To provide a method for simply and safely producing 4-(2-methylphenyl)benzotrifluoride in industrial scale by using an inexpensive catalyst not containing a phosphine derivative.

The method for producing 4-(2-methylphenyl)benzotrifluoride comprises carrying out cross-coupling of 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride with 2-methylphenylmagnesium chloride in the presence of a cobalt-based catalyst and a zinc salt and preferably further, a aprotic polar organic solvent.