Brazil considers raising import tariffs on pesticides to 35%

Brazilian crop protection manufacturers have proposed increasing import tariffs on certain categories of pesticides to as much as 35%. The initiative aims to support domestic production amid growing competition from cheaper imported products, particularly from China. At the same time, the potential introduction of higher tariffs could affect crop protection costs for Brazilian farmers, including soybean producers.

In October 2026, the crop protection industry association Sindiveg submitted four requests to Brazil’s Foreign Trade Chamber (Camex) seeking to raise import duties on formulated pesticides to 35%. Separately, the chemical industry association Abifina proposed tariffs of up to 10% on certain herbicides and an insecticide. Together, the proposals cover six product categories, four of which are currently imported duty-free. Products potentially affected include 2,4-D and glufosinate herbicides, which are widely used in soybean production.

From January to September 2026, Brazil imported $2.79 bln worth of pesticides in the relevant categories, including $1.36 bln from China. Chinese products therefore accounted for nearly 49% of the import value in these segments. The expansion of imports has been supported by the expiration of patents on several crop protection products, allowing companies to increase imports of competitively priced generic pesticides.

Representatives of domestic manufacturers argue that higher tariffs would help reduce price pressure from imported products and support companies operating in Brazil. Meanwhile, importers of generic pesticides oppose the proposed restrictions. In particular, the association Aenda has submitted a request to Camex to eliminate the existing 7.2% import duty on certain insecticides sold in packages weighing up to 7.5 kg.

For agricultural producers, access to affordable crop protection products remains an important issue, as purchasing costs directly affect the profitability of soybean and other crop production. The eventual impact of higher tariffs on domestic prices will depend on supply structures, competition between manufacturers and importers, and conditions in the agrochemical market.

Tags: Brazil, pesticide, crop protection