Brazil's agriculture ministry has commissioned a study on whether the duty on ethanol imports should be removed, according to a clarification note on Wednesday.

Brazil approved a 20% tariff in August 2017 on imports of ethanol beyond a quota of 600 million litres (158.5 million gallons) per year following a surge of imports from the US.

The note says agriculture minister Blairo Maggi only acknowledges the possibility of reviewing the tariff if studies that have already been commissioned by the ministry show the measure is no longer justified. It adds that any decision will be made following discussions with the sector and in line with all legal procedures.

Maggi was reported by Reuters to have indicated, while speaking to journalist on Tuesday, that a decision on ending the ethanol tariff could rest on the US lifting a ban on exports of fresh beef from Brazil.

Separately, RTTNews reported recently that according to NexSteppe ethanol demand in Brazil is expected to rise 60% in 2018 as a result of the RenovaBio programme and rising gasoline prices in the country.

Article by Renewables Now:  Brazil looks at ending levy on US ethanol imports

Brazil's agriculture ministry has commissioned a study on whether the duty on ethanol imports should be removed, according to a clarification note on Wednesday.

Brazil approved a 20% tariff in August 2017 on imports of ethanol beyond a quota of 600 million litres (158.5 million gallons) per year following a surge of imports from the US.

The note says agriculture minister Blairo Maggi only acknowledges the possibility of reviewing the tariff if studies that have already been commissioned by the ministry show the measure is no longer justified. It adds that any decision will be made following discussions with the sector and in line with all legal procedures.

Maggi was reported by Reuters to have indicated, while speaking to journalist on Tuesday, that a decision on ending the ethanol tariff could rest on the US lifting a ban on exports of fresh beef from Brazil.

Separately, RTTNews reported recently that according to NexSteppe ethanol demand in Brazil is expected to rise 60% in 2018 as a result of the RenovaBio programme and rising gasoline prices in the country.

Article by Renewables Now:  Brazil looks at ending levy on US ethanol imports