Exchange-Rate Volatility Continues to Pressure Cost of Imported Agrochemicals in Mexico
Brazil
Brazil’s crop protection market generated US$ 18.1 billion (R$ 98.7 billion) in the 2024/25 season. This represents a 3% increase in BRL compared to the previous season, but a 7% decline in USD, due to currency depreciation. For the 2025/26 season, further growth in BRL is expected, driven by soybean, corn, expanded planted area and more intensive crop protection programs. (Kynetec Brasil)
The 17th Brasil AgrochemShow, scheduled for August 3rd and 4th of 2026, in São Paulo, will highlight China’s growing role in Brazilian agribusiness and the expansion of trade relations linked to ag inputs. Organized by AllierBrasil in partnership with CCPIT Chem, the event is expected to bring together participants from more than 20 countries to discuss the inputs market, registration, environment, biologicals, etc. (AllierBrasil)
The Federal Police launched an operation in Guaíra, State of Paraná, to investigate alleged money laundering linked to the smuggling of pesticides from Paraguay. Four search and seizure warrants were carried out, along with asset seizure measures and court-ordered freezes of bank accounts linked to seven suspects. The investigation points to the use of companies to conceal the origin and destination of illicit funds. (Federal Police)
Marcio Santos, CEO of Bayer in Brazil and president of the company’s agricultural division, has joined the presidency of the Brazil-Germany Chamber of São Paulo. The institution works to promote commercial, industrial and institutional relations between the two countries. (Brazil-Germany Chamber of São Paulo)
Agroteq will hold a course for Agricultural Aviation Operators and Coordinators from August 3rd to 14th, 2026, in Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul. The training is aimed at agricultural technicians and agronomists. Participants approved in an assessment performed by inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture will be qualified to work in aerial spraying operations and distribution of fertilizers and seeds. (Agroteq)
Embrapa’s Soybean Unit has released a manual on good practices for microbial culture collections, focusing on diazotrophic and growth-promoting bacteria. The publication provides guidance on the collection, cultivation, preservation, maintenance and traceability of microorganisms used in research and bioinputs. Available at: https://www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br/alice/handle/doc/1185635. (Embrapa)
The Tropical Phytosanitary Network has published results on fungicide efficacy against ramularia leaf spot and target spot in cotton during 2024/25. The study compiles data from 54 trials conducted by 17 institutions across 18 locations in Brazil. The results show high levels of disease control and consistent yield gains, supporting more efficient decision-making in cotton management. Available at: https://www.fitossanidadetropical.org.br/images/rft/procedimentos/resultados-rede-algodao-2025.pdf. (Tropical Phytosanitary Network)
The end of the zero tariff for the Social Integration Program and the Contribution for Social Security Financing on fertilizers and crop protection products started increasing input costs in Brazil as of April of 2026. According to Gustavo Venâncio, lawyer and partner at Lastro Soluções Tributárias para o Agro, the new charge is expected to add around 1% to the price of these products, putting further pressure on costs at a time of tight margins, high indebtedness and uncertainty over tax reform. (Lastro Soluções Tributárias para o Agro)
BioSummit 2026 will be held on May 6th–7th in Campinas, State of São Paulo, amid the growth of Brazil’s bioinputs market, which reached US$ 1.24 billion in 2025. The agenda will include debates on regulation, product registration, regenerative agriculture and the use of biological inputs in crops such as grains, sugarcane, coffee, fruits and vegetables. (BioSummit 2026; CropLife Brasil)
Brazilian exports of agricultural inputs reached US$ 188 million in the 1Q26, a record for the period and an 8.7% increase year over year. Chemical crop protection products accounted for US$ 105 million, seeds for US$ 63 million and bioinputs for US$ 21 million. In the Brazilian market, bioinput revenue reached US$ 89.19 million in January, up 39%, with treated area totaling 12 million hectares. (CropLife Brasil)
Marina Castro has been promoted to director of the Cerrados Region Business Unit at Bayer. (Bayer Crop Science)
Adriano Pires, director of the Brazilian Center for Infrastructure, said the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz increases risks for the global fertilizer market. According to Pires, countries exposed to the region account for a significant share of urea and ammonia exports, while Brazil imports more than 85% of the fertilizers it consumes. (Brazilian Center for Infrastructure)
In the State of Ceará, a popular plebiscite organized by social organizations indicated opposition to Law No. 19135/24, which authorized aerial pesticide spraying by drones in the State. 22,648 people voted for the repeal of the rule. The voting was promoted by approximately 40 organizations calling for the measure to be revoked. (CSP)
Infestations of pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) have been increasing in soybean farms in the State of Mato Grosso and may cause yield losses of up to 20%. According to Rafael Romero Mendes, a researcher at Embrapa’s Soybean Unit, the problem has increased over the past four seasons and requires integrated management, including machinery cleaning, soil cover, crop rotation, etc. (Embrapa)
