Ethyl 2,6-difluorobenzoate is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure makes it valuable for introducing difluorobenzene moieties into more complex molecules, which can enhance the biological activity or stability of the final product. In pharmaceutical research, it is often employed in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for drugs targeting various therapeutic areas. Additionally, it finds application in the production of herbicides and pesticides, where the difluorobenzene group contributes to the efficacy of these compounds. Its role as a building block in organic synthesis underscores its importance in the chemical industry.