HS Code:
2-Chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methyl-phenyl)-N-(1-methoxypropan-2-yl) acetamide, commonly known as Metolachlor (CAS No. 51218-45-2), is a selective herbicide used primarily in agriculture to control annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds in crops such as corn, soybeans, and sorghum. Classified under HS Code 2924.29.47, it falls within the category of cyclic amides and their derivatives. Metolachlor works by inhibiting the growth of weed seedlings, making it a critical input for modern farming practices globally. Due to its widespread use, it is a significant product in the agrochemical trade, with production and export concentrated in countries with strong chemical manufacturing capabilities.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
Estimated based on data from UN Comtrade, ITC Trade Map, and industry reports
$450 million USD
37.5% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$300 million USD
25.0% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$200 million USD
16.7% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries with protective agricultural policies)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA and EU-Switzerland agreements)
Growing demand for herbicides in precision agriculture
Increased adoption of Metolachlor in regions with advanced farming technologies, boosting trade volumes in North America and Europe
2021-2023
Shift towards sustainable and bio-based alternatives
Potential decline in demand for synthetic herbicides like Metolachlor in the long term due to regulatory pressures and consumer preference for organic farming
2022-2025
Rising production in Asia-Pacific
Increased export competition from countries like China and India, leading to price pressures on traditional exporters like the US and Switzerland
2020-2023
The European Union initiated a review of Metolachlor due to concerns over potential groundwater contamination, leading to stricter usage guidelines in member states.
March 2023
Possible reduction in demand within the EU market, pushing exporters to focus on other regions like Latin America and Asia.
As part of broader trade negotiations, tariffs on certain agrochemicals, including Metolachlor, were reduced, facilitating increased exports from the US to China.
January 2022
Boosted trade volumes for US exporters, strengthening their position in the Asian market.
A major Indian agrochemical company announced the opening of a new Metolachlor production facility, aiming to capture a larger share of the global market.
September 2022
Increased supply from India may lead to competitive pricing and higher trade volumes in the Asia-Pacific region.