Summary:
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Cyflumetofen, a post-patent acaricide first developed by Japan’s Otsuka Chemical, is seeing a registration boom in China.
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Chinese agrochemical manufacturers are scaling up production capacity, while import demand for technical material remains steady.
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The product’s strong resistance management profile and broad crop applications are driving widespread adoption across fruit, vegetable, and tea-growing regions.
Cyflumetofen in Focus: Patent Expiry Triggers New Momentum
Cyflumetofen, a novel acyl acetonitrile acaricide, was initially developed by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd. and launched in Japan in 2007. Its global patent expired in August 2021, paving the way for generic production and widespread registration globally—including an upsurge in interest across China’s domestic pesticide market.
Since 2022, China has recorded a significant increase in cyflumetofen-related registration activity. The molecule’s non-systemic, contact-based action and lack of cross-resistance with existing miticides make it highly attractive for integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Mode of Action: Unique Respiratory Disruption
Cyflumetofen works by penetrating mites upon contact, and is metabolized into AB-1, a metabolite that inhibits mitochondrial complex II, rapidly interrupting respiration. AB-1’s high potency—LC₅₀ of 6.55 nmol/L against Tetranychus urticae—ensures fast knockdown and residual efficacy. Mites stop feeding within 4 hours of exposure and become paralyzed within 12 hours, with mortality peaking within 48 hours.
Key Application Benefits
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Full lifecycle control: Effective against mite eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults
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Low toxicity: Safe for crops, mammals, aquatic life, and natural enemies
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Long-lasting effect: Residual action with single application at recommended doses
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Ideal for rotation: No cross-resistance helps manage resistance risk
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Synergistic use: Mixes well with bifenazate, spirodiclofen, avermectin, and other acaricides
Domestic Production & Registration Trends in China
As of early 2025, China’s Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals (ICAMA) has approved:
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5 registrations for cyflumetofen technical (TC)
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6 single-active formulations
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16 mixed formulations — often in combination with bifenazate, abamectin, or etoxazole
Leading Chinese registrants and producers include:
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Zhejiang Zhongshan Chemical Group Co., Ltd.
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Shandong Binnong Technology Co., Ltd.
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Jiangsu Flag Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
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Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Co., Ltd. (a Sinochem subsidiary)
These companies are aggressively pursuing formulation development, capacity expansion, and even export registrations, given growing global demand for resistance-breaking acaricides.
Imports Still Relevant — for Technical Material
Despite growing domestic technical production, some companies continue to import cyflumetofen technical material, particularly from Japan and South Korea, to supplement domestic synthesis during early scale-up or for quality consistency in premium markets.
Importers typically target high-spec crop protection products in horticulture and tea sectors, where residue tolerance and environmental profiles are critical.
Market Outlook
Driven by its novel mechanism of action, broad-spectrum control, and environmental safety, cyflumetofen is poised to become a cornerstone acaricide in both conventional and high-value agriculture in China. With resistance to traditional miticides on the rise, industry stakeholders expect further expansion in product registration, production scale, and export potential in 2025 and beyond.
