HS Code:
The category under HS Code 3808.93.50 includes herbicides, anti-sprouting products, and plant-growth regulators, specifically mixtures containing S-(2,3,3-trichloro-2-propen-1-yl) diisopropylcarbamothioate (Triallate, CAS No. 2303-17-5) and 2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline (Trifluralin, CAS No. 1582-09-8). These chemicals are widely used in agriculture as pre-emergence herbicides to control grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds in crops such as wheat, barley, and soybeans. Triallate targets annual grasses, while Trifluralin is effective against a broader spectrum of weeds. Due to their chemical nature, these products are subject to strict regulatory oversight globally to ensure environmental safety and human health.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $250 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$80 million USD
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$60 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$40 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$30 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$20 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU trade pacts)
Shift towards sustainable alternatives
Increasing demand for bio-based herbicides is reducing the market share of chemical herbicides like Triallate and Trifluralin, especially in Europe.
2021-2023
Regulatory tightening
Stricter environmental regulations in the EU and North America are leading to reduced usage and trade volumes of Trifluralin due to its persistence in soil and potential groundwater contamination.
2020-2022
Growth in emerging markets
Rising agricultural activity in Asia-Pacific and Latin America is driving demand for cost-effective herbicides like Triallate and Trifluralin, despite environmental concerns.
2019-2023
The European Union has imposed stricter usage limits on Trifluralin due to concerns over its environmental persistence and potential as an endocrine disruptor, leading to a phased reduction in its application.
March 2022
Significant reduction in EU imports and shift towards alternative herbicides, affecting global trade patterns.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a risk assessment of Triallate, maintaining its registration but imposing new labeling requirements and usage restrictions to protect non-target species.
September 2021
Stable trade volume in the US market but increased compliance costs for manufacturers and exporters.
China has ramped up production of generic versions of Triallate and Trifluralin, becoming a leading exporter to emerging markets in Asia and Africa.
January 2023
Increased global supply has led to price reductions, benefiting importers but pressuring profit margins of producers in developed countries.