growing past, strong present, ambitious future
DESCRIPTION
China and International Agrochemical Trade, 10 Products and its Producers.TRANSCRIPT
Chinese Crop proteCtion
GrowinG past, stronG present, ambitious Future.
Presented by
2 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION
h aving undergone ups and downs over the past
60 years, our agrochemical industry has grown
from nearly scratch to an integrated industry
with research and development raw material
and intermediate production, active ingredient production,
and formulation & processing. The industry has become
an important buttress for increasing crop yields, helping
assure the bumper harvests we have come to expect from
China’s agriculture.
Before 2000, the product-
market structure in China’s
agrochemical industry was
characterized by the phrase
“three-70%.” Insecticides ac-
counted for 70% of the total
output, organophosphorus
insecticide accounted for 70%
of total insecticide output, and
products considered highly
toxic accounted for 70% of to-
tal organophosphorus insecticide output. However, this situ-
ation has become a thing of the past. First, the ratio among
insecticides, fungicides and herbicides was 90%-3%-3% in
1949. This ratio adjusted to 70%-11%-15% by 1995, and now
stands at 44%-13%-42%”.
Second, through gradual elimination of organochlorine
pesticides and highly toxic organophosphorus insecticides,
the product structure has been more and more environ-
mentally friendly. The output of highly toxic products has
declined from 50% to 5% of total production. At the same
time, output of new environmentally friendly products has
increased significantly.
New pesticide development has been a key industrial pro-
gram, supported during the Ninth Five Year Plan, Tenth Five
Year Plan, and Eleventh Five Year Plan. Further stimulated by
the amendment of domestic patent rules in 1993, intended
to offer greater protection to intellectual property, R&D of
pesticides has entered into an even more fruitful period. Since
2003, there have been 30 new compounds developed by
Chinese industry.
Increasing public concern with respect to issues such as
food security, demand for biofuels, environmental protec-
tion, biological diversity, and food safety have presented
us with a challenge of making new progress in agrochemi-
cal production, application, and management. Therefore,
as an institution serving Chinese agrochemical producers,
CCPIA will give full emphasis to the role of standardizing
the standards and practices of our members, promoting
industry consolidation, safeguarding market order, stepping
up collaboration with overseas associations and companies,
all to forge a more and more glorious image for China’s
agrochemical industry on the international stage. ●
DevoteD to a SuStainable Crop proteCtion industry
luo HaizHang
Welcome Editorial from CCPIA Chairman Mr. Luo Haizhang............................ 2
China and International Agrochemical Trade............ 3 Industry Timeline............................................................. 4
Products and Producers Glyphosate: Repositioning After a Sharp Correction............ 6 Paraquat: Pyridine Powerhouse.......................................... 7 Pyrethroids: Establish the Brand, Strengthen the Chains..... 8 Imidacloprid: A Rising Neonicotinoid Star............................ 8 Abamectin: A Rare Flower Among Bio-Pesticides............... 9
Chlorpyrifos: Filling the Breach After the Ban.................... 10 Chlorothalonil: A Long-Lifecycle Product.......................... 10 Mancozeb: Market Mainstay............................................. 11 Acetochlor: Star of the Second Legion............................. 12 Tebuconazole: The Rust Fighter........................................ 12
The Future of China’s Agrochemical Industry........ 13 Innovation and Stride AgrochemEx 2009 Preview......................................... 15
Praise from AgrochemEx 2008................................... 16
table oF Contents
CHINESE CROP PROTECTION 3
industry oVerView
C hinese agrochemical products can meet not
only the demands of domestic agricultural
production, but also that of export markets
around the globe. During the last 14 years,
China has become one of the largest pesticide makers and
exporters in the world.
Export volume exceeded imports of crop protection
products for the f irst time in 1994, and since then, rapid
export growth has continued. In fact, during the 14-year
period noted above, export volume increased tenfold to
485,000 tonnes in 2008, accounting for about 40% of the
industry’s total output. Export value generated by Chinese
companies occupies about one f ifteenth, or about 6.7%, of
total global agrochemical sales, making China the fourth
largest exporter of agro-
chemicals in the world.
From 2000 to 2008, ex-
port has increased rapidly,
from USD 460 million in
2000 to USD 1.04 billion
in 2008. This mainly due
to growth of herbicides
and insecticides, especially
herbicides, whose export-
ing value reached 1.23 bil-
lion, with exporting vol-
ume 277 thousand tonnes.
