An Economic Conflict Between China and the United States: Restructuring the Global Pesticide Industry

Amending the Pesticide Trade Business

China and the U.S. are the foremost exporters of pesticides in the global market. In 2023, China accounted for 21.7% of the global market for pesticides, while the U.S. held an 11.5% share, China's market share in the global pesticide export market was 21.7%, while the U.S. was 11.5%, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). In April 2025, the U.S. imposed new tariff guidelines on pesticides which directly impacted the global pesticide business and the leading exporters. Following China and the United States, France, Germany, India, and Spain are significant contributors to the global pesticide export market. Due to the changing trade policies imposed in April 2025, France, Germany, India, and Spain have drawn the attention of pesticide buyers and created new opportunities in global trade.

Relocating Production Houses

The U.S.-China trade war has disrupted the competitive landscape of the global pesticide market. Global pesticide producers are either deliberately expanding their production capacity in Southeast Asian countries or moving their production facilities to these nations to avoid or reduce the tariffs. To enhance the profit-margin ratio and appealing prices, Chinese companies are heavily investing in Southeast Asian countries and expanding their global operations from these countries in the pesticide industry.

Timeline of Events: A Series of Reciprocal Tariffs

Major announcements pertaining to the pesticide industry during April and May 2025 are highlighted below.

• April 2: The U.S. government imposed a 10% tariff on all global imports, effective April 5, 2025
• April 9: Planned country-specific tariffs were delayed for 90 days following domestic protests and global diplomatic pressure.
• April 11: A sharp escalation followed as the U.S. raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%. China responded with 125% tariffs on American goods and called for EU alignment against U.S. policies.
• May 12: China reduced the tariff on American imports from 125% to 10% for 90 days beginning May 14, 2025. Simultaneously, the U.S. reduced the reciprocal tariff from 145% to 30% for 90 days starting May 14, 2025.

This tariff war has intensified trade uncertainties and left companies struggling for clarity on upcoming policy shifts.

Strategic Movement to Reduce the Price of Pesticides

Farmers are the end-use consumers of pesticides. Due to the trade policies in April 2025, the cost structure of pesticides changed quite rapidly and dramatically. However, the buying behavior and purchasing capacities of farmers are unchanged. To maintain the farming stream and agricultural yield, China and the U.S. are taking the initiative and reducing the import duty on pesticides. The updated U.S. tariff policies are directed from May 14, 2025. This policy helps to reduce the cost structure of pesticides for the next 90 days.

To Maintain a Prominent Hold on the Global Market

China and the U.S. are the top exporters of pesticides in the global market. Due to the change in trade policies in April 2025, the key leading pesticide importers are strategically switching their trade partners to minimize their dependence on China and the U.S. The changes in trade policies have negatively impacted the trade relations between China and the United States. Both countries aim to maintain their significant positions in the global pesticide market.

Therefore, China and the U.S. implemented a 90-day program started from May 14, 2025, aimed at maintaining their positions in the pesticide industry and attracting the attention of pesticide importers.

Strategic Recommendations for Industry Leaders

Manufacturers are switching their trade partners beyond China and the United States due to the volatile market conditions and emphasizes on domestic production. The key global public companies are hunting for new locations for pesticide production houses that have lenient rules on pesticide consumption and production.

Recommended Actions:

• Re-evaluate global sourcing models and regional dependencies.
• Creating partnerships and collaborations with 'Tech Giants' and targeting robotics farming.
• Collaborate with policy influencers to promote balanced and predictable trade frameworks.
• Analyze and design the pesticides specifically for high-value crops.

How BCC Research Can Support Your Strategy

BCC Research provides trusted, data-driven intelligence that helps pesticide and agricultural equipment manufacturers navigate the volatility of global trade. Our insights are designed to support decision-makers as they assess market shifts, cost implications and competitive positioning in a changing world.

Our Services Include:

• Custom analysis on the impact of tariffs and trade shifts.
• Forecast modeling for supply chain costs and risks.
• Evaluation of reshoring and manufacturing opportunities.
• Market-positioning insights across technology, materials and manufacturing.

In a world of growing trade uncertainties, BCC Research helps you turn disruption into direction.

Keep an eye out for upcoming industry-specific insights on the ongoing trade war.