WASHINGTON, DC -Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, is pressing U.S. officials to confront Brazil over what it calls unfair and discriminatory ethanol trade practices. In comments submitted to the U.S. Trade Representative, the group applauded the Section 301 investigation now underway and urged bold action to protect American ethanol producers.
At issue are Brazil’s tariffs and restrictive policies that block U.S. corn ethanol from participating in the country’s low carbon fuel program, RenovaBio. These barriers have deepened a bilateral trade imbalance—U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil dropped to just $53 million in 2024, a sharp decline from a $1.1 billion peak in 2011. Growth Energy noted that while Brazil once removed its ethanol tariff in 2010 and encouraged free trade, it later reinstated those duties, limiting U.S. market access while seeking favorable treatment in the American market.
The association also raised concerns about Brazil’s efforts to promote its sustainability practices internationally while overlooking the lower emissions profile of U.S. corn ethanol. Industry leaders say addressing these issues is critical to keeping U.S. biofuels competitive globally and ensuring fair trade standards.
