Trade representatives from Brazil and the United States have agreed to a 90 day extension of the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for ethanol as both sides continue to discuss ways they can improve market access to “achieve reciprocal and proportional outcomes that generate trade and open markets to the benefit of both countries.”

According to a joint statement released by the U.S. Trade Representatives office, they will discuss an arrangement to improve market access for ethanol and sugar and will also consider an increase in market access for corn in both countries.

The two countries will also discuss ways to ensure there is fair market access along with any increase in the consumption of ethanol, as well as to coordinate and ensure that the ethanol industries in both countries will be treated fairly and benefit from future regulatory changes on biofuel products in Brazil and the United States.

Brazil and the United States agreed to proceed in this manner in the spirit of the economic partnership created under the leadership of Presidents Trump and Bolsonaro, acknowledging the need to continue to constructively address the effects of the crises generated by the COVID-19 pandemic on their bilateral trade and domestic production.