Brazil Tightens Control Measures on the Largest Market of Thiamethoxam

In a recent development, Brazil has announced the tightening of control measures on the largest market for the insecticide thiamethoxam. This decision has sparked strong opposition from farmers and the manufacturer of the product, Syngenta.

Brazil's environmental and renewable natural resources research institute, Ibama, recently declared restrictions on the application methods of the insecticide thiamethoxam. This decision has been met with significant resistance from farmers and Syngenta, the company that manufactures the product.

According to Ibama, the use of thiamethoxam through mechanical means such as tractors or agricultural airplanes will no longer be allowed. However, its application for seed treatment and land preparation purposes will still be permitted. Scientific evidence and expert opinions have shown that thiamethoxam is toxic to bees and other pollinating insects, leading to its restriction or prohibition in other countries as well.

Syngenta, the developer of thiamethoxam and the company that registered the product in over 80 countries, claims that their product is safe for all intended uses. They criticize the Brazilian government for imposing restrictions without consulting the Ministry of Agriculture, which they believe will adversely affect local farmers. The company has stated that they are taking legal and administrative measures to mitigate the impact on farmers.

Thiamethoxam, discovered by Syngenta in 1991 and patented until July 20, 2013, has experienced compound annual growth of 22.21% between 2003 and 2011. In 2017, China's thiamethoxam global sales amounted to approximately $1.1 billion, ranking second in the world. Over 60% of China's thiamethoxam technical material is exported, with South America and Southeast Asia being major export destinations. Among them, Brazil is the largest market. The anticipated restrictions are expected to have a significant impact on thiamethoxam pesticide production, export, and global agricultural trade.

The decision by Brazil to tighten control measures on thiamethoxam, the largest market for this insecticide, has caused a rift between farmers, the manufacturer, and the government. While Ibama aims to protect pollinators by limiting the use of thiamethoxam, Syngenta argues that their product is safe and that the restrictions will harm local farmers. This development will undoubtedly have implications for thiamethoxam production, export, and the global agricultural industry. The industry stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation and seek resolutions that balance environmental concerns with agricultural needs.