The U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association jointly submitted comments to the Brazilian Chamber of Foreign Trade regarding the Brazilian tariff on imported U.S. ethanol. In October 2023, Brazil’s association of fuel importers formally requested the government drop the ethanol duties because data showed the tariff raised fuel costs for Brazil’s domestic consumers. In anticipation of the open comment period, the three organizations mobilized a number of industry stakeholders to seek a permanent removal of Brazil’s tariff on imported U.S. ethanol. As of January 1, 2024, the current duty stands at 18 percent, while Brazilian ethanol imported into the U.S. enjoys free access to the American market. In their comments, the groups say, “We’d like to stress that the U.S. industry will continue to advocate for restrictive measures to entry for Brazilian ethanol into the U.S. if the Brazilian government doesn’t rethink the current tariff policies.”
U.S. ethanol industry comments on Brazilian ethanol tariffs