From 2000 to 2005, the
annual growth rate of ex-
port value is about 33.2%,
however, the export value
declined in 2006, which
means a new stage has
come since China joining WTO. In 2008, with the price
of glyphosate skyrocketing, exports of the product again
hit record highs.
The main export markets for China are Asia and
South America (Brazil and Argentina). Exports have also
grown steadily in such traditional markets as Pakistan,
Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition, with the rapid
growth of herbicide application, exports to the United
States, Japan, Western Europe, and Australia have pros-
pered in recent years. The success of the industry has not
been limited to herbicides: In 2008, Chinese agrochemi-
cal f irms exported insecticides to 146 countries, and
fungicides to 123 countries. Herbicide exports went to
128 countries. ●
China and international aGroChemiCal trade:
Fourteen years oF Spectacular export growtH
Year
Import Export
Volume (1,000 tonnes)
Value($ million)
Volume(1,000 tonnes)
Value ($ million)
1994 32 137 60.9 152
1995 34.7 160 70.8 234
2000 41.1 192 161.6 463
2001 34.7 165 190.4 541
2002 27 136 222 592
2003 28 130 274 730
2004 28 150 391 1,190
2005 37 180 428 1,400
2006 43 213 398 1,040
2007 41.4 231 477 1,350
2008 44 300 485 2,020
cHina: aGroChemiCal imports and exports, 1994-2008
4 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION
industry timeline
1949-2008
HiStory of tHe cHineSe aGroChemiCal industry
The development of the agrochemical industry in China can be characterized by three stages, corresponding to the dominant products at the time:
The sole pesticide is
copper sulfate, produced
by SYRICI, plus some
home-produced mineral-
based pesticides
First production of
DDT in China
Ban of phenyl
mercuric acetate,
ceresin and other
organic mercury
pesticides
National output reaches 200,000
tonnes, distributed among 100
active ingredients. Organochlorine
pesticides, including HCH and DDT,
account for 30% of total.
Ban of HCH,
DDT and other
organochlorine
pesticides
1949 - 1979, organochlorine pesticides;
1980 - 1999, organophosphorus pesticides;
2000 - present, environmentally friendly products.
1949 1951 1973 1979 1983
CHINESE CROP PROTECTION 5
Ban of nitrofen, chlordane,
heptachlor,tetramine,
chlorphenamidine,
fluoroacetamide, sodium
fluoroacetate, DBCP
650,000 tonnes output of
more than 200 products.
Organophosphorus insecticides
(later banned) plus DDVP account
for 30% of total volume produced.
Ban of five highly toxic
organophosphorus insecticides
(methamidophos, methyl parathion,
parathion, phosphamidon,
monocrotophos)
1,900,000 tonnes output of more than 300
varieties. Insecticides such as imidacloprid,
lambda-cyhalothrin imidachlorprid, abamectin,
and chlorpyrifos, fungicides such carbendazim,
tebuconazole, and mancozeb, and herbicides
such as glyphosate, paraquat, and butachlor
contribute the largest portion of output.
1999 2000 2007 2008
6 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION
t he first half of 2008, the
price of glyphosate in-
creased dramatically, arous-
ing strong response not
only in the pesticide market but also
socially. Within half a year, however,
the market demand shrank drastically, with price slumping
in concert. From a comprehensive perspective, the case of
the wild swings in the glyphosate market showed us all a
need for reflection and caution in this industry.
Global glyphosate production mainly centers in two
sources: China and Monsanto
in the U.S.A. At the begin-
ning of 2007, before the start
up of the market trend, the
whole scale of global gly-
phosate was about 0.5 mil-
lion tonnes, which included
around 0.3 million tonnes in
China. The main manufactur-
ers of glyphosate in China
include Zhejiang Wynca, Nan-
tong Jiangshan, Jiangsu Yan-
gnong, Anhui Huaxing, and Jiangsu Good Harvest-weien.
The market demand during this time was about 0.45 mil-
lion tons; in other words, there was a rough equilibrium of
supply and demand.
Starting in mid- 2007, glyphosate prices began to rise,
eventually increasing 300% by June 2008. Facing this rare
windfall profit opportunity, Monsanto and most Chinese
enterprises invested to expand glyphosate production, and
even more medium and small enterprises entered the gly-
phosate segment. These actions resulted in a huge increase
of glyphosate production capacity in a very short time.
According to our data, by the end of 2008 glyphosate
capacity in China rose to 0.7 million tonnes, and the re-
construction and program con-
struction on tap for 2009 would
result in 0.2 million tonnes of
additional capacity. In other
words, manufacturing capacity
for glyphosate doubled, while
increase needed to keep pace with global market require-
ments was only 10-15%. In addition, different project
implementation standards also contributed to the onset of
overcapacity in glyphosate.
