Initial Government Response to US Ethanol Deal
AIC and other stakeholder organisations met with officials from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) late yesterday (15 May 2025). Officials began by explaining the broader context of the UK–US tariff agreement before focusing on the ethanol element of the deal.
AIC outlined the concerns raised by Members following the announcement on the reported tariff-free access for US exporters to the UK market of 1.4 billion litres of bioethanol during a call with the Government last Friday. This was followed up the same day with correspondence to Defra and DBT.
We also called for a meeting with the Government to get answers to Member questions, which took place yesterday (15 May 2025). It was disappointing that they were not in a position to fully answer the questions submitted last week.
At the end of the meeting, we emphasised the importance of ensuring that businesses have the confidence to invest in line with UK Government policy and we requested that a response to Member questions to be provided as a matter of urgency.
We are now working with affected businesses and other relevant trade associations to agree our next steps. As always, we continue to welcome any insight or views from Members.
Authors
Ed Barker
