Growing Past, Strong Present, Ambitious Future

Chinese
Crop protection

Growing Past, Strong Present,
Ambitious Future.
Presented by

table of contents

Welcome Editorial
from CCPIA Chairman Mr. Luo Haizhang............................2 Chlorpyrifos: Filling the Breach After the Ban....................10
Chlorothalonil: A Long-Lifecycle Product..........................10
China and International Agrochemical Trade............ 3
Mancozeb: Market Mainstay.............................................11
Industry Timeline.............................................................4 Acetochlor: Star of the Second Legion.............................12
Tebuconazole: The Rust Fighter........................................12
Products and Producers
Glyphosate: Repositioning After a Sharp Correction............ 6 The Future of China’s Agrochemical Industry........13
Paraquat: Pyridine Powerhouse..........................................7 Innovation and Stride

Pyrethroids: Establish the Brand, Strengthen the Chains..... 8
AgrochemEx 2009 Preview.........................................15
Imidacloprid: A Rising Neonicotinoid Star............................ 8
Abamectin: A Rare Flower Among Bio-Pesticides...............9 Praise from AgrochemEx 2008................................... 6
1

Devoted to a Sustainable
Crop Protection Industry

H
aving undergone ups and downs over the past pesticides and highly toxic organophosphorus insecticides,
60 years, our agrochemical industry has grown the product structure has been more and more environ-
from nearly scratch to an integrated industry mentally friendly. The output of highly toxic products has
with research and development raw material declined from 50% to 5% of total production. At the same
and intermediate production, active ingredient production, time, output of new environmentally friendly products has
and formulation processing. The industry has become increased significantly.
an important buttress for increasing crop yields, helping New pesticide development has been a key industrial pro-
assure the bumper harvests we have come to expect from gram, supported during the Ninth Five Year Plan, Tenth Five
China’s agriculture. Year Plan, and Eleventh Five Year Plan. Further stimulated by
Before 2000, the product- the amendment of domestic patent rules in 1993, intended
market structure in China’s to offer greater protection to intellectual property, RD of
agrochemical industry was pesticides has entered into an even more fruitful period. Since
characterized by the phrase 2003, there have been 30 new compounds developed by
“three-70%.” Insecticides ac- Chinese industry.
counted for 70% of the total Increasing public concern with respect to issues such as
output, organophosphorus food security, demand for biofuels, environmental protec-
insecticide accounted for 70% tion, biological diversity, and food safety have presented
of total insecticide output, and us with a challenge of making new progress in agrochemi-
Luo Haizhang products considered highly cal production, application, and management. Therefore,
toxic accounted for 70% of to- as an institution serving Chinese agrochemical producers,
tal organophosphorus insecticide output. However, this situ- CCPIA will give full emphasis to the role of standardizing
ation has become a thing of the past. First, the ratio among the standards and practices of our members, promoting
insecticides, fungicides and herbicides was 90%-3%-3% in industry consolidation, safeguarding market order, stepping
1949. This ratio adjusted to 70%-11%-15% by 1995, and now up collaboration with overseas associations and companies,
stands at 44%-13%-42%”. all to forge a more and more glorious image for China’s
Second, through gradual elimination of organochlorine agrochemical industry on the international stage. ●

