for procurement decisions.
As spring plowing preparations move into a critical stocking phase from south to north, the agricultural inputs market has entered its seasonal peak. This month, the domestic pesticide and fertilizer market has shown a trend of stable divergence. While downstream stockpiling activity has picked up, price trends vary significantly across different products.
According to the latest market monitoring data, China’s herbicide market remained generally stable in February 2026, but with pronounced structural adjustments. Among the 28 major herbicide varieties monitored, prices of 3 products rose month-on-month, 7 remained flat, and 18 declined, indicating intensified market competition and significant price divergence.
In terms of specific product categories, market activity has been concentrated in the following areas
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Glyphosate: As a market bellwether, glyphosate technical continued to reflect a pattern of “export restocking alongside domestic caution” this month. Domestic demand recovery remained slow, with downstream buyers maintaining a cautious approach, leading to a 0.08% month-on-month decline in ex-works prices.
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Butachlor: Among amide herbicides, butachlor stood out. Benefiting from stable supply and recovering demand, its ex-works price rose 4.85% month-on-month, making it one of the best-performing products this month.
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Glufosinate-P: As a market hotspot, glufosinate-P continues to attract significant attention. Major producers like Lier Chemical are accelerating overseas registration and market development, with expectations of sustained demand growth. However, due to the gradual release of domestic supply and short-term impacts from export tax rebate policy adjustments, ex-works prices of glufosinate-ammonium technical edged down 0.26% month-on-month.
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Fertilizers and Fungicides: Although the report focuses primarily on herbicides, demand for basic fertilizers such as phosphate fertilizers is closely watched during the spring plowing season. Meanwhile, as temperatures rise and field management intensifies, demand for fungicides like azoxystrobin is also beginning to gradually pick up, with increasing market activity.
On the corporate front, major industry players are making significant moves, signaling a new round of competition and consolidation
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Syngenta Group is advancing its planned Hong Kong listing in 2026, aiming to optimize its capital structure and support R&D investments and global expansion.
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Lier Chemical continues to strengthen its position in the glufosinate-P sector, having commissioned a 20,000 t/a enzyme-based glufosinate-P project in Jinshi, Hunan, while also planning a further expansion to 70,000 t/a to solidify its market leadership.
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New products and technologies are emerging: Jiangsu Pilarquim launched China’s first registered penoxsulam·butachlor microcapsule suspension-suspension (ZC) formulation, offering an innovative pre-emergence solution for rice fields. Meanwhile, Nantong Jiangshan obtained the first domestic registration for isoxafenacil, a novel herbicide with a unique mode of action that provides a new tool for managing resistant weeds.
In summary, the current spring plowing market presents a complex picture: while some products show price stability or modest increases due to demand support, many others face downward pressure amid intense competition. For agrochemical distributors, purchasers, and large-scale growers, the ability to accurately grasp market trends and access real-time, precise pricing information has become critical for gaining an edge and controlling costs during the spring plowing season.
To help you navigate these challenges with ease, we highly recommend the Pesticide Registration & Price Tool. This tool integrates a real-time updated product price database with comprehensive pesticide registration information. With just one click, you can quickly access the latest ex-works, port, and export prices for popular products such as glyphosate and glufosinate-P, as well as stay updated on the latest registration developments, enabling more informed and timely procurement decisions.
Data source: CCM’s Herbicides China Monthly Report 202602
About CCM
CCM is the leading market intelligence provider for China's agriculture, chemicals, food & feed and life science industries. Founded in 2001, CCM provides price monitoring, trade analysis and customized market research. CCM also offers advertising and promotional services for food ingredient and sweetener suppliers, helping companies enhance visibility and connect with targeted global buyers.
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