HS Code:
Prohexadione-calcium, with the chemical name Calcium bis(3,5-dioxo-4-propionylcyclohexanecarboxylate) and CAS No. 127277-53-6, falls under HS Code 2918.30.90, which covers carboxylic acids with aldehyde or ketone function but without other oxygen function, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and derivatives. Prohexadione-calcium is primarily used as a plant growth regulator in agriculture to control vegetative growth, enhance fruit set, and improve crop yield by inhibiting gibberellin biosynthesis. It is widely applied in crops such as apples, pears, peanuts, and turfgrass. The global trade of this chemical is driven by demand in agricultural economies seeking to improve productivity and manage crop quality.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately USD 50 million
Data from 2022
Source
Estimated based on data from UN Comtrade, ITC Trade Map, and industry reports
USD 20 million
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 million
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 8 million
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 5 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 3 million
6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic chemical industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable agriculture
Increased adoption of plant growth regulators like Prohexadione-calcium to reduce excessive vegetative growth and improve resource efficiency in crops
2021-2023
Growth in organic farming
Mixed impact; while organic certifications restrict synthetic chemicals, some regions allow limited use of Prohexadione-calcium under specific conditions, sustaining demand
2020-2022
Technological advancements in formulation
Development of more efficient and environmentally friendly formulations has boosted market acceptance and trade volume
2019-2023
The European Union revised Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for Prohexadione-calcium in certain fruits to ensure consumer safety, impacting export strategies for suppliers.
March 2023
Exporters to the EU must comply with stricter residue limits, potentially increasing production costs but ensuring market access.
Major Chinese manufacturers announced expansions in production facilities for plant growth regulators, including Prohexadione-calcium, to meet growing global demand.
July 2022
Increased supply from China may lead to competitive pricing, benefiting importers but pressuring profit margins of other producers.
The US Environmental Protection Agency renewed the registration of Prohexadione-calcium for use in multiple crops after a comprehensive safety review.
October 2021
Reassures market confidence in the product, likely boosting trade and usage in the US agricultural sector.