Market Report of China's Popular Paddy Fields Herbicide

Metamifop

Registration | Industry Chain | Export | Price | Market feedbacks

Contents

 Preface

 Product and Market Overview

 ICAMA Registration Status

 Production Capacity & Supplying Status

 Global Import and Export Situation: Quantities and Trend

 Application, Price and Market feedbacks

 Discussion of Future Prospects

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 Preface

Metamifop has high herbicidal activity and a broad herbicidal spectrum and is
effective in controlling major weeds affecting rice fields, such as barnyard grass,
crab grass and moleplant seed. Since 2009, Metamifop has been used in South
Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, being
highly recognized by the market.

According to statistics, China's rice planting area reached 451 million mu , with 1
hectare being equal to15 mu, in 2020. There are many herbicide products available
for application on rice fields in China, causing fierce competition in the Chinese
market. China is the largest market for Metamifop, where the compound (R) -
isomer patent will expire on October 31, 2021. Therefore, many enterprises in
China are investing or intending to invest in the production of Metamifop. Future
increase in production and supply will lead to a price decrease, which is expected
to increase the use of Metamifop in China and the rest of the world. In light of the
product’s issues and the current problem of resistance, how much room is left for
market growth and will this will be enough to sustain the ongoing investments by
enterprises? This paper will analyze the market profile and possible trends of
Metamifop from multiple perspectives.

Product and Market Overview

1. Basic Information

Metamifop is a herbicide developed jointly by Farm Hannong and FMC. CAS:

256412-89-2; molecular structure: C23H18CIFN2O4; chemical formula:

Figure 1 Structural Formula of Metamifop

Metamifop is an APP herbicide, with an action mode that inhibits the Acetyl CoA
carboxylase, which will block the synthesis of vegetable fatty acids. It is identical to
Cyhalofop-butyl.

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FMC has launched five formulations for the Chinese market, which are Hanqiuhao

(Metamifop 10% EC), Daoqingqing (Cyhalofop-butyl·Metamifop10% EC), Chunhao

(Metamifop 10% EC), Qingqiao (Cyhalofop-butyl·Metamifop 10% EC) and Yizhanqing

(Metamifop·Bentazone 20% ME).

The product offers the following advantages:

Targets: Annual gramineae grassy weeds, such as crab grass, barnyard grass, moleplant
seed and eleusine indica.
Wide application period: After two leaf stage, for controlling crab grass, barnyard grass,
moleplant seed and eleusine indica in two, four leaf stage.
Wide application fields: Dry field direct-seeding, water field direct-seeding, transplanting
and throw planting.

2. Mixtures

When combined, Metamifop and Cyhalofop-butyl create an obvious synergy, causing

faster herbicidal speed with a thorough effect. FMC has gone through 6,000 cycles of
formula screening, having eliminated a number of formulations, which are 10%+10%,
7.5%+7.5%, 8%+12% and 10%+15%. Finally, the safest, most stable and effective
formulation of Cyhalofop-butyl·Metamifop, 5% + 5% EC, was launched under the trade
name, Daoqingqing, which is recommended for use at doses of 200ml to 250ml. At
present, a dose of 300ml is used in regions affected by serios resistance.

Studies reveal that Metamifop shows antagonism to quinclorac and MCPA herbicides. It
can be used together with bentazone for controlling broad leaf. It is noted that spots may
appear when applied at high temperatures, which, however, can be recovered soon. In
addition, there is also antagonism to pyrazosulfuron-ethyl and bensulfuron methyl, with
mixing not being allowed.

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 ICAMA Registration Status

As of March 2021, there were 62 Metamifop registrations in China, including 5 technical

registrations and 57 formulation registrations. Besides Farm Hannong, registration owners
include Anhui Zhongbang Bioengineering, Jiangsu Fuding Chemical, Dezhou Luba Fine
Chemical and Jiangsu Lianhetech. Since 2019, there has been no new registrations of
Metamifop technical. Among the formulation registrations, the most common registration
types are EC and OD, which cover 39 and 15 registrations, respectively. In terms of
mixture registrations, the most common type is the combination of Metamifop with
Cyhalofop-butyl with 22 registrations, followed by mixes with bentazone with only 3
registrations, as shown in Table 1:

