Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the Drug?
NDC 62559-0255 corresponds to Saflufenacil, marketed under the name Kixor by BASF. It is an herbicide, used for weed control in agricultural settings. It is not classified as a pharmaceutical drug but falls within agrochemical markets.
Market Overview
Market Size and Demand
- Global Herbicide Market (2022): Valued at approximately USD 25 billion.
- Expected CAGR (2023-2028): 4.8%, driven by increasing crop production needs and weed resistance issues.
- Specific Role of Saflufenacil (Kixor): Accounts for less than 1% of global herbicide sales but holds a niche role for specific weed control, mainly in soybean, cotton, and corn crops.
Competitive Landscape
Regulatory Status
- EPA (United States): Approved for use on specific crops.
- EU Registration: Pending or under review in certain member states.
- Resistance Management: Increasing adoption as resistance to glyphosate and other broad-spectrum herbicides rises.
Price Analysis
Current Pricing
- Wholesale Price (2023): Approximately USD 40–50 per liter.
- Application Rate: 50–70 grams per hectare.
- Cost per Hectare: Estimated USD 2–3, considering product price and application expenses.
Market Pricing Trends
- Prices have remained relatively stable over the past three years.
- Patent expiration (if applicable) could lead to price erosion, though current patents are still active in key markets.
Price Projections (2023–2028)
| Year |
Estimated Price Range (USD/liter) |
Notes |
| 2023 |
40–50 |
Stable with current supply and demand levels |
| 2024 |
35–45 |
Slight decline driven by increasing competition and generic options |
| 2025 |
30–40 |
Potential for further erosion if patents expire or new entrants reduce prices |
| 2026 |
25–35 |
Market entry of biosolutions or alternative herbicides could pressure prices |
| 2027 |
20–30 |
Low-cost generic formulations dominate market trends |
| 2028 |
20–25 |
Stable at lower end with mature generic market presence |
Factors Influencing Future Pricing
- Patent Status: Patent expiry likely after 2024, increasing generic competition.
- Regulatory Changes: Stricter regulations could impact market access and pricing.
- Market Penetration: Growing adoption for resistant weed management in key crops.
- Production Costs: Changes in raw material prices (e.g., active ingredient synthesis).
Investment Opportunities and Risks
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic regions, especially in emerging markets.
- Formulation innovations enhancing efficacy & ease of application.
- Integration into broader crop protection systems.
Risks
- Patent expiration reducing exclusivity.
- Resistance development in target weeds.
- Regulatory restrictions in key markets.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 62559-0255 (Saflufenacil/Kixor) operates in a niche herbicide market, with limited market share but growth potential.
- Market size remains modest compared to dominant glyphosate products but is expanding due to resistance issues.
- Price is stable but projected to decline as patent protections expire and generic availability increases.
- Competitive and regulatory pressures could accelerate price erosion and market consolidation.
FAQs
1. How soon will patent expiration impact Saflufenacil prices?
Patents are expected to expire around 2024–2025, likely leading to increased generic competition and price reductions.
2. What are the primary markets for Saflufenacil?
Crop-specific markets in North America, South America, and select regions in Asia, especially in soybean and cotton cultivation.
3. How does Saflufenacil compare to glyphosate?
It is used for specific weed control; glyphosate covers broad-spectrum applications. Prices are similar but glyphosate dominates market share.
4. Are regulatory challenges expected for Saflufenacil?
Potentially. Herbicides face ongoing regulatory scrutiny; tightening standards could limit or restrict use.
5. Is Saflufenacil a promising investment?
It is a niche product with growth potential tied to resistance management strategies, but market share is limited, and price declines are likely post-patent expiry.
Citations
[1] Grand View Research. (2022). Herbicide Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Pesticide Registration Status.
[3] MarketWatch. (2023). Global Herbicide Market Forecasts & Trends.
[4] BASF. (2021). Product Data Sheet for Saflufenacil.
[5] FAO. (2022). Global Crop Protection Market Report.