Building capacity without regard to market demand and
overinvestment caused a severe imbalance in the glyphosate
market. In addition, about 50% of the new production ca-
pacity came from medium and small enterprises having no
experience with the product, and more importantly no stable
international customers. The result was intense price competi-
tion in the market. The severe demand and supply imbalance,
coupled with the global economic crisis, resulted in the sharp
market decline of glyphosate to its early 2007 price levels,
only half a year after reaching the peak in mid-2008.
From the beginning of 2009 through the present,, the
glyphosate market continues in recession with extremely
low demand. The price has constantly slipped and is now at
a record low point. Eighty percent of domestic glyphosate
enterprises are in limited production or even shutting
down; only a few of the leading glyphosate producers are
still breaking even or earning a meager profit, enabling
them to live through these diff icult times.
We cannot deny that the global f inancial crisis is one of
the important reasons for the slump in the glyphosate mar-
ket. However we should also admit that severe demand and
supply imbalance -- 0.5 million ton demand contrast to
1 million ton capacity -- is the fundamental reason. Even
there is not f inancial crisis, the present situation is bond to
emerge, just taking more time.
Although the glyphosate market has experienced consid-
glypHoSate: repositioninG aFter a sharp CorreCtion
Wangwei, vice chairman of CCPIA
& president of Zhejiang Wynca
Chemical Group Co., Ltd.
wangwei
produCts and produCers
CHINESE CROP PROTECTION 7
yang SHouHai
erable turbulence, assuming there is not a revival or wors-
ening of the global economic crisis, we still hold an opti-
mistic view of global glyphosate market prospects, based
on the following conditions:
1Expected rising global grain demand, along with
increases in no-tillage plantings around the world,
will continuously promote the consumption and growth
of glyphosate.
2Due in part to the global economic recession, oil prices
will return to normal, reasonable levels. In addition,
rising awareness of environmental protection and an
improving regulatory regime will impel the development of
clean energy sources, including biological energy. This will
increase demand for transgenic crops, which will increase
the consumption of glyphosate accordingly.
3The development of biological technology will
increase demand for existing and new varieties of
transgenic crops. As awareness increases of the safety of
transgenic products, they will be permitted and planted
in more countries, including the European Union (where
transgenic crops are currently restricted or banned), which
will provide more opportunity for glyphosate application.
“The rainbow always comes after the storm.” I believe
after this diff icult experience, the glyphosate market will
become more rational and stable, and the whole pesticide in-
dustry will enter a more benign stage of development. ●
Yang Shouhai, vice chairman of
CCPIA & president of
Nanjing Redsun Co., Ltd.
paraquat: pyridine powerhouse
p yridine pesticides, with
the advantages of high
efficacy, low toxicity and
long-lasting activity, have
become mainstream products in
the global market since the 1990s.
Among the pyridines, paraquat stands out as a non-selective
contact herbicide that has been widely used in more than
100 crops of 120 countries,
and the second largest
yield herbicide in the world
nowadays.
The development of para-
quat was once restrained by
the supply shortage of pyri-
dines in China. However,
with the successful launch
of a pyridine production
line by Redsun, China has
become the world’s larg-
est producer of paraquat. By March 2009, total production
capacity for paraquat reached 50,000 tonnes, accounting for
80% of total global production capacity.
With no-till farming gaining
popularity in China, paraquat
(currently the second largest
herbicide by domestic sales
volume) will surely grow more
rapidly. Diquat, with its unique
function, is expected to double its application and become
the third largest herbicide in China. Nicosulfuron (a sul-
fonylurea product), haloxyfop, and f luazifop-butyl (both
the latter are members of the aryloxyphenoxy-propionate
group) will also grow quickly during the next three years.
The total value of pyridine herbicide is to exceed that of
organophosphorus herbicides, and with f ive highly toxic
organophosphorus insecticides withdrawing from national
market, it is possible the top f ive insecticides sold in China
in coming years will all be pyridines, including imida-
cloprid, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and chlorf luazuron.
Therefore, both the pyridine herbicides and insecticides
will have the potential to obtain an overwhelming advan-
tage over other similar products in the global market. With
the industrialization of pyridine in China, we are confident
the Chinese enterprise will rank among global agrochemi-
cal giants in the near future. ●
8 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION
s ince imidacloprid was launched in
1991, it has successfully replaced
carbamate insecticides and become
the third most widely used class of
insecticides, trailing only organophosphate and
pyrethroid insecticides in the global market.
