Article Focus Summary:
China’s glufosinate-ammonium market showed strong export recovery and stabilised pricing in 2025. Supported by rising global demand and biotech crop adoption, the sector faces opportunities and challenges amid growing overcapacity.
I. Export Volume: Strong Rebound and Upward Momentum in 2025
China’s glufosinate-ammonium exports, a core component of its pesticide trade, have exhibited notable volatility yet strong overall growth between 2021 and 2025.
Key Export Data (in 100% AI):
- 2021: 13,067 tonnes
- 2022: 37,723 tonnes (+188.7% YoY)
- 2023: 29,305 tonnes (−22.3% YoY, due to global inventory buildup)
- 2024: 47,185 tonnes (+61% YoY)
- Jan–July 2025: 42,752 tonnes (projected full-year exports to exceed 2024)
This sharp rebound underscores the end of post-pandemic stock surpluses and improved overseas demand. Export momentum in 2025 has been bolstered by transgenic crop cultivation and shifting herbicide preferences worldwide.
II. Product Structure: Formulations Surpass Technical for the First Time
Traditionally, technical glufosinate-ammonium (TC) has dominated China’s exports. However, a clear structural shift is underway:
| Year | Formulation Share | TC Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 47.1% (22,243 tonnes) | 52.9% |
| Jan–Jul 2025 | 53.1% (22,702 tonnes) | 46.9% |
Key Specifications:
- 95% TC remains the primary technical product.
- 88% SG (soluble granules) lead the formulation segment.
This trend reflects a global preference for ready-to-use and safer formulations, driving formulation innovation in China’s agrochemical sector.
III. Export Destinations: US Leads Amid Market Concentration
Between 2023 and July 2025, exports were highly concentrated among a few major markets:
| Country | Export Share |
|---|---|
| US | 35% |
| Brazil | 25.3% |
| Vietnam | 14.9% |
| Paraguay | 6.5% |
| Thailand | 4.7% |
| Others | 13.5% |
Segmentation by Product Type:
- Technical exports primarily went to the US, Brazil, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Formulations were directed toward Cameroon, Nigeria, Vietnam, Brazil, and the US.
India’s Anti-Dumping Measures:
India’s imposition of a five-year anti-dumping duty in 2025 sharply cut Chinese exports—from 1,030 tonnes in 2023 to just 24 tonnes by July 2025.
IV. Price Trends: From Volatility to Stabilisation
Ex-works prices of 95% TC glufosinate-ammonium have undergone significant shifts:
- Nov 2021: USD 50,162/t (price peak)
- Dec 2022: USD 25,455/t
- Aug 2023: USD 8,768/t (sharp 66% drop)
- 2024 Avg: USD 6,668/t (down 23% YoY)
- Jan–Sept 2025: Narrowed range from USD 6,597/t to USD 6,472/t
Stabilisation in 2025 was aided by industry sentiment recovery, controlled output, and a gradual return of international purchasing confidence.
V. Market Drivers and Constraints
Opportunities
- Global restrictions on glyphosate and paraquat (e.g., bans in Brazil, Thailand) create demand for safer alternatives.
- Over 20 transgenic crops globally are approved to be glufosinate-resistant, fueling use expansion.
- Growing demand for non-selective herbicide options in integrated weed management.
Challenges
- Global TC overcapacity, which surged from 52,095 t/a (2021) to 154,970 t/a (2025), puts downward pressure on prices.
- Trade barriers like India’s anti-dumping policy restrict market diversification.
- Environmental compliance and cost control in China remain under regulatory pressure.
Outlook: 2026 and Beyond
China is poised to retain its dominance in glufosinate-ammonium exports, particularly in formulations, as demand from biotech crop cultivation and glyphosate alternatives grows. However, managing overcapacity, optimizing supply chains, and navigating trade policy risks will be crucial to maintaining global competitiveness.
Enterprises are advised to:
- Expand formulation capacity and upgrade product portfolios
- Target emerging markets in Africa and Southeast Asia
- Enhance compliance and innovation to offset pricing pressures
