WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives of Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) welcomed yesterday’s decision by the European Commission to not renew anti-dumping duties on European Union (EU) imports of U.S. ethanol. The decision stems from the European Commission’s expiry review of the anti-dumping action the Commission took in 2013, which have been in place since then. In announcing its decision, the Commission found no evidence that warranted continuation of those duties and that their removal of duties would not encourage dumping in the EU.
“We welcome the European Commission’s decision to open the market to free and fair competition,” said Craig Willis, Senior Vice President of Global Markets for Growth Energy. “By removing unjustified duties on U.S. ethanol, the Commission is opening critical new opportunities for member states to take full advantage of affordable, low-carbon biofuels. It’s a win-win for our EU trading partners, who will be better positioned to meet their environmental goals while holding down prices for European drivers.”
”The decision today in the EU to allow more open access for U.S. ethanol is very welcome by our industry and the members of the U.S. Grains Council,” said Tom Sleight, president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to working with our customers and counterparts in the EU to fulfill the ethanol demanded by their biofuels policy and environment- and price-conscious consumers.”
“We are pleased with the Commission’s decision to terminate these penalties immediately. RFA has always maintained these penalties were unjustified and unwarranted,” according to RFA CEO Geoff Cooper. “The U.S. ethanol industry is looking forward to resuming more open trade relations with the European Union. With today’s removal of these duties, consumers in the EU will once again have unfettered access to clean, affordable, renewable fuels.”
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ABOUT THE U.S. GRAINS COUNCIL
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 13 key markets and representatives in an additional 15 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.
ABOUT THE RENEWABLE FUELS ASSOCIATION
The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. For more information, visit EthanolRFA.org.