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Bayer drops Chinese glyphosate import duty petition after farmers cite concerns

Bayer subsidiary Ruveon has withdrawn its petition to request antidumping and countervailing duties on glyphosate imports from China.

Scott Metzger, president of the American Soybean Association, says farmers were concerned the move would further increase input costs.

“Within five days of the announcement, we were hearing that prices would go up 30 to 40 percent,” he says. “It would have left a lot of unknowns at a time when farmers really need certainty for their bottom line.”

Earlier this month, Bayer filed a petition with the International Trade Commission citing less than fair market value sales in the U.S. 

Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association, says the initial petition from Bayer is similar to other recent requests in the industry.

“Many farmers are looking at 3 to 4 years straight of losses,” he says. “We saw Mosaic and Corteva add those. Bayer was also looking to add those. We were really concerned that this was going to be a trend in the industry.”

In a statement to Brownfield, Ruveon said it will proceed with its current pricing structure and will continue to put farmers first. 

Both farmers say that producer concerns are being heard as they continue to face tight margins.

AUDIO: Scott Metzger, ASA

AUDIO: Jed Bower, NCGA