September 17 Pesticide Daily Review: Cautious Sentiment Persists

September 18, 2026

FDD-global.com

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Guide

Highlights at a glance

The global pesticide market shows significant divergence in product price movements driven by supply constraints, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating costs. Herbicide prices like glufosinate and glyphosate have risen sharply due to tight production and geopolitical risks influencing raw material costs. Yellow phosphorus producers are recovering, indicating higher transaction volumes and firming prices. However, downstream buyers remain cautious, purchasing only for essential needs amid seasonal demand uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts near major trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz, are amplifying petrochemical costs and market uncertainties. The market remains in a cautious wait-and-see phase, with attention shifting towards geopolitical developments, export demand, and seasonal trends.

The pesticide market remains in off-season range-bound trading. Market sentiment has improved slightly compared with the previous period, but most downstream buyers continue to follow up only for essential needs. Some products have recently received strong support from rising costs, while various factors have also caused supply to contract, resulting in sharp short-term price increases. However, due to difficulties in transmitting these increases through the industrial chain, expectations are also emerging that higher prices may generate negative downstream feedback. The market is currently watching whether end-user demand can absorb the increases. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain elevated, with direct armed conflict between the United States and Iran continuing. Houthi forces have also conducted military operations against Saudi Arabia. Expectations for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, two major maritime chokepoints, have weakened, reviving expectations of higher costs for the petrochemical industry. Overall, cautious sentiment persists in the current market. Some products have risen significantly, while other categories have shown limited follow-up, resulting in clear market divergence and a sustained wait-and-see atmosphere. Attention should subsequently focus on changes in geopolitical sentiment, export momentum, and seasonal demand.

Market Analysis

Herbicides:

The herbicide market is showing some signs of stabilization overall. Major products including glufosinate and glyphosate are experiencing supply-side recovery as a result of higher raw material prices. Cost increases caused by geopolitical risks are becoming increasingly evident, although the market is still waiting for further demand-side drivers. Glufosinate prices have risen sharply recently, mainly because of tight production and price increases for raw material intermediates, as well as international political developments. The market is closely monitoring transactions following the substantial price increase. If the upward trend continues, substitute products may also follow with price increases. Overall, most downstream buyers continue to take delivery only for essential needs, while the market is watching for signs that the strength in individual products could broaden into a more widespread rally.

Yellow Phosphorus:

Yellow phosphorus prices continued to recover today. Mainstream producers reported relatively strong shipments, and the overall pace of transactions was satisfactory. As holders became reluctant to sell at low prices, expectations of further increases emerged and the market's price center continued to move higher. In the short term, spot producers are mainly focused on shipping existing orders. Relatively strong earlier sales have reduced their pressure, restoring conditions for producers to defend prices. Downstream buyers are making moderate purchases for essential needs in the short term, supporting a continued recovery in the price center. However, as downstream stockpiling capacity before the holiday is relatively limited, the market is primarily watching buyers' willingness to follow up after prices continue to rise.

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.

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.

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.

98% boscalid fell by RMB 5,000 to RMB 250,000/tonne.

September 17 Phosphate Fertilizer Daily Review: Weaker Cost Support and Sluggish Demand Leave MAP Under Pressure and DAP Consolidating

Ended

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September 17 Pesticide Daily Review: Cautious Sentiment Persists