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USTR is working on Brazil’s U.S. ethanol import tariff

The president of the National Corn Growers Association says the chief ag negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is trying to resolve a proposed tariff increase on U.S. ethanol imports to Brazil. 

Harold Wolle met with Doug McKalip today in Washington D.C. and says McKalip didn’t specify the resolution details, but…

“He’s had numerous meetings with ministers from Brazil and he’s very hopeful of a resolution to the issue and it should be forthcoming.”

Wolle says McKalip and Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with Brazil at the end of February at a World Trade Organization’s Ministerial Conference.

“The Brazilian representatives did discuss the tariff situation with Ambassador Tai and she’s well aware of the issue and is working on a resolution.”

Earlier this week, lawmakers sent two letters to the Biden administration asking for expanded market access for biofuels and continued engagement with Brazil on its U.S. import tariffs.

Wolle says he has more optimism about the resolution of Brazil’s import tariffs on U.S. ethanol following the meeting with McKalip.