2 CHINESE CROP PROTECTION

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

China and International Agrochemical Trade:
Fourteen Years of
Spectacular Export Growth
C
hinese agrochemical products can meet not come since China joining W TO. In 2008, with the price
only the demands of domestic agricultural of glyphosate skyrocketing, exports of the product again
production, but also that of export markets hit record highs.
around the globe. During the last 14 years, The main export markets for China are Asia and
China has become one of the largest pesticide makers and South A merica (Brazil and A rgentina). Exports have also
exporters in the world. grown steadily in such traditional markets as Pakistan,
Export volume exceeded imports of crop protection Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition, with the rapid
products for the first time in 1994, and since then, rapid growth of herbicide application, exports to the United
export growth has continued. In fact, during the 14-year States, Japan, Western Europe, and Australia have pros-
period noted above, export volume increased tenfold to pered in recent years. The success of the industry has not
485,000 tonnes in 2008, accounting for about 40% of the been limited to herbicides: In 2008, Chinese agrochemi-
industry’s total output. Export value generated by Chinese cal f irms exported insecticides to 146 countries, and
companies occupies about one fifteenth, or about 6.7%, of fungicides to 123 countries. Herbicide exports went to
total global agrochemical sales, making China the fourth 128 countries. ●
largest exporter of agro-
chemicals in the world.
From 2000 to 2008, ex-
China: Agrochemical Imports and Exports, 1994-2008
port has increased rapidly, Import Export
from USD 460 million in
2000 to USD 1.04 billion
Volume Value Volume Value
Year (1,000 tonnes) ($ million) (1,000 tonnes) ($ million)
in 2008. This mainly due
1994 32 137 60.9 152
to growth of herbicides
1995 34.7 160 70.8 234
and insecticides, especially
2000 41.1 192 161.6 463
herbicides, whose export-
2001 34.7 165 190.4 541
ing value reached 1.23 bil-
2002 27 136 222 592
lion, with exporting vol-
ume 277 thousand tonnes. 2003 28 130 274 730

From 2000 to 2005, the 2004 28 150 391 1,190

annual growth rate of ex- 2005 37 180 428 1,400
port value is about 33.2%, 2006 43 213 398 1,040
however, the export value 2007 41.4 231 477 1,350
declined in 2006, which 2008 44 300 485 2,020
means a new stage has

CHINESE CROP PROTECTION 3

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:

1949 - 1979, organochlorine pesticides;
1980 - 1999, organophosphorus pesticides;
2000 - present, environmentally friendly products.

The sole pesticide is Ban of phenyl Ban of HCH,

copper sulfate, produced mercuric acetate, DDT and other

by SYRICI, plus some ceresin and other organochlorine

home-produced mineral- organic mercury pesticides

based pesticides pesticides

National output reaches 200,000

tonnes, distributed among 100
First production of
active ingredients. Organochlorine
DDT in China
pesticides, including HCH and DDT,

account for 30% of total.

1949 1951 1973 1979 1983

650,000 tonnes output of 1,900,000 tonnes output of more than 300

more than 200 products. varieties. Insecticides such as imidacloprid,

Organophosphorus insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin imidachlorprid, abamectin,

(later banned) plus DDVP account and chlorpyrifos, fungicides such carbendazim,

for 30% of total volume produced. tebuconazole, and mancozeb, and herbicides

such as glyphosate, paraquat, and butachlor

contribute the largest portion of output.

Ban of nitrofen, chlordane,

heptachlor,tetramine,

chlorphenamidine, Ban of five highly toxic

fluoroacetamide, sodium organophosphorus insecticides

fluoroacetate, DBCP (methamidophos, methyl parathion,

parathion, phosphamidon,

monocrotophos)

