WASHINGTON — National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. submitted comments in the U.S. Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trading practices, arguing that the country’s ethanol tariff and related policies are unfair, discriminatory, and damaging to U.S. commerce.
“Brazil has enjoyed preferential market conditions while simultaneously erecting barriers that restrict and prevent access for American corn ethanol exporters,” said Hartman, an Illinois farmer. “Brazil was once a top market for American ethanol exports, but their 18 percent tariff has eradicated this market.”
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Section 301 investigation allows the agency to determine if foreign countries are taking actions that burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Hartman has requested to testify at the Section 301 hearing scheduled for early September.
“Brazil is actively looking to unseat the historic and obvious success of the American corn industry by a series of trade actions that directly and indirectly harm U.S. corn growers,” Hartman said.
According to Hartman, Brazil has long pursued measures to block American ethanol, including policies that undercut U.S. market access and limit opportunities in the global synthetic aviation fuel market, which is expected to expand rapidly in the coming decade. Following Brazil’s 18 percent tariff, U.S. ethanol exports to the country fell by 93 percent, dropping from $761 million in 2018 to just $53 million in 2024.
If the Section 301 investigation concludes that Brazil’s actions are unreasonable or discriminatory, the U.S. government could impose tariffs or other retaliatory trade measures.
