How does the IDA route compare with the glycine route for glyphosate production in terms of cost and competitiveness?

How does the IDA route compare with the glycine route for glyphosate production in terms of cost and competitiveness?
The IDA (iminodiacetic acid) route, which uses PMIDA as an intermediate, is increasingly favored over the traditional glycine method. Starting from natural gas, the IDA process involves four main steps: hydroxyacetonitrile synthesis, IDA production, PMIDA synthesis, and final oxidation to glyphosate. Recent technological advances have improved hydroxyacetonitrile conversion from 92% to 95% and selectivity from 86% to 92%, while acid hydrolysis of IDA eliminates the need for caustic soda and ammonia recovery units, cutting both capital and operating costs. Industry experts and environmental regulators view IDA as the more sustainable and cost-effective route going forward. Chinese producers like Hebang have built fully integrated chains from natural gas and captive phosphate rock, giving them a structural cost advantage over glycine-based competitors. This shift is reshaping competitive dynamics, with IDA-based producers gaining share as glyphosate prices recover from cyclical lows.