Bayer AG withdrew its petition to slap antidumping tariffs on Chinese glyphosate, receiving thanks from commodity groups for listening to their customers.

Bayer notified the International Trade Commission July 17 that it was no longer seeking an investigation into whether China was dumping glyphosate products into the U.S.

Farm groups roundly criticized the petition, saying antidumping duties would raise costs for growers who use the herbicide. Bayer came under intense pressure from commodity groups, according to the National Corn Growers Association.

The association’s president, Ohio farmer Jed Bower, said in a statement that farmers appreciate chemical suppliers. “But as we have made clear, farmers cannot and will not bear this relationship at any cost,” he said.

Bayer filed the petition under the name Monsanto, which Bayer acquired in 2018, and Ruveon, a unit Bayer recently formed to handle its U.S. glyphosate business.

“Since filing our petitions, we have engaged directly with farmers and agricultural trade associations to hear their perspectives. Today’s decision reflects our commitment to putting farms first and meeting their evolving needs, especially during this challenging farm economy,” Ruveon said in a statement.

All glyphosate sold in the U.S. originally comes from Bayer or Chinese companies. Bayer said in a June 30 petition to the ITC that it was losing sales to Chinese competitors.

Bayer alleged the Chinese government was subsidizing and directing a plan to increase market share.

The American Soybean Association said Bayer withdrew the petition after receiving “extensive feedback.”

“We appreciate Ruveon’s willingness to engage with growers and respond to their concerns, and ASA looks forward to continuing this important dialogue,” association President Scott Metzger said.

National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Sam Keiffer urged Bayer to remember the sharp response they got from farmers.

“We don’t begrudge input providers for seeking a return on their investment, but we also expect fairness and transparency in the marketplace,” he said.

Source: Capitalpress