Wheat growers warn new trade barriers could pressure already strained farm economy.
U.S. agriculture groups are raising concerns after Bayer Crop Science filed a petition with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) seeking tariffs on glyphosate imports, particularly those originating from China.
The move, filed June 30, 2026, calls for anti-dumping and countervailing duties on foreign-made glyphosate products. Bayer argues that imported supplies are being sold below fair market value, making it difficult for domestic manufacturers to compete.
As farmers know, glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide globally and a critical tool for North American crop production, particularly in corn, soybean, and wheat systems.
Farm Groups Push Back
In response to the petition, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) issued a strong warning about the potential downstream impacts on producers.
NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer drew parallels to previous input-related tariffs, emphasizing the financial toll on farmers.
“Wheat farmers cannot predict the future. But we know that U.S. tariffs on Russian and Moroccan phosphates cost wheat farmers $1 billion in additional and unnecessary fertilizer expenses over the last five years.”
Kieffer pointed to the current economic strain facing producers, noting that additional tariffs could worsen already tight margins.
“Tariffs on imported glyphosate will be felt by American farmers. Wheat growers are already facing stubbornly high input costs, weak commodity prices, and continued market uncertainty. This announcement comes at a difficult time in a tough farm economy.”
Input Costs Already Under Pressure
The debate comes amid broader concerns about rising input costs across North America. Farmers have already experienced higher prices tied to tariffs on fertilizers, machinery, and crop protection products in recent years.
Research and market data show that the U.S. relies heavily on imported crop protection ingredients—particularly from China. In fact, an estimated 99 percent of glyphosate used in the United States has been sourced from China in recent years, with limited domestic production capacity.
This reliance means any tariffs or trade restrictions could quickly translate into higher prices at the farm gate.
Farm groups warn that past tariff actions have demonstrated this pattern clearly. For example, duties on phosphate fertilizer imports significantly increased costs for growers, contributing to nearly $1 billion in added expenses between 2021 and 2025.
A Broader Trend in Input Trade Disputes
Bayer’s petition reflects a growing trend of agricultural input manufacturers turning to trade remedies to protect market share.
In its filing, Bayer alleges that glyphosate imports from China are being sold at unfairly low prices, harming U.S.-based production.
However, commodity groups argue that such actions often shift costs onto farmers, particularly when domestic supply is insufficient to meet demand.
Similar concerns were raised in previous cases involving herbicides and fertilizers, where growers warned that reduced competition can limit supply options and keep prices elevated.
Balancing Domestic Industry and Farm Viability
Kieffer emphasized that while a competitive domestic manufacturing sector is important, policy decisions must also consider on-farm realities.
“Farmers need reliable access to affordable crop protection products and a competitive marketplace—not new trade barriers that could drive up costs,” he said.
“NAWG opposes tariffs and urges the ITC to fully consider the impacts on American farmers, rural economies and the U.S. food system.”
What Comes Next
The ITC will now review Bayer’s petition and determine whether there is sufficient evidence of unfair trade practices to proceed with an investigation. If the case moves forward and tariffs are implemented, farmers could begin to feel the effects as early as the next crop protection purchasing cycle.
Today's filing by Bayer, comes the day after President Trump signed a proclamation to temporarily suspend countervailing duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports.
With margins already under pressure, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for input costs heading into the 2027 growing season.