1999 2000 2007 2008


Glyphosate: Repositioning
After a Sharp Correction

T
he first half of 2008, the construction and program con-
price of glyphosate in- Wangwei, vice chairman of CCPIA struction on tap for 2009 would
creased dramatically, arous- president of Zhejiang Wynca result in 0.2 million tonnes of
ing strong response not Chemical Group Co., Ltd. additional capacity. In other
only in the pesticide market but also words, manufacturing capacity
socially. Within half a year, however, for glyphosate doubled, while
the market demand shrank drastically, with price slumping increase needed to keep pace with global market require-
in concert. From a comprehensive perspective, the case of ments was only 10-15%. In addition, different project
the wild swings in the glyphosate market showed us all a implementation standards also contributed to the onset of
need for reflection and caution in this industry. overcapacity in glyphosate.
Global glyphosate production mainly centers in two Building capacity without regard to market demand and
sources: China and Monsanto overinvestment caused a severe imbalance in the glyphosate
in the U.S.A. At the begin- market. In addition, about 50% of the new production ca-
ning of 2007, before the start pacity came from medium and small enterprises having no
up of the market trend, the experience with the product, and more importantly no stable
whole scale of global gly- international customers. The result was intense price competi-
phosate was about 0.5 mil- tion in the market. The severe demand and supply imbalance,
lion tonnes, which included coupled with the global economic crisis, resulted in the sharp
around 0.3 million tonnes in market decline of glyphosate to its early 2007 price levels,
China. The main manufactur- only half a year after reaching the peak in mid-2008.
ers of glyphosate in China From the beginning of 2009 through the present,, the
include Zhejiang Wynca, Nan- glyphosate market continues in recession with extremely
Wangwei
tong Jiangshan, Jiangsu Yan- low demand. The price has constantly slipped and is now at
gnong, Anhui Huaxing, and Jiangsu Good Harvest-weien. a record low point. Eighty percent of domestic glyphosate
The market demand during this time was about 0.45 mil- enterprises are in limited production or even shutting
lion tons; in other words, there was a rough equilibrium of down; only a few of the leading glyphosate producers are
supply and demand. still breaking even or earning a meager profit, enabling
Starting in mid- 2007, glyphosate prices began to rise, them to live through these difficult times.
eventually increasing 300% by June 2008. Facing this rare We cannot deny that the global financial crisis is one of
windfall profit opportunity, Monsanto and most Chinese the important reasons for the slump in the glyphosate mar-
enterprises invested to expand glyphosate production, and ket. However we should also admit that severe demand and
even more medium and small enterprises entered the gly- supply imbalance -- 0.5 million ton demand contrast to
phosate segment. These actions resulted in a huge increase 1 million ton capacity -- is the fundamental reason. Even
of glyphosate production capacity in a very short time. there is not financial crisis, the present situation is bond to
According to our data, by the end of 2008 glyphosate emerge, just taking more time.
capacity in China rose to 0.7 million tonnes, and the re- Although the glyphosate market has experienced consid-


erable turbulence, assuming there is not a revival or wors- increase demand for transgenic crops, which will increase
ening of the global economic crisis, we still hold an opti- the consumption of glyphosate accordingly.
mistic view of global glyphosate market prospects, based
on the following conditions: 3 The development of biological technology will
increase demand for existing and new varieties of

1 Expected rising global grain demand, along with
increases in no-tillage plantings around the world,
will continuously promote the consumption and growth
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
of glyphosate. transgenic crops are currently restricted or banned), which

2 Due in part to the global economic recession, oil prices
will return to normal, reasonable levels. In addition,
rising awareness of environmental protection and an
will provide more opportunity for glyphosate application.
“The rainbow always comes after the storm.” I believe
after this difficult experience, the glyphosate market will
improving regulatory regime will impel the development of become more rational and stable, and the whole pesticide in-
clean energy sources, including biological energy. This will dustry will enter a more benign stage of development. ●

Paraquat: Pyridine Powerhouse

P
yridine pesticides, with With no-till farming gaining
the advantages of high Yang Shouhai, vice chairman of popularity in China, paraquat
efficacy, low toxicity and CCPIA president of (currently the second largest
long-lasting activity, have herbicide by domestic sales
Nanjing Redsun Co., Ltd.
become mainstream products in volume) will surely grow more
the global market since the 1990s. rapidly. Diquat, with its unique
Among the pyridines, paraquat stands out as a non-selective function, is expected to double its application and become
contact herbicide that has been widely used in more than the third largest herbicide in China. Nicosulfuron (a sul-
100 crops of 120 countries, fonylurea product), haloxyfop, and f luazifop-butyl (both
and the second largest the latter are members of the aryloxyphenoxy-propionate
yield herbicide in the world group) will also grow quickly during the next three years.
nowadays. The total value of pyridine herbicide is to exceed that of
The development of para- organophosphorus herbicides, and with five highly toxic
quat was once restrained by organophosphorus insecticides withdrawing from national
the supply shortage of pyri- market, it is possible the top five insecticides sold in China
dines in China. However, in coming years will all be pyridines, including imida-
with the successful launch cloprid, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and chlorf luazuron.
of a pyridine production Therefore, both the pyridine herbicides and insecticides
line by Redsun, China has will have the potential to obtain an overwhelming advan-
Yang Shouhai
become the world’s larg- tage over other similar products in the global market. With
est producer of paraquat. By March 2009, total production the industrialization of pyridine in China, we are confident
capacity for paraquat reached 50,000 tonnes, accounting for the Chinese enterprise will rank among global agrochemi-
80% of total global production capacity. cal giants in the near future. ●



