Corn Growers Disappointed by Trade Commission Decision on Critical Herbicide

April 30, 2025

Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association expressed disappointment today with a decision by the International Trade Commission affirming that Corteva Agriscience was harmed by imports of a critical herbicide, called 2,4-D. This decision means that duties will be placed on imports of the herbicide at a final rate determined later by the Department of Commerce.

“We are concerned and alarmed by this ruling,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Corn growers should not be forced to rely exclusively on one domestic supplier. Today’s 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 costs and low prices.”

The herbicide 2,4-D is a growth regulator that targets broadleaf weeds—which is a particularly problematic weed for corn growers to manage. The herbicide has minimal impact on grasses, making it useful for corn growers.

Corteva Agriscience filed the petition in 2024 calling for antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide from certain foreign suppliers.

The U.S. Department of Commerce will now determine and issue final duty rates.

Source: NCGA