In the second half of last year, Brazil imported nearly 5,200 tons of insecticide imidacloprid, according to a survey by the portal Global Agrochemicals.

The volume signifies an increase of 42.3% compared to the first half of 2017. Last year, the country imported approximately 7,900 tons, a similar volume to that registered in 2016.

The product comes mostly from China, with nearly 2,600 tons of imports or 50% of the volume of imidacloprid imported in second half year. The giant Asian country is followed by India, with nearly 1,500 tons and Germany with 945 tons, with 18% of the total market supply.

In November and December, there was an important volume of imports of the product with barges carrying 2,280 tons of imidacloprid. Regarding prices, there was a price hike in all products last year. Some products registered an increase of up to 70% between January and December, points out Global Agrochemicals.

Imidacloprid belongs to the chemical group of neonicotinoids and is considered a systemic insecticide. The pesticide can be applied by leaf or by root. The pesticide is recommended for plague control on major crops such as cotton, rice, irrigated rice, sugarcane, corn, soybeans, kidney beans, tobacco, wheat, citrus, and tomatoes.

As an active ingredient, imidacloprid also has a veterinary use, as it protects dogs, cats, livestock cattle, sheep and goats against fleas and flies.