Herbicide Tariffs Draw Fire from Hill

The International Trade Commission in May made preliminary determinations that the imports pose injury to US producers. But the lawmakers, mostly Republicans representing agricultural states, said the tariffs could compromise reliable, affordable access to agricultural inputs because 2,4-D is a major ingredient in herbicides used in a variety of crops, including barley, corn, durum, sorghum, soybeans and wheat.

“Reliable and affordable access to 2,4-D herbicides allows producers to use innovative conservation practices, reducing tillage and supporting soil health,” the lawmakers wrote.

“Agricultural producers already face record high input costs while competing in a volatile market and prices for all crops are forecasted to decline over the next several years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), net farm income is expected to decrease by 25 percent from 2023 to 20241. Without careful consideration of the facts during these preliminary investigations, new tariffs will result in difficulties for producers who rely on this critical input.

The lawmakers noted that there is only a single domestic source of 2,4-D, with limited capacity to meet domestic demand, making imports a necessity.

“Changes in the duties owed on these products could have far-reaching impacts on producers as they plan their expenses for the crop year. For these reasons, we urge you to consider the facts at hand during these preliminary investigations and understand the impact that any duty determination in this case will have on our constituents and across the United States.”

The petitioner in the cases is Corteva Agriscience LLC of Indianapolis.