China’s Crop Protection Industry Expands Global Footprint Amid Challenges

RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.

chemical pesticides_ag revolution 22148933_G.jpeg

Ed - stock.adobe.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — China’s pesticide and crop protection manufacturers are entering a critical transition, moving from cost-driven exports to global integration, according to a new RaboResearch report by senior analyst Lief Chiang. Rabobank notes that while China continues to dominate global pesticide production — with more than 90 percent of output shipped overseas — the sector faces mounting regulatory, environmental, and market pressures that threaten its long-term advantage.

RaboResearch says the industry’s success has been anchored by low-cost manufacturing, vertical integration, and technological efficiency. However, slowing global demand, tighter safety rules, pest resistance, and the rise of biological alternatives are forcing Chinese firms to innovate and diversify. Many leading companies are pursuing “go-global” strategies, building regional formulation plants, entering joint ventures, or forming partnerships to strengthen overseas distribution and technical service.

Chiang concludes that only a handful of China’s top firms are positioned to evolve into authentic international brands. To do so, they must pivot from production-centric models to user-focused operations built on sustainability, patented chemistry, and strong local market knowledge. The next chapter, he writes, will hinge on global adaptability, eco-friendly innovation, and resilient supply chains.

Farm-Level Takeaway: RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Related Stories
Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
A court decision that overturns Enlist labels would remove two major herbicides from use and reshape EPA’s future mitigation policies for other pesticides.
Rural businesses report softer sales, tougher hiring, and restrained investment — a backdrop that can pinch farm support capacity even if posted prices cool.
Friday’s release will be the first WASDE report in about two months, and early estimates indicate a corn surplus is still on the way.
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
Export strength is concentrated in corn and wheat, while soybeans and sorghum lag, keeping basis and logistics dynamics highly commodity-specific into late fall.