China's Glyphosate Prices Climb Back to RMB 29,000/t: What Buyers Should Expect into Q1 2027

After a summer slide, the price of glyphosate technical in China is rising again. The domestic market price reached RMB 29,000 per tonne on 16 October 2026, up from a low of RMB 25,400 on 11 September, an increase of roughly 14% in five weeks. Industry analysts expect prices to trade in a range of RMB 28,000–33,000 per tonne from late 2026 into the first quarter of 2027.

Last month we reported on the sharp rise in glufosinate-ammonium prices. Glyphosate is now following, and because China supplies most of the world's glyphosate, the move matters to buyers in almost every market.

A volatile year so far

Glyphosate prices have swung widely in 2026. Technical traded around RMB 23,000 per tonne in January and February, then rallied to a year high of RMB 35,000 on 13 April, with an April average close to RMB 33,000. Prices then eased to RMB 27,000–28,000 by late June and bottomed in mid-September before the current recovery.

What is driving the increase

Higher raw material costs. Glyphosate is produced from yellow phosphorus, methanol and glycine, and all three have become more expensive. Yellow phosphorus in Shandong rose from RMB 26,700 to RMB 28,750 per tonne between 8 July and 16 October (about +7.7%). Methanol in East China rose from RMB 2,580 to RMB 3,970 per tonne between 5 August and 16 October, an increase of about 54%. Higher crude oil and upstream chemical prices since the Middle East conflict began in late February have added to cost pressure.

Dry-season power constraints. Much of China's yellow phosphorus capacity is in Yunnan and Guizhou, which rely heavily on hydropower. The fourth-quarter dry season usually reduces power supply in these provinces, which can limit phosphorus output and push costs higher.

Seasonal export demand. The fourth quarter is the traditional export peak for glyphosate, as distributors in Brazil, Argentina and other South American markets build stock for the soybean planting season.

Spillover from glufosinate. Glufosinate-ammonium, the main alternative non-selective herbicide, has become more expensive after China removed its export VAT rebate in April and inventories fell to record lows. Higher glufosinate prices support demand and pricing for glyphosate.

China's position in global supply

Global glyphosate capacity was about 1.18 million tonnes per year in 2025, and China accounted for roughly 810,000 tonnes, or close to 70%. Xingfa Group is the largest Chinese producer with about 230,000 tonnes of annual capacity. Because supply is concentrated in China, cost and policy changes there are quickly reflected in international prices.

Regulatory developments to watch

• Brazil: On 4 September 2026, a federal labour court in Brasília suspended new glyphosate registrations for 90 days while Anvisa completes its reassessment of the active ingredient. The order covers new registrations and label extensions only; products already registered can still be sold and used. Brazil is the largest destination for Chinese glyphosate, so importers there should check how the suspension affects any registrations they have in progress. • United States: Antidumping and countervailing duty petitions on glyphosate from China, filed in June 2026, were withdrawn on 17 July, and the U.S. International Trade Commission terminated the investigations. No new U.S. trade duties on Chinese glyphosate are currently in place as a result of that case.

What this means for international buyers

• Plan first-quarter needs now. With analysts expecting prices to stay at or above current levels into early 2027, confirming volumes for Q1 2027 sooner rather than later can reduce exposure to further increases. • Expect shorter price validity. When raw material costs move quickly, suppliers tend to shorten the validity of their offers. Quotes may be valid for days rather than weeks. • Allow for shipping lead time. Port congestion and schedule disruptions in China have eased but not disappeared. Building extra time into delivery plans helps product arrive before the application window. • Check registration status in Brazil. Buyers relying on new or pending Brazilian registrations should confirm the timeline with their regulatory team while the court suspension is in effect.

How Sinocropchem is responding

We are monitoring raw material and technical prices weekly and keeping customers informed of significant moves. For customers with seasonal programmes, we can discuss volume planning and delivery scheduling for the coming quarter.

If you are planning glyphosate or other herbicide purchases for the coming months, please contact your Sinocropchem representative to review prices and timelines together.

Sources • 21st Century Business Herald (21jingji.com), "这一产品，单月上涨3000元/吨" (20 Oct 2026): https://www.21jingji.com/article/20261020/herald/db94fe291e418c88964e6643da71614d.html • Global Agriculture, "China's Glyphosate Technical Price Climbs to 29,000 Yuan a Tonne as Raw Material Costs Bite" (21 Oct 2026): https://www.global-agriculture.com/crop-protection/chinas-glyphosate-technical-price-climbs-to-29000-yuan-a-tonne-as-raw-material-costs-bite/ • Global Agriculture, "Brazilian Labor Court Suspends New Glyphosate Registrations for 90 Days" (14 Sep 2026): https://www.global-agriculture.com/latam-agriculture/brazilian-labor-court-suspends-new-glyphosate-registrations-for-90-days/ • U.S. Federal Register, "Glyphosate From China; Termination of Investigations" (29 Jul 2026): https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/29/2026-15235/glyphosate-from-china-termination-of-investigations • Sinocropchem, "China's Glufosinate-Ammonium Prices Surge Over 12% in a Month" (24 Sep 2026):