In an International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing today, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Harold Wolle discouraged the agency from placing tariffs on the imported herbicide 2, 4-D.

In March, Corteva Inc. filed antidumping and countervailing duty tariffs petitions with concerns over India and China’s trade practices. If approved the duties would limit access to 2, 4-D and increase herbicide prices for American farmers.

“The scenario under consideration has the potential to limit imports of an important product, raise its price, and create a supply shortage, all while raising the cost of production in an already tight market,” Wolle said.

“In the last few years, input prices have skyrocketed,” IL Corn Growers Association President Dave Rylander said. “Our Illinois farmers cannot take another hit on this front, especially with current commodity prices.”

Corn prices have decreased by over 40% in the last two years. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service forecasts farm net income in 2024 at $116.1 billion, a 37% drop from $185.5 in 2022.  

2, 4-D is a popular herbicide for corn and soybean and has been used in agriculture since the 1940s.

Reiterating the importance of market diversity and competition, Wolle said tariffs would be detrimental to American agriculture and the nation’s food supply. “Thousands of farmers simply cannot rely upon a sole domestic supplier of 2, 4-D acid to meet nearly all of the market’s 2, 4D needs,” he said. “That will undoubtedly lead to shortages and delays in an industry that needs this product, and that must have timely delivery.”

Within the next 45 days, the ITC will determine if there is a reasonable indication that the imports are injuring or threatening to injure the U.S. industry. If the ITC finds that this standard met, the cases will move to the Department of Commerce, which will calculate the preliminary anti-dumping and countervailing duty margins.