UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, issued the following comment on the United Kingdom’s decision to raise its intra-tariff quota rate for ethanol in the case of no deal being agreed with the European Union:
The United Kingdom is a leader in boosting low carbon growth and the first major economy to pass a net zero emissions law. But is Green Britain giving into the voices of protectionism or was today’s announcement to hike tariffs on ethanol a mere mistake?
The Brazilian Sugarcane industry association was both surprised and disappointed to learn about the United Kingdom’s decision to raise its intra-tariff quota rate for ethanol in the case of no deal being agreed with the European Union.
To achieve its goal of attaining net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the United Kingdom seems to have overlooked the essential contribution of imported sugarcane ethanol in industrial and transport policies. Sugarcane ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent on average compared to petrol. This is the best carbon performance of any biofuel produced at commercial scale. Intra-tariff rate quotas would make access to ethanol more expensive for British producers and distributors, and lower the competitiveness of the British green economy.
The Brazilian Sugarcane industry looks forward to continued mutually beneficial trade relations and hopes that Department of International Trade will ensure that policy coherence prevails in reviewing this decision.
For further information, please contact: Emily Rees, European Representative at UNICA (emily.rees@unica.com.br, tel: +32 472 92 77 51)
ABOUT UNICA
UNICA is the leading trade association for the sugarcane industry in Brazil, representing 60 percent of the country’s sugarcane production and processing. UNICA’s priorities include serving as a source for credible information and analysis about the efficiency and sustainability of sugarcane products, particularly ethanol. The association works to encourage the continuous advancement of sustainable practices throughout the sugarcane industry and to promote sugarcane-based biofuels as a clean, reliable and renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