Imidacloprid is a staple insecticide in China. Manufacturing capacity exceeded 3,500
tonnes in 2004, with producers located in Jiangsu accounting for more than 60% of that
total. Main manufacturers include Jiangsu Kesheng, Redsun, Jiangsu Changlong and
imiDaclopriD: a risinG neoniCotinoid star
Xu Hui, vice chairman
of CCPIA & president of
Shandong Sino-Agri United
Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
produCts and produCers
pyretHroiDS: establish the brand, extend the Chain
qi mingzHu
C ommercialization of
pyrethroid insecticides
started in China
during the early
1980s. Now these products are
used widely in households as well
as in agriculture. Total
present manufacturing
capacity (including both
the agricultural and
residential pest control
markets) is about 3000
tonnes per year, and main
manufacturers include
Jiangsu Yangnong, Jiangsu
Suhua, Jiangsu Pesticide
Research Institute, Redsun,
and Rotam (Tianjing).
Jiangsu Yangnong is a pioneering f irm in this industry,
and is the largest pyrethroid
pesticide producer with the
most comprehensive portfolio
in China now. After 20 years
of effort in technology de-
velopment, Yangnong has an
obvious edge in production technology, mainly shown in
its advanced ozonation, racemization, and configuration
conversion of chrysanthemic acid. Now the optical purity
of its chrysanthemic acid is suff icient that it could be used
in pharmaceuticals. Secondly, Yangnong has a complete
product chain. It is the only pyrethroid producer that starts
from basic chemical materials and intermediates in China.
Even with the rise of genetically engineered pest-
resistant crop varieties, I think there is still a period of
time during which pyrethroids will hold an important
position in the global insecticide market, so we will
grasp this opportunity to develop more environmentally
friendly products. ●
Qi Mingzhu, vice chairman of
CCPIA & president of Jiangsu
Yangnong Chemical Co.Ltd
xu Hui
CHINESE CROP PROTECTION 9
abamectin: a rare Flower amonG bio-pestiCides
li xiufen
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Ab
amec
tin
Out
put
(ton
)
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2003
2002
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
F20
10F
2011
F
Li Xiufen, vice chairman of CCPIA &
general manager of Hebei Veyong
Bio-chemical Co., Ltd.
s ince the beginning of the 1990s, impacted by labor,
raw materials and environmental protection issues,
only technical abamectin
has been produced in
China. The current six main manufac-
turers are Hebei Veyong, Hisun Phar-
maceutical, Shenhua Biok, Qianjiang
Biochemical, Guilin Jiqi, and Huabei
Pharmaceutical, with total capacity 800-1,000 tonnes per year.
Fermentation efficiency reached 4 g/L, and the fermentation
period was shortened to 250-300 hours. National output was
1,500 tonnes in 2008, and this figure is expected to increase
to 2,000 tonnes in 2009.
Both output and sales of abamectin have increased,
mainly due to rising demand stemming from expansion
of the crops to which it can be applied, especially after
registration was granted for use on rice in 2007. Dosage
requirements have also increased, driven by increasing
insect resistance. In addition, more products derived from
abamectin have entered the market. Derivatives based on
abamectin which have had
been commercialized include
ivermectin, eprinomectin,
and emamectin benzoate.
Future formulation advances
will take the form of solid
and liquid formulations as well as seed coating.
Hebei Veyong showcases environmental stewardship in
the production of abamectin derivatives by adopting low
toxicity emulsif iers and solvents. The problem of photolysis
of abamectin and emamectin benzoate has been solved,
which has improved produc-
tion eff icacy greatly. Veyong’s
product portfolio includes
emamectin benzoate 5% EC
and emamectin benzoate 5%
SP/ WDG/ME. In addition,
abamectin 1.8% EC and em-
amectin benzoate derivatives
hold a combined domestic
market share of 30% or more.
Biotechnology will domi-
nate the 21st Century, and thus bio-pesticide will be the
main crop protection products. We are confident that
abamectin, this rare f lower of bio-pesticides, will grow a
better bloom. ●
Jiangsu Changqing, among others.
Market demand for imidacloprid soared in 2008, stimulat-
ing capacity expansion among a number of manufacturers.
The result is that manufacturing capacity is now around
30 thousand tonnes in China. The actual current output is
12,000-13,000 tonnes, 5,000 tonnes of which was exported
overseas -- mostly to India, Pakistan, the Middle East, South
Africa, South America, and North America.
