The vBrazilian icepresident, Geraldo Alckminsaid Tuesday that unspecified issues related to Brazil’s imports of U.S. biofuels were “virtually resolved.”
He did not give details, but according to Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Servicesled by Alckmin, his statements referred to the relaxation of the rules of the RenovaBio program to respond to the concerns of the United States.
RenovaBio encourages the use of biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel instead of fossil fuels in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In its National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, US President Donald Trump’s administration flagged the program as a non-tariff barrier that put US producers at a disadvantage, urging Brazil to review its regulations.
Until June of this year, foreign biofuel exporters needed an intermediary – typically a Brazilian importer – to obtain certification and issue decarbonization credits.
But a mid-June ruling by oil regulator ANP allowed foreign exporters to obtain certification directly, which the ministry told Reuters has already leveled the playing field for them.
Speaking at an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Brazil, Alckmin also said that non-tariff issues are important in talks with the United States, including issues related to data centers, rare earth elements and big technology companies.
He reiterated that Brazil continues to hold talks, after Washington last week added more than 200 products to the list exempt from a 50% tariff it had previously imposed.