Table1: Metamifop Mixture Registration Types

Name of Registration Qty

Metamifop·Cyhalofop 22

Metamifop·Bentazone 3

Quinclorac·Metamifop·Cyhalofop 2

Metamifop·Quinclorac 2

Metamifop·Penoxsulam 2

Metamifop·Pyribenzoxim 1

Metamifop·Florpyrauxifen-benzy·Cyhalofop 1

Metamifop·:Florpyrauxifen-benzy 1

Metamifop·Bispyribac 1

Metamifop·Florpyrauxifen-benzy·Bispyribac 1

Metamifop100g/L+ Bispyribac 40g/LSE is registered in Indonesia, with a recommended

dose of 375-500ml/hectare and 25-33ml/mu; Metamifop100g/L is registered in the
Philippines, recommended for use on rice direct seeding; and Metamifop10%EC is
registered in Thailand.

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 Production Capacity & Supplying Status

1. Technical Capacity

At present, Chinese enterprises, including Jiangsu Fuding, Ningxia Lantian, Shunyi,

Liaoning Tianyi, Sichuan Huihe, Flagchem and Zhongbang biology, have either built
Metamifop facilities or have planned newbuilds (Table 2).

Table 2 Metamifop Technical Capacity (built or planned)

Enterprises Capacity (built or panned)

Jiangsu Fuding 500

Shunyi 300

Ningxia Lantian 1,200

Liaoning Tianyi ( Relocation) 500

Zhengbang 2,000

Flagchem 500

Zhongbang 500

2. Vendors and Capacities of Intermediates

DHPPA, 2,6-Dichlorobenzoxazole and 2-Fluoro-N-methylaniline are three prime

intermediates for the synthesis of Metamifop, as shown in the structural formula in figure
2:

Figure 2: DHPPA, 2,6-Dichlorobenzoxazole and 2-Fluoro-N-methylaniline Formula

Primary DHPPA vendors include Jiangxi Tianxu (2,000 tons/year), Jinzhou Sihai (5,000
tons/year), Heze Jinchen (3,000 tons/year), and Jiamusi Heilong Pesticide (plan for 3,000
tons/year), with Jinzhou Sihai having the highest automation level. At present, the price of
the intermediate has risen from Yuan110,000 to Yuan115,000 per ton. Jiamusi Heilong
Pesticide is a wholly owned subsidiary of Huimeng Biotech. In December 2020,
FLagchem assigned its controlling share in Anhui Anhe to Huimeng Biotech and holds a

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participated equity.

The main vendor of 2,6-Dichlorobenzoxazole is Jiangsu Yongkai, with an annual

capacity of 2,000 tons. Zhejiang Shunyi has also built up a certain capacity. The price of
the product used to peak at Yuan240,000 per ton, which is currently maintained at
Yuan180,000 to Yuan 190,000 per ton (See Table 3).

The prime 2-Fluoro-N-methylaniline vendor is Zhejiang Yongtai, with a peak capacity of

120 tons supplied to Farm Hannong. The product’s market price has stayed at
Yuan200,000 to Yuan250,000 per ton. If the total capacity is all used for the production of
Metamifop, it will produce approximately 300 tons of Metamifop technical.

Intermediates Enterprises Capacity

(ton/year)
DHPPA Jiangxi Tianxu 2,000
Jinzhou Sihai 5,000
Heze Jinchen 3,000
2,6-Dichlorobenzoxazole Jiangsu Yongkai 2,000
Miscellaneous
2-Fluoro-N-methylaniline Zhejiang Yongtai 120 (peak
capacity)
Table 3: Metamifop Intermediates Vendors and Capacity

Global Import and Export Situation: Quantities and Trend

Related data highlight the fact that Metamifop is mainly formulated at FMC Indonesia and
then sold to other Southeast Asian countries, with part of which being sold back to China.
In light of Metamifop’s technical and intermediate exports, it can be calculated that current
overseas peak demand is about 50 to 60 tons, and demand has dropped over the last two
years, noting the lack of data in Japan and Korea. Also, considering China’s annual
Metamifop technical production volume, the demand peak might be around 200 to 300.

China’s exports:

Zhejiang Yongtai exported 40 tons of 2-Fluoro-N-methylaniline in 2017 and 40 tons in

2018, but this dropped rapidly to 10 tons in 2019. The intermediates exported in 2017 and
2018 can support the production of 110 tons of Metamifop technical. Its exportation in
2019 can support the production of 28 tons.

