As China announced a suspension of its ethanol mandate last week, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney said he remains bullish on expanding exports for the fuel, despite the trade challenges.

“Ethanol is one of the most needed products around the world, but for some doggoned reasons, continues to be held out,” said McKinney, during an interview Friday at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. “But I am still bullish.” McKinney said China, Mexico and India offer the best opportunities for increasing ethanol exports.

Listen to McKinney’s comment here:
USDA Under Secretary Ted McKinney comments on ethanol trade issues (:40)

With the China Phase One trade deal slated to be signed this week, and USMCA getting closer to the Senate floor, McKinney had a lot to discuss in this full interview from the conference.
2020 SRFVC Interview with USDA Under Secretary Ted McKinney (6:17)

2020 Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference Photo Album