MECOPROP MARKET ANALYSIS

The global mecoprop market size is expected to witness potential gains in the future, and register a significant CAGR over the forecast period (2019 - 2027).

Market Overview

Mecoprop, or methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid (MCPP), is a herbicide for post-emergence control of broad-leaved weeds on grass. It is odorless. It is moderately soluble in water. It is allowed for use on ornamental lawns, recreational turf, sports fields, sod farms, roadsides, industrial areas and rites-of-ways. Mecoprop is produced by chlorination of 4-chloro-o-cresol and coupling with 2-chloropropionic acid. Mecoprop-p form is more common and is produced commercially. Mecoprop is sold by the trade names Kilprop, Mecopar,Triester-II, Mecomin-D, Triamine-II, and others. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified mecoprop as toxicity class III - slightly toxic.

Market Dynamics

Increasing demand for herbicides in the agricultural sector is a major factor boosting the mecoprop market size. Mecoprop is mainly used to control weeds around cereal crops, apples and pears. It is also used extensively on turfs such as residential lawns and sports fields. Therefore, demand for mecoprop as a household pesticide is also expected to boost the market growth.

However, according to New Jersey Department of Health Right to Know Hazardous Substance List, mecoprop is a carcinogen. It is harmful if swallowed and is toxic if inhaled. It is also associated with conditions such as kidney failure, increased heart rate, and metabolic acidosis. These side effects of mecoprop can hinder the global mecoprop market growth. Moreover, increasing preference for bio-based herbicides and pesticides is also expected to adversely impact the market growth.

Market Outlook

Among regions, North America is expected to witness significant market share over the forecast period. This is attributed to the general use status of mecoprop in the U.S. Presence of major market players in the region is also expected to contribute to market growth. However, the market growth in Europe is restricted, owing to stringent regulation polices against use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. Significant use of mecoprop in the agriculture sector in economies such as India and China is expected to contribute to the market growth in Asia Pacific. Moreover, increasing population in the region has resulted in high demand for food, which in turn is expected to boost demand for mecoprop.  

Key Players

Some of the major players operating in the global mecoprop market include, BASF SE, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont, Syngenta, Monsanto Company, Bayer AG, FMC Corporation, Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd, and Nufarm Ltd.

Key Developments:

• In March 2019, Nufarm – a global agrochemical manufacturer launched a new herbicide named – “Trimec” which included 600 g/L mecoprop, 18.7 g/L dicamba and 150 g/L methylchlorophenoxy acetic acid (MCPA). The herbicide was mainly lauched to control wide range of weeds in barley, oats, wheat and ryegrass crops.
• According to United Nations' Department of Economics and Social Affairs, the world population increased from 7.5 billion in 2018 to reach 9.8 billion by the end of 2025. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Framers Welfare of India, the total food grain production in India increased from 275.6 million tons during 2016-17 to 284.83 million tons during 2017-18. Increasing demand for food grains will also drive the demand for mecoprop herbicide in India.
• In April 2017, Nufarm launched a new cereal herbicide - “Duplosan KV” to control the weeds on cereals. Duplosan KV is also suitable for controlling weeds from turf grasses. Increasing use of mecoprop as a herbicide for cereals and turf grass is expected to propel the mecoprop market globally.