The Executive Management Committee of CAMEX, Brazil’s Chamber of Foreign Trade, announced today it would delay a decision on a pending proposal to impose a tariff of up to 17 percent on Brazil’s imports of U.S. ethanol. The following is a joint statement on this action from U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and CEO Tom Sleight, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen and Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor:
“We are encouraged to see Brazil’s continued postponement on a decision regarding a pending proposal to impose tariffs on U.S. ethanol imports. Our organizations have been tracking this issue for months and have worked heavily in Washington, D.C., and Brasilia to provide all necessary information to the Brazilian government on this issue. Imposing tariffs on U.S. ethanol imports will hurt Brazilian consumers by driving up their costs at the pump. Additionally, this action on U.S. ethanol imports will go against Brazil’s own longstanding view that ethanol tariffs are inappropriate and will harm the development of the global ethanol industry. We will continue this work and appreciate the thoughtful consideration Brazilian officials are taking on a proposal that could have wide-ranging and long-standing impacts on both our industries and the global fuel supply.”
Contact:
Melissa Kessler, mkessler@grains.org, (202) 492-3433
Rachel Gantz, rgantz@ethanolrfa.org, (202) 289-3835
Chris Hogan, chogan@growthenergy.org, (202) 545-4000
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About the U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and related products. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is contained on its website www.grains.org.
About Growth Energy
Growth Energy represents producers and supporters of ethanol working to bring consumers better choices at the fuel pump, grow America’s economy and improve the environment for future generations. For more information, visit us at www.GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on Twitter @GrowthEnergy, or connect with us on Facebook.
About the Renewable Fuels Association
The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. For more information, visit EthanolRFA.org.