The Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative spoke to attendees at the National Ethanol Conference this week about the trade outlook for ethanol.
Ambassador Doug McKalip said had just returned from Guatemala where he spoke with government officials about ethanol. “It was clear to me that the government of Guatemala is very much dedicated to meeting its goal of getting to E10 by early 2025,” said McKalip. “Throughout the course of 2024 there will be very close coordination with the Guatemalan government to help them through the process.”
McKalip says he has also been in discussions with Brazilian officials to get the 18% tariff on U.S. ethanol eliminated and open that market back up for the industry. “Last week I had the Brazilian secretary of agriculture in my office…and we had a very frank discussion about this,” said McKalip. “The secretary promised to me that he would go back, meet with the Brazilian CAMEX (Chamber of Foreign Trade), and put together a proposal for us on how they might change their direction.”
Listen to his remarks and press availability below.
NEC24 USTR Ambassador Doug McKalip - remarks 21:00
NEC24 USTR Ambassador Doug McKalip - press 4:36