Shandong Sino-Agri United Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
introduced imidacloprid devices during 2007-2008, and
pioneered adoption of the concept of environmental pro-
tection, which set a good example for domestic imidaclo-
prid producers. With f ive more-toxic organophosphate
insecticides withdrawn from the market in 2007, we are
confident imidacloprid will occupy a larger space in the
market in the next several years. ●
10 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION
produCts and produCers
s ales of chlorothalonil have
grown steadily since its intro-
duction to the global market
during the 1960s. Compared
to competing products, chlorothalonil
has the advantage of low incidence of
pest resistance, high rainfastness (it resists being washed away from leaves as a result of
rainfall after application), and long-lasting efficacy (about 7-10 days).
Total global capacity is 25,000 ~ 30,000 tonnes, of which Syngenta contributes
10,000~15,000 tonnes. Domestic manufacturers of chlorothalonil include CAC Shanghai
Group, Jiangyin Suli Fine Chemicals, Shandong Dacheng, and Limin Chemical. Total capacity tian xiaoHong
cHlorotHalonil: a lonG-liFeCyCle produCt
Tian Xiaohong, standing
committee member of
CCPIA & president of CAC
SHANGHAI(GROUP)CO.,LTD
cHlorpyrifoS: FillinG the breaCh aFter the ban
t he 2007 ban of five organophosphorus pesticides
opened a breach in the defenses of farmers against
pests – and an opportunity in the market. With the
recent breakthrough in the synthesis technology re-
garding the chemical intermediate sodium trichloropyridinol,
development of chlorpyrifos has entered a fast track. Now the
Chinese product has been able to compete with imported
product from America and India. Key Chinese manu-
facturers include Jiangsu
Baoling, Redsun, Shandong
Tiancheng and Zhejiang
Xinnong. The active ingredi-
ent content of their products
can all reach 97% or more by
volume.
Jiangsu Baoling possesses
the sole organophosphorus
product chain in China,
starting from basic raw
materials. Its complete
organophosphorus
product portfolio in-
cludes chlorpyrifos,
phoxim, profeno-
fos, and triazophos.
The company has
made technological
breakthroughs in the treatment of highly contaminated
wastewater, clearing the way for expanded production of
chlorpyrifos. Now the company’s manufacturing capacity is
about 5,000 tonnes.
Chlorpyrifos is a wide-spectrum insecticide, and can be
applied to many economic crops. Because research insti-
tutes and companies are striving to ceaselessly optimize the
production process of chlorpyrifos, we think it is bound to
have a bright future. ●
Zhu Wenxin, standing
committee member of
CCPIA & president of
Jiangsu Baoling Chemical
Industry Co., Ltd.
zHu wenxin
CHINESE CROP PROTECTION 11
mancozeb: market mainstay
m ancozeb has been
under develop-
ment in China for
more than 20 years;
present production is some 45,000
tonnes, with annual exports of
20,000 tonnes. Main manufactures
include Limin Chemical, Hebei Shuangji Chemical, Nan-
tong Baoye Chemical, Shenyang Harvest Agrochemical, Du
Pont, and others.
Limin Chemical is a
pioneer in the production
of mancozeb in China,
and its mancozeb cere-
als fungicides covers 45%
of the domestic market.
Meanwhile, its interna-
tional trade network cov-
ers 40 more countries,
especially key export
markets in Southeast Asia,
Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
The company’s sales volume during the last 10 years ranks
as the all-time highest among Chinese agrochemical f irms
in the international pesticide market.
Limin Chemical strongly emphasizes establishing a
national pesticide brand, and started to carry out a GLP
strategy from 2005. Mancozeb from Limin Chemical won
registration and began to sell
in Africa. The company also
signed agreement with RCC
Laboratory of Switzerland, and
partial products tests were fin-
ished at the end of 2007. By the
end of 2009, Limin Chemical
expects to be able to open up the European market with its
independent brand.
As a participant in the drafting of mancozeb waste-
water discharge standard in China pesticide industry,
Limin Chemical and CCPIA subscribe to the principles
of the International Council of Chemical Associations’
Responsible Care initiative, helping ensure that the f irm
and the industry can develop in a sustainable manner.
Limin Chemical cooperates with Southeast Univer-
sity in Nanjing in the development of technology for
the comprehensive treatment of mancozeb production
wastewater. The company also takes the lead among its
counterparts in the country in achieving zero discharge
of “three wastes”, and has also succeeds implementing
patent protection.