Pyrethroids: Establish the
Brand, Extend the Chain

C
ommercialization of and is the largest pyrethroid
pyrethroid insecticides Qi Mingzhu, vice chairman of pesticide producer with the
started in China CCPIA president of Jiangsu most comprehensive portfolio
during the early Yangnong Chemical Co.Ltd in China now. After 20 years
1980s. Now these products are of effort in technology de-
used widely in households as well velopment, Yangnong has an
as in agriculture. Total obvious edge in production technology, mainly shown in
present manufacturing its advanced ozonation, racemization, and configuration
capacity (including both conversion of chrysanthemic acid. Now the optical purity
the agricultural and of its chrysanthemic acid is sufficient that it could be used
residential pest control in pharmaceuticals. Secondly, Yangnong has a complete
markets) is about 3000 product chain. It is the only pyrethroid producer that starts
tonnes per year, and main from basic chemical materials and intermediates in China.
manufacturers include Even with the rise of genetically engineered pest-
Jiangsu Yangnong, Jiangsu resistant crop varieties, I think there is still a period of
Suhua, Jiangsu Pesticide time during which pyrethroids will hold an important
Research Institute, Redsun, position in the global insecticide market, so we will
Qi Mingzhu
and Rotam (Tianjing). grasp this opportunity to develop more environmentally
Jiangsu Yangnong is a pioneering firm in this industry, friendly products. ●

Imidacloprid: A Rising
Neonicotinoid Star

S
Xu Hui, vice chairman
ince imidacloprid was launched in
1991, it has successfully replaced
of CCPIA president of
carbamate insecticides and become Shandong Sino-Agri United
the third most widely used class of Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
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
Xu Hui


Jiangsu Changqing, among others. Shandong Sino-Agri United Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Market demand for imidacloprid soared in 2008, stimulat- introduced imidacloprid devices during 2007-2008, and
ing capacity expansion among a number of manufacturers. pioneered adoption of the concept of environmental pro-
The result is that manufacturing capacity is now around tection, which set a good example for domestic imidaclo-
30 thousand tonnes in China. The actual current output is prid producers. With five more-toxic organophosphate
12,000-13,000 tonnes, 5,000 tonnes of which was exported insecticides withdrawn from the market in 2007, we are
overseas -- mostly to India, Pakistan, the Middle East, South confident imidacloprid will occupy a larger space in the
Africa, South America, and North America. market in the next several years. ●

Abamectin: A Rare Flower
Among Bio-Pesticides

S
ince the beginning of the 1990s, impacted by labor, insect resistance. In addition, more products derived from
raw materials and environmental protection issues, abamectin have entered the market. Derivatives based on
only technical abamectin abamectin which have had
has been produced in been commercialized include
Li Xiufen, vice chairman of CCPIA
China. The current six main manufac- ivermectin, eprinomectin,
turers are Hebei Veyong, Hisun Phar- general manager of Hebei Veyong and emamectin benzoate.
maceutical, Shenhua Biok, Qianjiang Bio-chemical Co., Ltd. Future formulation advances
Biochemical, Guilin Jiqi, and Huabei will take the form of solid
Pharmaceutical, with total capacity 800-1,000 tonnes per year. and liquid formulations as well as seed coating.
Fermentation efficiency reached 4 g/L, and the fermentation Hebei Veyong showcases environmental stewardship in
period was shortened to 250-300 hours. National output was the production of abamectin derivatives by adopting low
1,500 tonnes in 2008, and this figure is expected to increase toxicity emulsifiers and solvents. The problem of photolysis
to 2,000 tonnes in 2009. of abamectin and emamectin benzoate has been solved,
Both output and sales of abamectin have increased, which has improved produc-
mainly due to rising demand stemming from expansion tion efficacy greatly. Veyong’s
of the crops to which it can be applied, especially after product portfolio includes
registration was granted for use on rice in 2007. Dosage emamectin benzoate 5% EC
requirements have also increased, driven by increasing and emamectin benzoate 5%
SP/ WDG/ME. In addition,
3500 abamectin 1.8% EC and em-
Abamectin Output (ton)