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The export volume of DHPPA from China to Korea was 25 tons in 2016, 16 tons in 2017, 6
tons in 2018, and 44 tons in 2019. If all products are used to produce Metamifop, it could
support the production of 50 tons, 32 tons, 12 tons and 88 tons, respectively.

All Metamifop 96% produced by Lianhetech are exported to FMC’s factories in Indonesia,
with export volumes being 28 tons, 84 tons, 60 tons and 5 tons from 2016 to 2019,
respectively. Therefore, this figure dropped sharply in 2019.

Indonesia’s exports:

In 2019, Indonesia exported 369 tons of Cyhalofop 5% + Metamifop 5% EC to China, 142

tons of Metamifop 10% EC to the Philippines, 56.7 tons of Metamifop 10% EC to Thailand
and 38.9 tons of Metamifop 10% EC to Sri Lanka. The total amount after being converted
to a 100% content was 42 tons while 43.7 tons was converted to 96% technical.

In 2020, Indonesia exported 16.08 tons to China, 168 tons to the Philippines, 33.6 tons to
Thailand and 25.9 tons to Sri Lanka, among which Cyhalofop 5% + Metamifop 5% EC
was only exported to China while exports to other Southeast Asian countries were all 10%
EC. The total amount converted to 100% content was 23 tons, while 24 tons was
converted to 96% technical.

Application, Price and Market feedbacks

1. Market Analysis

(1) Demand and Supply

According to the survey, FMC’s peak sale of Metamifop formulations in China is about
1,500 tons, with approximately 156 tons being converted to 96% technical content.
According to calculations, China's market demand in 2021 is estimated to be 200 to 300
tons. The use of Metamifop in major rice planting provinces takes place mainly in mid and
late May, so purchase orders for Metamifop should have been sent out by this paper’s
publication.

In 2018, Jiangsu Fuding was granted registration by ICAMA for Metamifop 96%, under
registration certificate number “PD 20181298.” The active ingredient of the product is
97-98%, which is currently supplied in volumes of 1 to 2 tons per day. Fuding has stocks in
hand, being able to legally supply goods.
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It is reported that Ningxia Lantian obtained a production permit for Metamifop technical,
while registration with ICAMA is under way. The project is currently running its phase II
pilot test.

(2) Technical Price

Metamifop’s price in the Chinese market is Yuan450,000 per ton, and this figure was
Yuan750,000 per ton last year. FMC’s price this year has stayed at around Yuan750,000
per ton, which was Yuan1 million last year.

2. Market Feedback

(1) Usage Reference

Technical expert from Hangzhou Jireh Standard provided the following information: In
general, Metamifop needs to be used after rice’s three leaf stage, as lower temperatures
or lower seedling leaf age may cause damage. Taking Metamifop 10% EC as an example,
when early rice is sprayed at 1,200 mL/ha or 80ml/ mu, seedling leaves will turn from
green to white or yellowish white in the heavily sprayed area, but if spayed at 2,100 mL/ha
or 140ml/ mu, seedling leaves in the central zone will appear seriously yellowed and some
will become withered while growth will obviously slow down and a small proportion of
weak seedings will die out. Therefore, for early rice, spraying can be done roughly at the
four leaf-stage. For mid and late rice, because temperatures are slightly higher at the time
of planting, the spraying can be moved forward to the three-leaf stage, but it needs to be
done evenly and uniformly, without respraying or missing spraying. However, according to
feedback from dealers of Metamifop in Anhui Province, the use of Metamifop 10% per mu
in low temperature conditions should not be over 100ml and be at a maximum of 120ml,
otherwise pesticide damage may occur, as this is the safety threshold of the product.

Cyhalofop-butyl and Metamifop are the same type of product, but why does
Cyhalofop-butyl have a higher safety record? An expert from Hangzhou Jireh Standard
said, “On paddy rice, Cyhalofop-butyl can be degraded quickly into the inactive state of
ACC, which is, therefore, very safe to rice. Metamifop degrades rather slowly, with its
half-life being 1.5 to 3 days. The degradation speed of Metamifop is affected by
temperature and rice plant sizes.”

