In less than two weeks, Brazil is likely to impose a tariff of at least 20 percent on all fuel ethanol imports from the United States. A bipartisan group of House members including Congressman Adrian Smith have written to the U.S. Trade Representative asking him to ensure there’s fair and equitable ethanol trade with Brazil. Nebraska Ethanol Board Administrator Roger Berry appreciates the help of the U.S. Representatives pushing Brazil on this tariff problem.

He says Brazil and has been an important destination for U.S. ethanol. Berry also says export market for U.S. ethanol is more important than ever, especially with the effects of the pandemic and the recent damage caused to domestic ethanol from the small refiner waivers.

Berry says for a five year period between 2012 and 2017, trade with Brazil was on a level playing field. Since 2017 however that has changed with Brazil instituting protectionist policies on its own ethanol.

Berry says he’d prefer to see free trade between the U.S. and Brazil rather than a tariff battle.