3000 amectin benzoate derivatives
2500
hold a combined domestic
2000
market share of 30% or more. LI XIUFEN
1500
Biotechnology will domi-
1000
nate the 21st Century, and thus bio-pesticide will be the
500
main crop protection products. We are confident that
0
abamectin, this rare f lower of bio-pesticides, will grow a
20 F
20 F
F
96
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20

better bloom. ●



Chlorpyrifos: Filling the
Breach After the Ban

T
he 2007 ban of five organophosphorus pesticides starting from basic raw
opened a breach in the defenses of farmers against materials. Its complete Zhu Wenxin, standing
pests – and an opportunity in the market. With the organophosphorus
committee member of
recent breakthrough in the synthesis technology re- product portfolio in-
garding the chemical intermediate sodium trichloropyridinol, cludes chlorpyrifos,
CCPIA president of
development of chlorpyrifos has entered a fast track. Now the phoxim, profeno- Jiangsu Baoling Chemical
Chinese product has been able to compete with imported fos, and triazophos. Industry Co., Ltd.
product from America and India. Key Chinese manu- The company has
facturers include Jiangsu made technological
Baoling, Redsun, Shandong breakthroughs in the treatment of highly contaminated
Tiancheng and Zhejiang wastewater, clearing the way for expanded production of
Xinnong. The active ingredi- chlorpyrifos. Now the company’s manufacturing capacity is
ent content of their products about 5,000 tonnes.
can all reach 97% or more by Chlorpyrifos is a wide-spectrum insecticide, and can be
volume. applied to many economic crops. Because research insti-
Jiangsu Baoling possesses tutes and companies are striving to ceaselessly optimize the
the sole organophosphorus production process of chlorpyrifos, we think it is bound to
product chain in China, have a bright future. ●
Zhu Wenxin

Chlorothalonil: A Long-
Lifecycle Product

S
Tian Xiaohong, standing
ales of chlorothalonil have
committee member of
grown steadily since its intro-
duction to the global market CCPIA president of CAC
during the 1960s. Compared SHANGHAI(GROUP)CO.,LTD
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
Tian Xiaohong 10,000~15,000 tonnes. Domestic manufacturers of chlorothalonil include CAC Shanghai
Group, Jiangyin Suli Fine Chemicals, Shandong Dacheng, and Limin Chemical. Total capacity


among these firms is about 15,000 tonnes, and together they of raw materials and energy in manufacture of chloro-
export more than 10,000 tonnes. The main export markets thalonil is on a par with levels among the most advanced
for chlorothalonil are developed countries such as America, international competitors.
Japan, and the European Union. Jiangyin Suli Fine Chemi- “We have also made a lot of effort in environmental pro-
cals has invested more than Yuan 3 million getting EU re- tection, and successfully solved the treatment of cyanide-
registration of chlorothalonil. contained waste water in the production of chlorothalonil.
CAC Shanghai Group, with chlorothalonil capacity of We believe that all Chinese enterprises must seek improve-
8,000 tonnes, is always paying attention to the accelerat- ment through undertaking more socially responsible policies
ing rate of advance in technology. The content of HCB and actions, and further strengthening QSHE management
has been reduced to less than 40ppm, and consumption in the future.” ●

