Corn, soybean farmers criticize tariffs on U.S. imports of 2,4-D herbicide

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) have expressed frustration with the U.S. Commerce Department’s recent recommendation to impose preliminary tariffs on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D. Farmers say demand for the product exceeds domestic supply, making imports essential.

NCGA President Harold Wolle stressed the importance of the herbicide to corn growers. He said that with only one domestic supplier of 2,4-D, U.S. farmers are dependent on foreign sources for their needs. Wolle stressed the need for solutions that ensure the availability and affordability of the product.

Josh Gackle, ASA president and a soybean farmer, also criticized the decision. He said soybean farmers rely on imported 2,4-D along with other herbicides to effectively manage weeds before planting. Gackle warned that the increased costs could worsen the economic situation for farmers who are already struggling.

The proposed tariffs could significantly affect the availability of the herbicide in rural areas of the United States. Wolle noted the critical timing of this action, noting that corn prices have fallen more than 40% in the past two years and that the average cost of production exceeded the selling price in 2023. He predicts an even more challenging scenario for 2024, regardless of the new trade investigation.

Gackle said this is just the beginning of a long process. He stressed that ASA will continue to fight the tariffs and work toward a solution that protects U.S. soybean farmers as the anti-dumping and countermeasures investigations move forward.

The Commerce Department's decision follows a vote by the International Trade Commission (ITC) earlier this year to move forward with the investigation. Final tariffs are expected to be announced next year, while the ITC's final decision on the case is expected in 2025.