A group of Midwest Senators have written to the U.S. Trade Representative asking him to respond to Brazil’s 20-percent tariff on U.S. ethanol. The tariff is on U.S. imports of over 600 million liters or 158 million gallons. Renewable Fuel Association Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper says they hope pressure from Congress will help resolve the problem.

He says his group, along with U.S. Grains Council, attempted to work with the Brazilians to head off the tariff but now are seeking government assistance.

Cooper says the U.S. ethanol industry had already surpassed the quota in July. And the tariff has been in place since September 1.

The U.S. is the primary ethanol exporter to Brazil.