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Despite Brazil's Attempts, U.S. Ethanol Proves Itself

While Brazil spends millions of dollars to persuade Americans otherwise, the facts show that American ethanol is superior to and actually cheaper than Brazilian ethanol. The Renewable Fuels Association reports a gallon of gasoline mixed with 10% ethanol from the U.S. would be 11 cents cheaper than a gallon of gas with 10% Brazilian ethanol, which would cost more than regular gas. Sugarcane and ethanol producers in Brazil are also saying removing the tariff on imported ethanol would allow Brazilian ethanol to compete with U.S. ethanol. RFA says this is not true, as Brazilian E-10 would still cost six cents more than U.S. E-10 without the tariff.

Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen says using domestically-produced ethanol saves drivers money while supporting U.S. jobs and local economies. U.S. ethanol yields have increased 31% while total area planted to corn has increased only 11%. That compares to Brazilian ethanol yields increasing 9% and total land planted to sugar cane increasing 92%. Dinneen says rather than seeking to cannibalize this market Brazil should be working with the U.S. to expand the use of ethanol globally to displace reliance on petroleum.