Fipronil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of above 3% over the forecasted period due to the rising demand in crop protection applications. Fipronil is mainly used as an insecticide and is part of the phenylpyrazole chemical family. They are used to control ants, termites, moles, cockroaches and other insects.
Rising concerns of insect transferable diseases and towards disease prevention other than cure and increasing commercial pest management service industries are drivers for the insecticide market which will increase the demand for fipronil. Increasing global demand for food grains due to rising population and reducing farmland due to rapid urbanization and industrialization is further propelling the market for fipronil as an insecticide product.
The lifting of the ban by the EU Commission on fipronil insecticides due to the death of a large number of bees which were exposed to fipronil used in insecticides. The lifting of the ban will help propel the market. The will be an increased demand from Europe with the banned removed for fipronil based insecticides to provide support to the agricultural sector.
It is used in a variety of products including pet care products, granular products for grass, liquid termite control and agricultural products. It is used on more than 100 different varieties of crops in over 70 countries.
The pet industry is booming with individuals owning more pets than before. Pet pampering has become the trend as owners spending on pets has moved further ahead of grooming and food expenses to include innovative and premium products. So the point is people are increasingly viewing their pets as part of the family and will spend even during the economic recession.
Increasing per capita income and increasing awareness about the advantages of having pets such as reduced stress and lower blood pressure are drivers for the ownership of a number of pets which will propel the market for fipronil in its use in pet care products. The number of pets is rising in families with single member households due to an increasing number of divorce cases.
Certain restraints to the market include its harmful effects on humans due to direct exposure to the chemical. Direct short-term contact results in skin irritation. Consumption of fipronil results in different effects based on the amount consumed. It could lead to vomiting, headache, stomach pain and lots more.
Increasing different alternatives to fipronil for structural pest control include implementation of an integrated pest management plan which includes other non-chemical methods, sanitation, structural repairs that prevent insects from entering and mechanical controls.
The product functions by disrupting the function of the central nervous system. It is more harmful to insects than pets and people because it has a higher chance of binding to insect nerve endings.
Fipronil is a slow acting poison and is more sensitive to light than water. It acts as a good bait toxin because of its slow action and also because the insects do not find it offensive or repulsive. Some of the wildlife impacts include highly toxic to fish, to bees and to birds.
Fipronil is a white powder with a moldy odor which spreads over the body with body oils after application killing 100% of fleas or ticks within 24-48 hours. Fipronil is sold under different brand names including Regent, Chipco, Choice, Combat, frontline and others.
Asia pacific is expected to be a major driving force due to the rising agricultural applications. The large diversity of fauna and flora which has increased the consumption of insecticides in Asia Pacific. Increasing exports of food grains from developing countries such as China and India is expected to propel the market for fipronil.
The U.S remain as the largest producer of insecticides in North America while China and Japan are the two major producers in Asia Pacific. The U.S will propel the market growth due to a large number of pets in each household which is mostly greater than one.
Latin America is expected to remain as a key driver for non-agricultural uses. The sale of pesticides in US, China, and Argentina is increasing which is supported by industrial feedstock crops and more advanced technology in farming.
The main market players have invested large amounts in emerging countries and local to enhance their distribution network and market position. Key participants are Bayer CropScience, BASF AG, Shandong Audis Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Syngenta, Merial Ltd and Jiangsu Rotam Chemistry.
BASF AG acquired a certain range of products of selected insecticides of Bayer CropScience. This will increase the portfolio of products of BASF AG while Bayer CropScience will concentrate on nonagricultural applications. By this acquisition, BASF will have a liquid corn insecticide option for the first time. This will complement all the existing products of Regent, which is a soil insecticide manufactured by BASF.
