RIO DE JANEIRO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Monday it does not make sense for the United States to place high tariff on imports of Brazilian ethanol.

    In an official radio program, Lula said the issue of the sugarcane-based fuel will be discussed when U.S. President George W. Bush visits Brazil later this week.

    The production of alternative fuels, such as ethanol and bio-diesel, will create jobs in Brazil, help the development of countries in Africa and Central America, and contribute to curbing the global warming process.

    Last week, representatives from Brazil's sugarcane industry met Lula and asked him to negotiate the reduction of the tariffs with the U.S. government.

    Brazilian exporters currently receive 0.54 U.S. dollars per gallon of ethanol they sell into the U.S. market but have to pay a2.5 percent tax.

    The United States imported 2 billion liters of Brazilian ethanol in 2006, making it Brazil's biggest customer.