Ethyl 6-chloro-3-nitropicolinate is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Its structure makes it a valuable building block for creating compounds with herbicidal and fungicidal properties. In agrochemical research, it is often employed to develop new crop protection agents that target specific pests or diseases, enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly in the development of drugs with antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects. Its versatility in organic synthesis also makes it useful in creating complex molecules for further chemical studies and industrial applications.