The National Council of the Public Prosecution Service will hold, on April 29th, at 4 p.m., the third session of the 6th edition of the Environmental Dialogues program, under the theme “Pesticides, worker health and social control”. The event will present projects regarding the possible ban of atrazine and the National Forum to Combat the Impacts of Pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms. (National Council of the Public Prosecution Service)
Anvisa published the voluntary withdrawal of the toxicological evaluation of 6 pesticides; also, the agency approved, in compliance with a court decision, the toxicological evaluation of technical ethiprole (MEGHMANI); and approved the toxicological evaluation of a new biochemical product – with active ingredient not yet registered in Brazil – based on 14-hydroxylated brassinosteroid (BIORISK). (Official Gazette of Brazil, Res. 1667, 1668, 1671 – published on 04/27/26, Anvisa)
The 2Q26 is expected to be less favorable for fertilizer purchases, due to temporary production cuts in some countries, logistical constraints in the Strait of Hormuz and price increases following military tensions. Farmers shall have less time to postpone purchases in the 2H26, even amid unattractive prices and limited availability of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. (StoneX)
The soybean obligatory fallow period in the State of Rio Grande do Sul was set from July 3rd to September 30th, 2026. According to the State Agriculture Secretariat, the sowing calendar starts on October 1st, 2026, and runs through January 28th, 2027, under Ordinance No. 1579/2026 of the Ministry of Agriculture. The measure aims to reduce the presence of the fungus that causes Asian soybean rust and is part of the phytosanitary management strategy for the crop. (Secretariat of agriculture of Rio Grande do Sul State)
Cotton production costs in the State of Mato Grosso for the 2026/27 season increased again. Operating costs increased 2.64% in March, driven by a 6.27% increase in the prices of fertilizers and soil amendments, while total costs grew 1.56% in the month. (IMEA)
The Federal Court upheld the suspension of aerial pesticide spraying in Timbiras, State of Maranhão, after rural communities reported skin burns, vomiting, headaches and well contamination following the flight of an agricultural aircraft. The company appealed, arguing that the skin lesions could be linked to a scabies outbreak, but the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region maintained the flight ban and the obligation to provide emergency assistance to affected families. The case continues to assess liability for possible collective damages. (MPF)
Latin America
Agronomist Matheus Palhano is the new Insecticides Director at Bayer for Latin America. (Bayer Crop Science)
Daniel Churocof is the new head of Regulatory Affairs and Product Operations for Latin America at Indigo. (Indigo)
FMC has appointed Colombian executive Jenny Moya as the new Global Regulatory Affairs Manager. She previously served for four years as Regulatory Affairs Director for Latin America. (FMC Corporation)
In Argentina, the College of Agricultural Engineers of Catamarca is calling for an update to the provincial agrochemical law, in force since 1987, to include digital agronomic recommendations, georeferencing of applications and stricter controls on the sale of phytosanitary products. The proposal also includes mandatory training, regulation of applicators and management of empty pesticide packages by collection centers. (College of Agricultural Engineers of Catamarca)
Fértil Pampa, a company linked to Pampa Energía, has requested to enter the Incentive Regime for Large Investments to build a granular urea plant in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, using natural gas from Vaca Muerta. The project is still under technical, economic and financial review, and could expand local nitrogen fertilizer supply, reduce imports and generate exportable surplus. (Fértil Pampa)
Research conducted in Colombia indicated the combined use of the parasitoids Tamarixia radiata and Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis may improve biological control of Diaphorina citri, the vector of greening in citrus. The research observed differences in development time and parasitism strategies, suggesting complementary potential in pest management, although competition between parasitoids may limit joint insect releases. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/5/444. (Asociación Colombiana de Estudios Vegetales)
The Ministry of Health of Panama reported that 28 people received medical attention after an agrochemical spill in the community of Salamanca, in Colón province. All patients were discharged, but remain under medical surveillance for 48 to 72 hours due to the risk of respiratory complications. (Panama’s Ministry of Health)
Exchange-rate volatility continues to pressure the cost of imported pesticides and fertilizers in Mexico, which is highly dependent on foreign markets for these inputs. Fluctuations in the Mexican peso are quickly reflected in prices, especially affecting input-intensive crops such as berries, vegetables and grains; however, cheaper imports do not always translate into lower costs for farmers due to intermediates. (Banco de México; ANIQ; GCMA)
