Tariffs on 2,4-D Imports from China, India May Raise Costs for U.S. Farmers

The International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a final ruling on April 29, 2025, that imports of the herbicide 2,4-D from China and India have harmed domestic producer Corteva Agriscience, resulting in antidumping and countervailing duties at rates yet to be finalized.

In testimony to the ITC on April 1, Cynthia Ericson, vice president of Corteva’s weed control segment, said, “Over the past 3 years, a large majority of the imports of 2,4-D into the United States came from China and India. We have witnessed a tremendous increase in imports coupled with a significant decrease in price of those same imports. As a result, Chinese and Indian producers are now selling to our former customers.”

Impact to Farmers

The decision comes despite objections from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Soybean Association (ASA), who warned that farmers depend on these lower-cost generic imports. The NCGA argues that new duties will drive up input costs and impact 2,4-D availability at a time when producers are already facing significant financial pressure.

“Corn growers should not be forced to rely exclusively on one domestic supplier,” said Kenneth Hartman Jr., NCGA president and an Illinois farmer.  Hartman said this decision “threatens to cause availability shortages for 2,4-D that will hamper the work of our farmers, who are facing a tough environment due to a prolonged period of high input cost and low prices.”

2,4-D Plays Key Role

Farmers rely on 2,4-D in for burndown prior to planting, particularly in no-till and minimum-till operations, said Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), who also farms in Kentucky. He emphasized that farmers need a full toolbox of inputs, and that limiting access through tariffs increases risk while reducing return. “It’s a tool that’s very effective,” he said. “As it gets more expensive, people may feel pressure to skimp on rates or use products that aren’t as safe and effective.” 

Ragland characterized the ITC decision as a “body blow” to an already strained farm economy and expressed concern that it will lead to increased production costs. He noted that costs had already doubled locally for generic 2,4-D products even before the ruling, and he expects further increases to result in significantly higher production costs. 

Loss of Market Share

By contrast, Corteva has been supportive of the trade case, asserting in testimony to ITC that low-priced imports cause it to lose revenue and market share. Corteva’s petition stated that Chinese and Indian sources accounted for 81% of 2,4-D imports into the United States. Corteva is the only domestic manufacturer of 2,4-D.