High-end mancozeb is the developing trend in the fu-
ture. The competitor who has the highest quality products
will come to dominate the market. China’s mancozeb
industry should innovate ceaselessly, and also should have
a broader f ield of vision, so that it can put itself in an invin-
cible position in future competition. ●
Li Ming, standing committee
member of CCPIA & President of
Limin Chemical Co., Ltd.
li ming
among these firms is about 15,000 tonnes, and together they
export more than 10,000 tonnes. The main export markets
for chlorothalonil are developed countries such as America,
Japan, and the European Union. Jiangyin Suli Fine Chemi-
cals has invested more than Yuan 3 million getting EU re-
registration of chlorothalonil.
CAC Shanghai Group, with chlorothalonil capacity of
8,000 tonnes, is always paying attention to the accelerat-
ing rate of advance in technology. The content of HCB
has been reduced to less than 40ppm, and consumption
of raw materials and energy in manufacture of chloro-
thalonil is on a par with levels among the most advanced
international competitors.
“We have also made a lot of effort in environmental pro-
tection, and successfully solved the treatment of cyanide-
contained waste water in the production of chlorothalonil.
We believe that all Chinese enterprises must seek improve-
ment through undertaking more socially responsible policies
and actions, and further strengthening QSHE management
in the future.” ●
12 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION
produCts and produCers
t ebuconazole, one of the triazole fungicides, a top-selling
agrochemical products. Sales volume has topped USD
200 million every year since 1998, peaking at USD 360
million in 2003. Due to the expiry of patent in China
in 2004 and the recent rust disease outbreak in Latin America,
market demand for tebuconazole has increased considerably.
Domestic production capacity for tebuconazole is around
7,000 tonnes per year. The main
producers are Shanghai Shen-
gnong Pesticide, Jiangsu Sword
Pesticide, Hangzhou Udragon
Chemical, Sinochem (Ningbo)
Chemicals, Zhejiang Welda
Chemicals, and Jiangsu Chang-
long Chemicals, among others.
Actual production of tebucon-
azole was 4,000 to 4,500
tonnes in 2008; the trend is
toward increasing produc-
tion. About 89% of total
production is exported, most
of it in the form of technical
active ingredient.
Shanghai Shengnong Pesticide has a good reputation for
product stewardship: the most advanced production technol-
ogy in the domestic market, well-built waste treatment plants,
good facilities and security management model, a sound
quality management system, and ongoing mechanisms for
research and innovation. One fruit of that innovation is a new
method for tebuconazole synthesis. Using this patent-applied-
for process, Shengnong is able to achieve purity of 96% or
greater in its technical tebuconazole. ●
tebuconazole: the rust FiGhterBi Qiang, Standing
committee member of
CCPIA, & president of
Shanghai Shengnong
Pesticide Co., Ltd.
a cetochlor is a leading product among the aceta-
nilide herbicides, and a market leader in the global
herbicides market. Acetochlor, paraquat, pendime-
thalin, etc., all belong to what is called the “second
legion” of herbicides (behind the
perennial market leader glyphosate),
with sales of each product in the
range of USD 300 million - 400
million per year.
First used in China in 1989, ac-
etochlor has grown in popularity to
become the leading product of the
domestic herbicide market. In fact,
acetochlor in China came to meet
not only the needs of the domestic
market, but also became the major export herbicide. From
1994 to 1998, the production of acetochlor grew 8.5 times,
from 1,187 tonnes in 1994 to 10,032 tonnes in 1998.
More recently, due to favorable in the herbicide markets
between 1998 and
2006, domestic production of acetochlor has increased to
about 30,000 tonnes. There are now more than twenty
enterprises that manufacture technical acetochlor, includ-
ing Liaoning Dalian Riser Pesticide, Jiangsu Changlong
Chemical, Nantong Jiangshan Pesticide, Jiangsu Lulilai,
and others. Their combined annual production capacity is
about 100,000 tonnes, but actual annual output is about
50,000 tonnes.
Since 2007, due to large areas of land previously used for
paddy-field rice production being turned to dryland agricul-
ture, the amount of acetochlor applied has sharply increased.
Meanwhile, the level of capital equipment investment and
the scale of acetochlor-producing enterprises is growing.
