1. Company Introduction

Established in 2009, Shandong Kangqiao Bio-technology Co., LTD is a national high-tech enterprise mainly engaged in the development, production, and sales of environmental-friendly pesticides. Located in Shandong province, China, Kangqiao has its headquarters in Qingdao and a factory in Binzhou, with over 480 employees including 120 R&D personnel. The R&D of new pesticides of Kangqiao has been developed since 2017, while the company has applied 20 patents including 8 PCT patents, and published one ISO common name of new acaricide until 2024. Kangqiao is dedicated to being a leading company in the creation of new pesticides in China.

Graph 1-1 Qingdao Kangqiao Innovation Center

Graph 1-2 Project Conclusion Meeting 

At present, 4 synthesis lines and 2 formulating workshops have been built with the latest technology in an area of around 14 hectares, with a current capacity of 5,000 tons of technicals and 30,000 tons of formulations. The main products of Kangqiao are Pyraclostrobin, Spirodiclofen, and Thifluzamide technical and formulations. In terms of Pyraclostrobin and Spirodiclofen, Kangqiao is one of the biggest manufacturers in China. Because of the persistent pursuit and development, now the company has become a strategic partner of multi-international agrochemical companies and committed itself to being the leading supplier of agrochemicals worldwide!

2. Market Potential of Pyraclostrobin

2.1. Characteristics of Pyraclostrobin

Developed by BASF, Pyraclostrobin is long-lasting and broad-spectrum, with protective and therapeutic effects for plant growth. It targets the crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. In terms of Kangqiao, the self-created five stages of low temperature nano grinding system is used for Pyraclostrobin. Compared to others, Kangqiao’s Pyraclostrobin 98% TC is whiter and finer with a melting point between 63.7 and 65.2 degrees centigrade, which can make the formulation process of Pyraclostrobin more suitable and easier.

Graph 2-1 Five Stages of Low Temperature Nano Grinding System

2.2. Growing Demand of Highly Effective Pesticides in India

Nowadays, there’s an increasing demand for highly effective pesticides in the Indian agricultural market. According to AGROPAGES, recent years have seen that the Indian agrochemical industry has grown significantly, driven by the rising demand for food and the availability of modern agricultural technologies. Currently, India has become the fourth largest agrochemical producing country around the world, with the market expected to grow from US $7.9 billion in FY2023 to US $12.58 billion in FY2028, representing a compound annual growth rate of 9.75%. As the Economic Times reported, the Indian agrochemical market was about $2.8 billion, with 75% insecticides and fungicides and 15% biological pesticides. In India, there were around 15% to 25% of crops lost to pests, weeds, and diseases, so crop protection has become an urgent need.

2.3. Application and Potential of Pyraclostrobin

With the demand for highly effective pesticides developing, Pyraclostrobin also presents more market potential in the global and Indian agrochemical markets. Pyraclostrobin is the most active ingredient in strobilurins developed by BASF. Due to the excellent bactericidal activity, wide spectrum, as well as protective and therapeutic effects, it has been widely concerned by those engaged in agriculture worldwide. Registered in 2001, Pyraclostrobin acquired $295 million global sales in 2004, and since then sales have grown year after year. Now its technical and formulations have been registered on more than 100 crops in more than 100 countries around the globe. In the background of population growth and diseases and pests caused by climate change, the characteristics of Pyraclostrobin and its effect of increasing production make it have promising prospect. Moreover, new opportunities are coming through exploring the development of "technical + intermediates + formulations". 

3. Intermediate Industry of Pyraclostrobin

3.1. Global Industrial Chain Status of Pyraclostrobin

As of now, the domestic production capacity of Pyraclostrobin fungicide has reached nearly 10,000 tons, with global sales surpassing 1 billion USD. Since its introduction, it has maintained a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10%. Global production of Pyraclostrobin fungicide intermediates is mainly concentrated in China, with most of the chemical intermediates used in the production of agricultural chemicals being synthesized in China. India has also made significant contributions to this supply chain. The synthetic route of Pyraclostrobin is shown in Graph 3-1.

