“As the world’s largest producer of generic pesticides, China manufactures around 600 active ingredients annually…”
Jalen Fan is the deputy director in Division1 of China’s Sub-Council of Chemical Industry – CCPIT CHEM, responsible for organizing the China International Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibition (CAC exhibition) held each March in Shanghai.
Fan is an agronomist, M.Sc. of agricultural extension from China Academy of Agricultural Science.
Jalen Fan, deputy director of CCPIT CHEM
AgriBrasilis – Is China still focused on producing “me too” (generic) agrochemicals?
Jalen Fan – As the world’s largest producer of generic pesticides, China manufactures around 600 active ingredients annually, supporting global food security by raising agricultural productivity.
The industry has evolved from “Me Too” to “Me Better” and even “Me Best.” Today, Chinese R&D is shifting towards innovation. From 2020 to 2024, 85 pesticide products were registered in China based on 49 new active ingredients. Globally, 63 new molecules received ISO names, and 29 of them (46%) originated in China. This reflects a transition from “Me Too” to “Me First.”
AgriBrasilis – What are the main R&D trends in agrochemicals and bioinputs?
Jalen Fan – Despite high costs and long timelines, Chinese companies are investing heavily in innovation. From 2020 to 2024, seven new active ingredients were registered, most with low or micro-toxicity profiles. In the same period, water-based formulations, especially Suspension Concentrates (SC), gained ground, representing 36.7% of new registrations.
China’s biopesticide industry is also expanding rapidly, with over 2,000 approvals, covering 165 active ingredients. From 2020 to 2024 alone, 57 biopesticides were registered. Synthetic biology and RNA-based technologies are being more developed, enabling the development of greener, safer products.
“Chinese government restricts new investments in certain products, such as glyphosate, glufosinate, and abamectin … ”
AgriBrasilis – How is artificial intelligence being applied?
Jalen Fan – AI supports molecular design, helps digitalize farm management, improves pest early warning systems, and modernizes pesticide manufacturing toward automation and zero-carbon production. For example, 3D molecular models developed at Guizhou University have already led to the creation of more than 20 new pesticides in China.
AgriBrasilis – Could overcapacity in China collapse the global market?
Jalen Fan – Current capacity largely matches global demand. The Chinese government restricts new investments in certain products, such as glyphosate, glufosinate, and abamectin, while encouraging upgrades of existing plants. With government controls and global competition, output should remain balanced.
AgriBrasilis – What are the effects of environmental and regulatory pressures?
Jalen Fan – Companies must now comply with stricter environmental standards, invest in cleaner technologies, and adopt greener practices. Those failing to adapt face production cuts or shutdowns.
AgriBrasilis – What lessons can Brazil draw from China’s experience?
Jalen Fan – China is the largest producer of pesticides, and Brazil the largest consumer, making their cooperation strategic. Biopesticides are a promising field, with China’s 2,000 approvals offering opportunities for joint ventures.
Brazil could benefit from closer collaboration in registration, quality control, formulation technology, and equipment. Together, our countries can enhance sustainable production and ensure abundant harvests.
READ MORE: