September 16 Pesticide Daily Review: Broad Stability with Minor Movements

September 17, 2026

FDD-global.com

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Guide

Highlights at a glance

The pesticide market experienced volatility during the off-season, with improved sentiment but limited downstream demand. Rising costs and supply constraints led to price increases for some products. Herbicides like glufosinate surged due to tight production and higher raw-material costs, while others like clethodim saw price drops. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly between the United States and Iran, heightened cost pressures on the petrochemical industry and impacted market outlook. Insecticides such as dinotefuran saw significant gains, while fungicides, including tricyclazole and boscalid, faced price declines. The market remains cautious, awaiting demand recovery and geopolitical stabilization.

The pesticide market remained volatile during the off-season. Market sentiment improved slightly compared with the previous period, but downstream buyers continued to purchase mainly for essential needs. Some products recently received strong support from rising costs, while various factors tightened supply and triggered substantial short-term price increases. However, poor transmission along the industrial chain persisted, and price increases could also generate negative feedback from downstream buyers. The market is therefore waiting to see whether end-user demand can provide further absorption. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remained elevated, with direct armed conflict between the United States and Iran continuing. The Houthis also carried out military action against Saudi Arabia, reducing expectations for smooth navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, two major shipping chokepoints. Expectations of higher petrochemical-industry costs consequently resurfaced. Overall, cautious sentiment persisted. Some products recorded substantial gains, while other categories showed limited follow-through, resulting in clear market divergence and a sustained wait-and-see atmosphere. Attention should remain on changes in geopolitical sentiment, export activity, and seasonal demand.

Market Analysis

Herbicides: The herbicide market showed some signs of stabilizing. Major products, including glufosinate and glyphosate, both experienced supply-side improvement as raw-material prices increased. Cost pressure arising from geopolitical risks gradually became more evident, although the market continued to await further demand-side drivers. Glufosinate prices recently surged, mainly because of tight production and rising prices of raw-material intermediates, as well as international political factors. Market participants are closely watching transaction activity following the sharp price increase. Should prices continue to rise, substitute products may follow higher. Overall, downstream buyers continued to purchase mainly for essential needs, while the market awaited signs that strength in individual products could develop into a broader rally.

Yellow Phosphorus: Yellow phosphorus market prices continued to recover today. Mainstream producers recorded relatively strong sales, and the overall pace of transactions was satisfactory. As reluctance to sell at low prices emerged, expectations of price increases strengthened and the price center continued to move higher. In the short term, producers are mainly shipping existing orders. Mainstream producers have recorded relatively strong sales, easing their pressure and restoring their ability to defend prices. Downstream buyers are making moderate purchases for essential needs, supporting the continued recovery in the price center. For now, market attention is focused mainly on downstream willingness to follow through after the sustained price increase.

Pesticide Market Price Overview

Herbicides:

96% oxyfluorfen rose by RMB 6,000 to RMB 136,000/tonne; 95% glufosinate rose by RMB 9,000 to RMB 60,000/tonne; 90% clethodim fell by RMB 3,000 to RMB 72,000/tonne; and 97% haloxyfop-P-methyl fell by RMB 3,000 to RMB 112,000/tonne.

Insecticides:

97% dinotefuran rose by RMB 2,000 to RMB 112,000/tonne; and 96% chlorantraniliprole rose by RMB 35,000 to RMB 2,650,000/tonne.

Fungicides:

95% tricyclazole fell by RMB 1,000 to RMB 61,000/tonne; 97% pyraclostrobin fell by RMB 3,000 to RMB 120,000/tonne; and 98% boscalid fell by RMB 5,000 to RMB 250,000/tonne.

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