EN 
PT_BR 
Ethanol and sugar producers from Goiás are scheduled to meet with Governor Ronaldo Caiado this Thursday, July 23, at 8 a.m., at Palácio das Esmeraldas in Goiânia. The meeting will discuss strategies to address the new tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazilian products, scheduled to take effect on August 1.
The sector will be represented by André Rocha, CEO of Sifaeg/Sifaçúcar and president of Fieg, and Marcelo Barbosa, chairman of the Board of Directors of both entities. Businesspeople from Goiás will also participate in the meeting, providing the governor with an overview of the expected impacts if the tariffs are indeed renewed, in addition to reinforcing calls for emergency support for the sector.
The meeting is a direct result of the meeting held on Tuesday (22), between the governor and representatives of the productive sector, when Caiado presented the first measures of the Government of Goiás to support the sugar-energy chain. Among the actions already announced are:
Creation of a Credit Fund, with a forecast of R$1,500,000 (628 million) in credits, using ICMS credits as collateral for access to financing with interest of R$1,01,400 per year — below federal rates;
Use of Fundeq, a fund operated by Goiás Fomento that subsidizes financial charges for credit operations, created during a pandemic;
Mobilization of the State Economic Stabilization Fund, a state financial reserve intended for economic emergencies, which can be used to guarantee essential services and support the productive sector.
Organic sugar in Goiás is a source of concern
One of the most sensitive points of the new tariffs is the direct impact on organic sugar produced in Goiás — a high-value-added product with a strong presence in the North American market.
The sugarcane and ethanol sector in Goiás—one of Brazil's strongest—is among those most affected by US protectionist measures. The risk of losing international competitiveness and potential financial losses are a concern for the entire production chain. Thursday's meeting is expected to result in new strategies to defend the sector and safeguard its production and export capacity.
Service: Meeting with Governor Ronaldo Caiado and the sugar-energy sector
Date: July 23 (Thursday)
Time: 8 hours
Location: Emerald Palace
