The Announcement on Environmental Protection Scrutiny of Glyphosate Industry released by Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection in May, 2013 marked the start of the environmental protection inspection in glyphosate industry. Though the examining process is slowed down for various reasons, the approved list is expected to be officially announced in Mar, 2014 and the following round of application is expected to start at the same time, according to an insider.

    The delayed approved list is regarded as the barometer for glyphosate industry. Its passing rate will reflect how strict the scrutiny is and the industry’s later trend.

    An insider from CCPIA says, “Given the policy trend, the scrutiny might be stricter. A low passing rate, which means a harsh scrutiny, might effectively constrain the capacity of glyphosate industry and improve its concentration ratio, while a high passing rate might lead to a rebounding of its capacity and a price drop.”

    A stock analyst says, the passing rate would influence the future application. The number of the applying enterprises this time was lower than expected, since many enterprises are waiting to figure the scrutiny criteria. If most of them get passed, more enterprises will apply for the following inspection.”

    The supporting punishment measures are expected to be released this year. According to an insider from CCPIA, the exportation-related measures will constrain the sales of enterprises strictly, and those failing to reach environmental protection standard will suffer strong blows.