WASHINGTON, DC, US — The Peruvian National Institute for the Defense of Free Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI) Tribunal affirmed on Jan. 29, 2021, that the US ethanol industry and the US government won an appeal on a countervailing duty case brought against US ethanol in Peru.

INDECOPI reversed a previous decision handed down by Peruvian authorities that applied a 15-cent per gallon duty on US ethanol and resulted in loss of market access in the country.

The US Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) participated in the initial investigation and appeal in Peru on behalf of the United States. All three associations were satisfied by INDECOPI’s analysis and decision.

“We are pleased that Peruvian authorities reached the right result, and we look forward to continuing our close work with Peru to further enhance our mutually beneficial trade relationship development efforts, including urging them to increase their blend rate beyond 7.8%,” the groups said in a joint statement. “Doing so would also help Peru to meet its Paris Agreement commitments and lead to opening more global trade of ethanol.

 “The US ethanol industry remains focused on expanding the global use of low-carbon ethanol, reducing barriers to trade, and elevating the energy discussion, and we favor continued collaboration and cooperation with Peru and other nations that share the vision of a free and open global ethanol market.”