Mancozeb: Market Mainstay

M
ancozeb has been registration and began to sell
under develop-
Li Ming, standing committee in Africa. The company also
ment in China for member of CCPIA President of signed agreement with RCC
more than 20 years; Limin Chemical Co., Ltd. Laboratory of Switzerland, and
present production is some 45,000 partial products tests were fin-
tonnes, with annual exports of ished at the end of 2007. By the
20,000 tonnes. Main manufactures end of 2009, Limin Chemical
include Limin Chemical, Hebei Shuangji Chemical, Nan- expects to be able to open up the European market with its
tong Baoye Chemical, Shenyang Harvest Agrochemical, Du independent brand.
Pont, and others. As a participant in the drafting of mancozeb waste-
Limin Chemical is a water discharge standard in China pesticide industry,
pioneer in the production Limin Chemical and CCPI A subscribe to the principles
of mancozeb in China, of the International Council of Chemical Associations’
and its mancozeb cere- Responsible Care initiative, helping ensure that the f irm
als fungicides covers 45% and the industry can develop in a sustainable manner.
of the domestic market. Limin Chemical cooperates with Southeast Univer-
Meanwhile, its interna- sity in Nanjing in the development of technology for
tional trade network cov- the comprehensive treatment of mancozeb production
ers 40 more countries, wastewater. The company also takes the lead among its
Li Ming especially key export counterparts in the country in achieving zero discharge
markets in Southeast Asia, of “three wastes”, and has also succeeds implementing
Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America. patent protection.
The company’s sales volume during the last 10 years ranks High-end mancozeb is the developing trend in the fu-
as the all-time highest among Chinese agrochemical firms ture. The competitor who has the highest quality products
in the international pesticide market. will come to dominate the market. China’s mancozeb
Limin Chemical strongly emphasizes establishing a industry should innovate ceaselessly, and also should have
national pesticide brand, and started to carry out a GLP a broader field of vision, so that it can put itself in an invin-
strategy from 2005. Mancozeb from Limin Chemical won cible position in future competition. ●



Acetochlor: Star of Lu Mingruo, vice chairman
of CCPIA president

the Second Legion of Jiangsu Changlong

A
Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
cetochlor is a leading product among the aceta- between 1998 and
nilide herbicides, and a market leader in the global 2006, domestic production of acetochlor has increased to
herbicides market. Acetochlor, paraquat, pendime- about 30,000 tonnes. There are now more than twenty
thalin, etc., all belong to what is called the “second enterprises that manufacture technical acetochlor, includ-
legion” of herbicides (behind the ing Liaoning Dalian R iser Pesticide, Jiangsu Changlong
perennial market leader glyphosate), Chemical, Nantong Jiangshan Pesticide, Jiangsu Lulilai,
with sales of each product in the and others. Their combined annual production capacity is
range of USD 300 million - 400 about 100,000 tonnes, but actual annual output is about
million per year. 50,000 tonnes.
First used in China in 1989, ac- Since 2007, due to large areas of land previously used for
etochlor has grown in popularity to paddy-field rice production being turned to dryland agricul-
become the leading product of the ture, the amount of acetochlor applied has sharply increased.
domestic herbicide market. In fact, Meanwhile, the level of capital equipment investment and
acetochlor in China came to meet the scale of acetochlor-producing enterprises is growing.
Lu mingruo
not only the needs of the domestic Therefore, with a much more centralized and rational-
market, but also became the major export herbicide. From ized industry structure, acetochlor will enter a systemic
1994 to 1998, the production of acetochlor grew 8.5 times, scale management orbit. At the same time, though, the
from 1,187 tonnes in 1994 to 10,032 tonnes in 1998. competition among Chinese agrochemical enterprises for
More recently, due to favorable in the herbicide markets share of the domestic market will become fiercer. ●

Tebuconazole: The Rust Fighter
T
ebuconazole, one of the triazole fungicides, a top-selling azole was 4,000 to 4,500 Bi Qiang, Standing
agrochemical products. Sales volume has topped USD tonnes in 2008; the trend is
committee member of
200 million every year since 1998, peaking at USD 360 toward increasing produc-
million in 2003. Due to the expiry of patent in China tion. About 89% of total CCPIA, president of
in 2004 and the recent rust disease outbreak in Latin America, production is exported, most Shanghai Shengnong
market demand for tebuconazole has increased considerably. of it in the form of technical
Pesticide Co., Ltd.
Domestic production capacity for tebuconazole is around active ingredient.
7,000 tonnes per year. The main Shanghai Shengnong Pesticide has a good reputation for
producers are Shanghai Shen- product stewardship: the most advanced production technol-
gnong Pesticide, Jiangsu Sword ogy in the domestic market, well-built waste treatment plants,
Pesticide, Hangzhou Udragon good facilities and security management model, a sound
Chemical, Sinochem (Ningbo) quality management system, and ongoing mechanisms for
Chemicals, Zhejiang Welda research and innovation. One fruit of that innovation is a new
Chemicals, and Jiangsu Chang- method for tebuconazole synthesis. Using this patent-applied-
long Chemicals, among others. for process, Shengnong is able to achieve purity of 96% or
Actual production of tebucon- greater in its technical tebuconazole. ●
BI QIANG


