US Farmers Pay Sticker Price for Seeds and Chemicals Amid Trade Tensions

US corn and soybean farmers are facing higher expenses for seeds and chemicals compared to their Brazilian counterparts, according to a report by the National Corn Growers Association. The study found that US farmers pay a 68% premium on corn seed, which is concerning as many are expected to lose money for a fourth consecutive year.

The price gaps extend beyond seeds to include essential crop protection products. US prices for certain fungicides are more than double Brazilian levels, while herbicides for corn and soybeans are nearly twice as expensive in the domestic market. Insecticide prices for US corn averaged 87% higher than those in Brazil from 2023-25.

NCGA chief economist Krista Swanson noted that while currency exchange rates and differing production systems explain some differences, the patterns are too consistent to ignore. The association is calling for legislative changes to the countervailing duty process to ensure the public interest is considered by trade authorities.