Graph 3-1 The Synthetic Route of Pyraclostrobin

3.2. Kangqiao’s Strength in Pyraclostrobin TC and Intermediates 

Kangqiao has leading capabilities in the production of Pyraclostrobin active ingredients. The international standard for Pyraclostrobin TC is 97.5%, while Kangqiao's product reaches 98%. In terms of internal control, Kangqiao has enhanced testing for color and solubility grade, ensuring a more stable dissolution process, which is more favorable for formulation processing. Kangqiao also holds multiple invention patents and utility model patents and has participated in the formulation of industry standards for Pyraclostrobin active ingredients, pyrazolol, and Pyraclostrobin suspensions. Kangqiao has a mature and sound production process for Pyraclostrobin, and its pyrazolol series is another highlight of its product line. In addition to the finished product, Kangqiao can also produce high-quality intermediate products, which are characterized by greater stability and higher purity and are exported to overseas markets.

In terms of Pyraclostrobin intermediates, Kangqiao has a strong ability to support the demand in the Indian market. Kangqiao mainly has two kinds of Pyraclostrobin intermediates as below:

(1)Name: 1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-[(2-nitrophenyl)methoxy]-1H-pyrazole

CAS No.: 220368-29-6

Molecular Formula: C16H12ClN3O3

Molecular Weight: 329.74

Molecular Structure:

(2)Name: Methyl [2-({[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]oxy}methyl)phenyl]hydroxycarbamate

CAS No.: 220897-76-7

Molecular Formula: C18H16ClN3O4

Molecular Weight: 373.79

Molecular Structure:

There are also some other intermediates being provided by Kangqiao:

(1)Name: 4-Hydroxy-3-Mesityl-1-Oxaspiro[4.4]Non-3-En-2-One

CAS No.: 148476-30-6

Molecular Formula: C17H20O3

Molecular Weight: 272.34

Molecular Structure:

(2)Name: Ethyl 1-hydroxycyclopentanecarboxylate

CAS No.: 41248-23-1

Molecular Formula: C8H14O3

Molecular Weight: 158.20

Molecular Structure:

(3)Name: 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzeneacetyl chloride

CAS No.: 52629-46-6

Molecular Formula: C11H13ClO

Molecular Weight: 196.67

Molecular Structure:

4. Cooperation vision 

4.1. The Cooperation Vision of Kangqiao in the Indian Market

Kangqiao is committed to establishing the international influence of Pyraclostrobin intermediates, striving to become the global leader in intermediate production, with a particular focus on maintaining the number one position in the Chinese market. Kangqiao understands that technological innovation and product quality are the keys to driving the company’s sustainable development. Therefore, they are dedicated to continuously enhancing their R&D and production capabilities to meet the needs of their global customers. In particular, they attach great importance to the long-term development potential of the Indian market. They plan to expand their market share and build stronger partnerships by strengthening local services and strategic cooperation, aiming for mutually beneficial growth. They firmly believe that with continuous innovation and excellent product quality, Kangqiao will secure a more significant position in the international market.

4.2. Quality Control System of Kangqaio

Kangqiao has a comprehensive quality control system that strictly adheres to international quality management standards, ensuring that each batch of products meets the high standards required by their customers. Their quality control covers the entire process, from raw material procurement, and production processes, to finished product inspection, with rigorous quality monitoring and traceability management in place to ensure product stability and consistency. At the same time, the company has established advanced laboratories and technical teams dedicated to continuously optimizing product formulations and production processes to improve both production efficiency and product quality. Kangqiao not only provides high-quality products but also offers comprehensive technical support and services to its customers. The company has a professional technical team capable of providing customized solutions, including product application guidance, technical training, and after-sales services. 

Graph 4-1 Part of Kangqiao Factory

4.3. Cooperation Invitation

Kangqiao extends a warm invitation to Indian agricultural stakeholders to join hands in promoting the sustainable development of Indian agriculture. Kangqiao is eager to work with Indian agricultural partners to explore market-specific solutions and to provide advanced agricultural products and technical support. They look forward to fostering close collaboration, leveraging the strengths of all parties, and advancing the Indian agricultural industry toward mutual benefits and a more prosperous future.