A LOOK AHEAD

The Future of China’s Agrochemical Industry:
Innovation and Stride
T
he China Crop Protection Industry Association national and/or industrial standards have been adapted
(CCPIA) has played a vital role in the development from accepted international standards.”
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
2 Great progress in technology improvement and
innovation made
“Before China adopted reform and a policy of opening to
over 450 members. Total production output of CCPIA global trade, the Chinese pesticide industry lagged behind
members accounts for 90% of total industry output. Recently, the technological base of the Western countries. After de-
Dr. Sun Shubao, the termining to embark on reform and opening to the outside
Secretary-General of the world, China began to establish its own national innovation
CCPIA, reviewed the centers. Two research facilities for pesticide research and
60-year history of the development have been set up in north and south of China,
industry and summarized respectively. Since then, a characteristically Chinese R
developments in technol- D system for pesticide innovation has been formed and has
ogy, product quality achieved excellent results. Some 30 new molecules, includ-
improvement, environ- ing 14 fungicides, seven insecticides, and 9 herbicides and
mental management, plant growth regulators, have been developed by Chinese
and intellectual property scientists. Examples include flumorph, ZJ0273, chloramine
Dr. Sun Shubao right protection: phosphorus, SIOC0171, and flubrocythrinate, among others.
The number of new compounds accounts for 10% of the most

1 International standards adopted and product
quality steadily improved
“With advances in technology and adjustments in in-
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-
dustry structure, Chinese pesticide product quality has nese agricultural production for control of important pests.
improved very much. At present, more than 200 pesticide “In addition to the development of new products, the
products have adopted the National Standards and/or In- Chinese government also put great effort into improving the
dustrial Standards. About 50 elements of basic techniques production technology associated with some key generic pes-
and analytical methods have also been standardized at the ticide chemicals and related intermediates. Therefore, a series
national level or the industrial level, and sbout 80% of the of new facilities for production of those pesticides and inter-


A look ahead

mediates have been established using large scale, continuous, gies and facilities. The liquid f ilm method for treatment
and clean production technologies. By employing the new of cyanogen-containing or phenol-containing wastewater,
technologies, average cost of production has been reduced by and the catalytic wet oxidation method for treatment
around 10%, and the discharge of wastes by over 40%. Out- of high concentration wastewater, are good examples of
standing examples of those new technologies are: advanced technologies implemented for waste treatment.
● production of dichlorvos by one-step hydrolysis Furthermore, the establishment of pesticide industrial
of trichlorfon, parks in some key regions has begun to play a vital role in
● imidacloprid production using dicyclopentadiene as centralized and eff icient treatment of wastes.
starting material, “The Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) system
● deltamethrin production technology adopted by has been increasingly recognized and adopted by the pes-
Jiangsu Yangnong, ticide industry. The government already has relevant laws,
● glyphosate production technology of Zhejiang Wynca, regulations, and implementation measures for environ-
● 3,3-dimethyl-4-pentenoic acid methyl ester production mental protection, worker safety, and occupational safety
technology used by Jiangsu Changlong and health. Some large scale enterprises have already
● deltamethrin production technology of Dalian Chemphy. adopted EHS practices in their routine production activi-
“Technology innovation has greatly supported and en- ties. CCPIA is also working hard to implement the EHS
hanced the Chinese pesticide industry. Both innovative system with its member manufacturers.
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
4 Increasing awareness of intellectual property
right (IPR) protection
“The patent law of the People’s Republic of China was
Chinese pesticide industry.” amended in 1993 to grant protection for seven and a half
Dr. Sun further pointed out highly effective, safe, and years to chemicals which obtained patent protection during
environmentally friendly products are the direction of the period of 1986 and 1993.
new product development, and that the industry must “Awareness of intellectual property rights (IPR) protec-
intensify its efforts in the development, extension, and tion has been lifted to a high level throughout the pesticide
application of water-based formulated products. industry, particularly in the research institutes and universi-
ties that are involved in pesticide innovation. In 1985, at the