Therefore, with a much more centralized and rational-
ized industry structure, acetochlor will enter a systemic
scale management orbit. At the same time, though, the
competition among Chinese agrochemical enterprises for
share of the domestic market will become f iercer. ●
acetocHlor: star oF the seCond leGion
Lu Mingruo, vice chairman
of CCPIA & president
of Jiangsu Changlong
Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
lu mingruo
bi qiang
CHINESE CROP PROTECTION 13
t he China Crop Protection Industry Association
(CCPIA) has played a vital role in the development
of China’s agrochemical industry. On the other
hand, the rapid and steady progress of the industry
has also promoted the growth of the CCPIA. Since the estab-
lishment of the CCPIA in 1982, the association has attracted
over 450 members. Total production output of CCPIA
members accounts for 90% of total industry output. Recently,
Dr. Sun Shubao, the
Secretary-General of the
CCPIA, reviewed the
60-year history of the
industry and summarized
developments in technol-
ogy, product quality
improvement, environ-
mental management,
and intellectual property
right protection:
1International standards adopted and product
quality steadily improved
“With advances in technology and adjustments in in-
dustry structure, Chinese pesticide product quality has
improved very much. At present, more than 200 pesticide
products have adopted the National Standards and/or In-
dustrial Standards. About 50 elements of basic techniques
and analytical methods have also been standardized at the
national level or the industrial level, and sbout 80% of the
national and/or industrial standards have been adapted
from accepted international standards.”
2 Great progress in technology improvement and
innovation made
“Before China adopted reform and a policy of opening to
global trade, the Chinese pesticide industry lagged behind
the technological base of the Western countries. After de-
termining to embark on reform and opening to the outside
world, China began to establish its own national innovation
centers. Two research facilities for pesticide research and
development have been set up in north and south of China,
respectively. Since then, a characteristically Chinese R &
D system for pesticide innovation has been formed and has
achieved excellent results. Some 30 new molecules, includ-
ing 14 fungicides, seven insecticides, and 9 herbicides and
plant growth regulators, have been developed by Chinese
scientists. Examples include f lumorph, ZJ0273, chloramine
phosphorus, SIOC0171, and f lubrocythrinate, among others.
The number of new compounds accounts for 10% of the most
commonly used products. These new products are not only
highly effective, safe to human life and wildlife, and environ-
mentally friendly, but are also suitable to the demands of Chi-
nese agricultural production for control of important pests.
“In addition to the development of new products, the
Chinese government also put great effort into improving the
production technology associated with some key generic pes-
ticide chemicals and related intermediates. Therefore, a series
of new facilities for production of those pesticides and inter-
the Future oF China’s aGroChemiCal industry:
innovation and StriDe
a look ahead
Dr. Sun SHubao
14 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION
a look ahead
mediates have been established using large scale, continuous,
and clean production technologies. By employing the new
technologies, average cost of production has been reduced by
around 10%, and the discharge of wastes by over 40%. Out-
standing examples of those new technologies are:
● production of dichlorvos by one-step hydrolysis
of trichlorfon,
● imidacloprid production using dicyclopentadiene as
starting material,
● deltamethrin production technology adopted by
Jiangsu Yangnong,
● glyphosate production technology of Zhejiang Wynca,
● 3,3-dimethyl-4-pentenoic acid methyl ester production
technology used by Jiangsu Changlong
● deltamethrin production technology of Dalian Chemphy.
“Technology innovation has greatly supported and en-
hanced the Chinese pesticide industry. Both innovative
products and improved technologies are very important to
manufacturers and the industry as a whole. CCPIA encour-
ages manufacturers to pursue technology innovation and
clean production, in order to promote the progress of the
Chinese pesticide industry.”
Dr. Sun further pointed out highly effective, safe, and
environmentally friendly products are the direction of
new product development, and that the industry must
intensify its efforts in the development, extension, and
application of water-based formulated products.
3 Enhancement of environmental protection and
HSE awareness
“Whether or not to employ environmental protection
measures is the ‘yea or nay’ factor that affects the decision
for a new factory’s entry into the industry. The Ministry
of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic
of China has issued national standards for pollutant dis-
charge of 10 chemical classes of pesticides. CCPIA has
been deeply involved in this process, and has contributed
meaningful suggestions for the standards.
“CCPIA has also actively extended green production
techniques, integral recycling, and reuse of materials in
production, as well as energy-saving and discharge-reduc-
ing measures among its member companies. Some f irms
have put environmental protection into their agenda, and
have increasingly invested in waste treatment technolo-
gies and facilities. The liquid f ilm method for treatment
of cyanogen-containing or phenol-containing wastewater,
and the catalytic wet oxidation method for treatment
of high concentration wastewater, are good examples of
advanced technologies implemented for waste treatment.
Furthermore, the establishment of pesticide industrial
parks in some key regions has begun to play a vital role in
centralized and eff icient treatment of wastes.