(2) Stability at High Temperature

In double cropping rice regions, such as Jiangxi and Hunan, late rice grows at high
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temperatures, during which the use of Metamifop will have a reduced application effect.
This is a common problem present in many herbicides.

(3) Resistance

Users’ general feedback revealed minor effects in the use of single Metamifop agent in
some regions, such as Anhui Province, for controlling ACCase herbicide-resistant
barnyard grass. Therefore, Metamifop is mostly used to supplement Cyhalofop-butyl at
increased dosage . In some areas, the dose of the active ingredients of Cyhalofop-butyl
reached 40g per mu (3 to 5g initially), and the use of Metamifop as a supplement to
Cyhalofop-butyl reached 15g per mu. Moreover, according to users in Cambodia,
resistance to Metamifop has occurred, which is getting more serious.

To tackle the issue of the stability of mainstream stem and leaf herbicides and the current
problem of serious resistance, Chinese enterprises have worked out appropriate solutions.
For example, KingAgroot’s Saidan (containing KingAgroot’s newly developed HPPD
inhibitor) offers a more stable control effect under high temperature conditions, and is free
from cross resistance with mainstream herbicides. It also solves the problem of resistance
in barnyard grass, “spongy barnyard grass” and “unicorn barnyard grass,” and is
concurrently effective in controlling the four leaf stage of moleplant seed. In addition, the
company's rice field herbicide, Daoyu, which contains its patented HPPD inhibitor, offers a
new solution against resistant moleplant seed and barnyard grass.

In the course of and agricultural production, the control of paddy weeds should be based
on the concept of early control and management, which will extend the life cycle of
products and improve the yield quality of crops. Experts advise that farmers should not be
too concerned over the cost of sealed weeding but should consider an appropriate
increase to the dose of sealing herbicides. For example, the dose of pretilachlor and
bensulfuron methyl can be increased from 60g to 100g, especially in an area with serious
resistant weeds. If Cyhalofop-butyl and Metamifop are used in large doses after the
emergence of barnyard grass and moleplant seed, the chances of the occurrence of
resistance would be evengreater. Meanwhile, local governments are recommending
machine transplanting and throw planting, which can help inhibit some weeds, especially
weedy rice.

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 Discussion of Future Prospects

1. With the increased use of Cyhalofop in China, the market capacity of Metamifop has

been squeezed and is declining yearly. In recent years, the resistance to Cyhalofop-butyl

has increased gradually and the dose of application is also increasing, which is

accompanied with an increased use of Metamifop. It is estimated that the peak demand of

the Chinese market in 2021 will reach 200 to 300 tons.

2. In 2021, with the decreased application cost of Metamifop, the expected use of

Metamifop in China will increase to some extent. However, it should be noted that in 2020,

Jiangxi’s early rice crop suffered from floods and late rice crops suffered from cold

weather, which affected the income of rice growers. In 2021, the enthusiasm of rice

farmers may decline, which will indirectly affect the consumption of Metamifop. In view of

the above, the prediction is for the consumption of Metamifop to increase by 30% from

2021 to 2022, with no significant increase being foreseen. While considering product

safety, the demand may have an unbreakable upper limit. Moreover, there are difficulties

in terms of production and the setup of a new production facility with considerable

investment. For this reason, enterprises intending to invest in production need to think

carefully.

3. In the overseas market, according to import and export data from the past two years,

there is no obvious fluctuation in overseas demand for Metamifop. Major overseas

markets include Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The Philippine market

has grown to certain extent. Since its entry to the Thai market in 2018, Metamifop has

performed quite well, but imports to Thailand dropped sharply in 2020, which is partly

attributable to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Sri Lanka's imports also declined

in 2020, and the reason is not yet clear. However, as the product patent is about to expire

and production costs continueing to decline, the cost of application in Southeast Asia is

likely to decline continuously. There is an opportunity for the increased use of Metamifop

worldwide, especially its application during early rice planting, which requires the control
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of resistant barnyard grass.

4. ACC inhibitor has good selectivity in controlling gramineous weeds, therefore, it is

widely used. However, due to the limited action site of ACCase, its long-term use may

lead to occurrence of resistance. Metamifop is an ACCase inhibitor that has been widely

used to control barnyard grass in rice fields in China over recent years. How to use the

herbicide scientifically, prolong the lifecycle of the product and postpone the occurrence of

resistance will be a long-term issue of concern.

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