Brazil’s Chamber of Foreign Trade is imposing a 20-percent tariff on U.S. ethanol imports, after a 600-million liter tariff rate quota. Renewable Fuel Association Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper says it will be difficult for the U.S. to get this decision reversed, although they’ll keep negotiating with the Brazilians.

He says the tariff will kill access to a large and growing market for U.S. ethanol exports and be devastating to U.S. ethanol producers.

Cooper says the tariff rate quota Brazil is imposing will be in place for two years, although it’s not clear when the tariff will go into effect.

Cooper says the tariff will also hurt Brazil’s consumers who will end up paying more for fuel at the pump.