3 Enhancement of environmental protection and
HSE awareness
“Whether or not to employ environmental protection
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,
measures is the ‘yea or nay’ factor that affects the decision about eight times as many as in 1985. The Compound An-
for a new factory’s entry into the industry. The Ministry nual Growth Rate (CAGR) is about 11.4%.
of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic “In most cases in foreign countries, the main force of
of China has issued national standards for pollutant dis- patent application is the manufacturers. In China, the
charge of 10 chemical classes of pesticides. CCPIA has patent applicants have historically been the institutes,
been deeply involved in this process, and has contributed universities and individuals, but more and more Chinese
meaningful suggestions for the standards. enterprises are now applying for patent application for
“CCPIA has also actively extended green production novel compounds.”
techniques, integral recycling, and reuse of materials in In the past 60 years, the Chinese pesticide industry has
production, as well as energy-saving and discharge-reduc- grown and improved greatly. Despite the global economic
ing measures among its member companies. Some f irms crisis, Dr. Sun Shubao indicated that the industry is still in
have put environmental protection into their agenda, and good condition and that current prospects for continued
have increasingly invested in waste treatment technolo- growth are good. ●


agrochemex 2009 preview

AgrochemEx 2009 Preview
A
grochemEx (ACE) is 2009. The scale of this event is expanding
http://www.agrochemex.net/
an annual agrochemical year-on-year, and has been granted the
symposium and exhibition organized by the China status of a “technical meeting” by industry insiders. This offers
Crop Protection Industry Association (CCPIA). a centralized procurement platform for pesticide formulators,
ACE was born in Nanjing in 2005, and moved to Shanghai in foreign traders and overseas suppliers. Continued on page 16

Malaysia Top ten foreign
Exhibition Scale from 2006 to 2009
1000
Iran countries in descending
900 Australia order of the attendees
Stall Number
800 Exhibitor Number Pakistan in 2008
700
Korea
600
500 Brazil
400
Thailand
300
Germany
200
100 Indonesia
0 Turkey
2006 2007 2008 2009
India
A total of 12,000 visitors, more than 800 of whom came
from abroad, attended ACE 2008. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100


Aagrochex 2009 preview

China Agrochemical Symposium Visitors’ occupational has become a highly recognized brand
position in 2008
Each year, the China Agrochemical within the industry, attracting about 800
Symposium has been held in paral- loyal delegates each year.
Purchaser
lel with the ACE trade show. The AgrochemEx has proven a valuable plat-
Symposium covers many aspects of form for meeting decision-makers from
Sale Manager
the agrochemical industry, including employee leading Chinese manufacturers, exchang-
industry policies and the research and ing information and f inding more busi-
development of new chemicals and ness opportunities. ●
new formulations. A fter eight years,
Technical For more information contact: Leah Li email:
the China Agrochemical Symposium employee ccpia_lijuan@126.com

Praise from AgrochemEx
2008 Exhibitors
“I have attended many kinds of agrochemical exhibitions, “The AgrochemEx 2008 has provided a platform for ex-
but the exhibitors of AgrochemEx 2008 were high qual- change among agrochemical firms. We learned the latest
ity, and the order of exhibition is good. We learned the government policies, as well as development and export
latest government policies, along with the gaps separating conditions in the agrochemical industry. We felt very
our company from others through the exhibition.” good, and will come again.” The Red Sun Group
Zhengzhou Friend Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
“Thanks, CCPIA, for sponsoring this exhibition. We ob-
“AgrochemEx 2008 provided a rare opportunity for us to tained much valuable information and got to know many
demonstrate our products. Many customers come to learn overseas trading companies. It will help our products
about our products, and we received many orders.” moving toward internationalization.”
Jiangsu Changlong Chemicals Co., Ltd Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Group Co., Ltd.

“We learned much through communication with other enter- “We have participated in many similar agrochemical ex-
prises. Thanks, CCPIA, for sponsoring this exhibition.” hibitions, but AgrochemEx 2008 is second to none. We
Jiangsu Kesheng Group Co., Ltd. believe AgrochemEx 2009 will be even better!”
Jiangsu Tianrong Co., Ltd


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