What are the key capacity and demand drivers for China's phosphorus trichloride market?

What are the key capacity and demand drivers for China's phosphorus trichloride market?
China's nominal PCl3 capacity reached about 2.75 million tons by end-2022, with production growing from 1.25 million tons in 2016 to 1.84 million tons in 2022. Major producers include Qingshuiyuan, Yangmei Chemical, Yoke Technology, and Xin'an Chemical. Qingshuiyuan alone operates 60,000 tons at its old plant plus 100,000 tons at a new water-treatment chemical facility, supplying core volumes to LiPF6 makers like Do-Fluoride. PCl3 serves as a versatile intermediate for glyphosate, glufosinate, phosphorous acid, phosphorus pentachloride, and phosphoryl chloride. Downstream pesticide demand peaks ahead of spring plowing, while lithium battery electrolyte growth adds structural demand. Market revenue hit RMB 16.2 billion in 2022, reflecting both volume gains and price spikes since 2021.