“The Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) system
has been increasingly recognized and adopted by the pes-
ticide industry. The government already has relevant laws,
regulations, and implementation measures for environ-
mental protection, worker safety, and occupational safety
and health. Some large scale enterprises have already
adopted EHS practices in their routine production activi-
ties. CCPIA is also working hard to implement the EHS
system with its member manufacturers.
4Increasing awareness of intellectual property
right (IPR) protection
“The patent law of the People’s Republic of China was
amended in 1993 to grant protection for seven and a half
years to chemicals which obtained patent protection during
the period of 1986 and 1993.
“Awareness of intellectual property rights (IPR) protec-
tion has been lifted to a high level throughout the pesticide
industry, particularly in the research institutes and universi-
ties that are involved in pesticide innovation. In 1985, at the
initiation of the first patent law of the People’s Republic of
China, the number of pesticide patent applications was only
162. By 2005 the number of applications increased to 1,406,
about eight times as many as in 1985. The Compound An-
nual Growth Rate (CAGR) is about 11.4%.
“In most cases in foreign countries, the main force of
patent application is the manufacturers. In China, the
patent applicants have historically been the institutes,
universities and individuals, but more and more Chinese
enterprises are now applying for patent application for
novel compounds.”
In the past 60 years, the Chinese pesticide industry has
grown and improved greatly. Despite the global economic
crisis, Dr. Sun Shubao indicated that the industry is still in
good condition and that current prospects for continued
growth are good. ●
CHINESE CROP PROTECTION 15
aGroChemex 2009 preView
a grochemEx (ACE) is
an annual agrochemical
symposium and exhibition organized by the China
Crop Protection Industry Association (CCPIA).
ACE was born in Nanjing in 2005, and moved to Shanghai in
2009. The scale of this event is expanding
year-on-year, and has been granted the
status of a “technical meeting” by industry insiders. This offers
a centralized procurement platform for pesticide formulators,
foreign traders and overseas suppliers.
aGroChemex 2009 preViewhttp://www.agrochemex.net/
2006 2007 2008 2009
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Exhibition Scale from 2006 to 2009
Stall Number
Exhibitor Number
A total of 12,000 visitors, more than 800 of whom came from abroad, attended ACE 2008.
Malaysia
Iran
Australia
Pakistan
Korea
Brazil
Thailand
Germany
Indonesia
Turkey
India
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Top ten foreign countries in descending
order of the attendees in 2008
Continued on page 16
16 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION
aaGroChex 2009 preView
China Agrochemical Symposium
Each year, the China Agrochemical
Symposium has been held in paral-
lel with the ACE trade show. The
Symposium covers many aspects of
the agrochemical industry, including
industry policies and the research and
development of new chemicals and
new formulations. After eight years,
the China Agrochemical Symposium
has become a highly recognized brand
within the industry, attracting about 800
loyal delegates each year.
AgrochemEx has proven a valuable plat-
form for meeting decision-makers from
leading Chinese manufacturers, exchang-
ing information and f inding more busi-
ness opportunities. ●
For more information contact: Leah Li email: [email protected]
Manager
Purchaser
Saleemployee
Technicalemployee
Visitors’ occupational position in 2008
“I have attended many kinds of agrochemical exhibitions,
but the exhibitors of AgrochemEx 2008 were high qual-
ity, and the order of exhibition is good. We learned the
latest government policies, along with the gaps separating
our company from others through the exhibition.”
Zhengzhou Friend Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
“AgrochemEx 2008 provided a rare opportunity for us to
demonstrate our products. Many customers come to learn
about our products, and we received many orders.”
Jiangsu Changlong Chemicals Co., Ltd
“We learned much through communication with other enter-
prises. Thanks, CCPIA, for sponsoring this exhibition.”
Jiangsu Kesheng Group Co., Ltd.
“The AgrochemEx 2008 has provided a platform for ex-
change among agrochemical f irms. We learned the latest
government policies, as well as development and export
conditions in the agrochemical industry. We felt very
good, and will come again.” The Red Sun Group
“Thanks, CCPIA, for sponsoring this exhibition. We ob-
tained much valuable information and got to know many
overseas trading companies. It will help our products
moving toward internationalization.”
Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Group Co., Ltd.
“We have participated in many similar agrochemical ex-
hibitions, but AgrochemEx 2008 is second to none. We
believe AgrochemEx 2009 will be even better!”
Jiangsu Tianrong Co., Ltd
praiSe from agrocHemex 2008 exhibitors