Ethanol Conference Unleashes in Orlando

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The National Ethanol Conference officially kicks off today in Orlando with the annual golf tournament and welcome reception in preparation for the main event tomorrow featuring a full day of presentations and panels focused on the theme “Ethanol Unleashed.”

The Renewable Fuels Association set the tone for the conference today releasing the latest analysis of ethanol’s impact on the U.S. economy, showing record-setting production and exports supported 79,000 U.S. jobs, along with an additional 237,000 indirect and induced jobs across all sectors of the economy.

The industry created $28 billion in household income, contributed $50 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product, and generated nearly $10 billion in tax revenues at the federal, state and local levels. The report also calculates that the industry spent $24 billion on 5.5 billion bushels of corn and grain sorghum alone, as the industry continued to support America’s farming communities.

For the first time in recent memory, the NEC is being held at the same time as Commodity Classic, which officially starts tomorrow but is already holding pre-conference events in San Antonio. The annual conference of the American Soybean Association and National Corn Growers Association in conjunction with the National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and Association of Equipment Manufacturers, is celebrating 30 years this year.

RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development, Robert White will be attending both events, heading from Orlando to San Antonio to host an RFA reception and exhibit at the massive Classic trade show. The RFA exhibit will include a 2025 Chevy 2500HD pickup that was converted to flex fuel using a simple conversion kit. That will be after White moderates the first panel at NEC tomorrow morning on E15 in California.

The need for nationwide, year-round E15 will be a major topic of discussion at both conferences, with EPA and USDA officials slated to speak.

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Indonesia Trade Deal to Benefit U.S. Ethanol

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President Trump with Indonesian minister and USTR Ambassador Greer

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Indonesia, signed last week by President Donald Trump, expands American market access to the world’s fourth most populous country while eliminating tariff barriers on over 99% of U.S. products exported to Indonesia across all sectors, including ethanol.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper thanked President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for a trade agreement that helps open the door to ethanol exports to the country. “At a time of record U.S. ethanol exports, this new agreement will help open the door to a new market where low-cost, low-carbon ethanol is wanted and needed,” said Cooper. “Indonesia has long been a priority market for U.S. ethanol, with potential demand of roughly 1 billion gallons if 10-percent ethanol blends are used nationwide.”

Cooper says the agreement importantly states that Indonesia shall not adopt or maintain any measure that prevents the import of U.S. ethanol. As Indonesia plans to implement its policy to supply transportation fuels blended with up to five percent ethanol (E5) by 2028 and up to 10 percent ethanol (E10) by 2030, the agreement also says Indonesia will ultimately endeavor to use 20 percent ethanol (E20), subject to the availability of supply and the readiness of supporting infrastructure.

USGBC photo

The industry has already been working with Indonesian officials and stakeholders to implement import policies that allow Indonesia to prioritize its domestically produced ethanol while allowing U.S. ethanol to fill any supply gaps or deficiencies.

Earlier this month, RFA General Counsel Ed Hubbard joined other industry members and USDA Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg for an Agricultural Trade Mission (ATM) to Jakarta, Indonesia, to promote U.S. ethanol. The mission culminated in an ethanol policy workshop which brought together senior policymakers and regulators, private industry leaders and researchers to support Indonesia’s planned transition to E10 ethanol blending. Presentations and panel discussions addressed regulatory alignment for E10 implementation, ethanol pricing mechanisms, excise treatment of fuel-grade ethanol, infrastructure readiness and feedstock diversification strategies. The workshop was organized by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC).

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Ethanol Exports Shatter Records in 2025

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The Renewable Fuels Association has released its annual report on the value of U.S. ethanol exports, documenting a record $7.6 billion in 2025, fueled by a record 2.18 billion gallons of ethanol exports and 11.6 million metric tons of distillers grains shipments.

“Growth in the export market provided crucial support for U.S. ethanol producers this past year,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Our trading partners around the world are increasingly embracing American-made ethanol because it helps lower their fuel costs, reduces emissions, and decreases their reliance on petroleum. One out of every eight gallons of ethanol produced in the United States is being exported, providing savings at the pump and cleaner air for drivers in dozens of countries across the globe.”

As detailed in the ethanol trade summary report, the record 2.18 billion gallons exported to more than 80 countries in 2025 represented a 13 percent increase over 2025. The value of U.S. ethanol exports soared to $4.8 billion, also a record high. Shipments to Canada set an annual record for a single destination, tallying over 792 million gallons. The European Union, India, United Kingdom and Colombia were also sizable markets.

Exports of the ethanol co-product and livestock feed distillers grains were still strong, totaling 11.6 million metric tons in 2025, the fourth largest on record. These exports represent 36 percent of domestic distillers grains production. Export volumes were valued at $2.8 billion. Mexico remained the top export market out of more than 50 countries, with a 20 percent share, followed by South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.

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December Ethanol Exports Make 2025 Top 2 Billion Gallons

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U.S. ethanol exports in December hit 220.3 million gallons (mg), representing the second-largest monthly volume on record, according to the latest Trade Monitor report from the Renewable Fuels Association. This means 2025 ethanol exports exceeded a record 2 billion gallons for the first time, well surpassing annual shipments of 1.94 billion gallons in 2024.

Roughly half of shipments went to Canada and the European Union, both of which recorded month-on-month declines that were offset by rebounds in several other major markets. Canada remained the leading destination, importing 66.4 mg (-14%) and accounting for roughly two-thirds of all denatured fuel ethanol sales. Exports to the European Union slipped 6% to 42.7 mg—almost entirely routed through the Netherlands—which remained the principal outlet for undenatured fuel ethanol. Shipments to Jamaica surged to a record 16.9 mg, while exports to the Philippines tripled to a seven-year high of 16.1 mg. India halved its purchases to 14.9 mg. Brazil re-entered the market with 13.3 mg, its highest import level since April 2022. Other major destinations included Colombia (9.7 mg, -25%), South Korea (8.8 mg, +215%), the United Kingdom (7.5 mg, -56%), and Nigeria (7.4 mg, +13%). For the full year, U.S. ethanol exports climbed to a new record of 2.18 billion gallons.

Meanwhile, U.S. exports of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) were down four percent in December to an eight-month low of 894,665 metric tons (mt), reflecting softer demand across most major markets.

Mexico, the largest buyer, cut imports 13% to a ten-month low of 164,406 mt. In contrast, Indonesia increased purchases 7% to a 20-month high of 112,706 mt. South Korea declined 7% to 110,538 mt, while Vietnam dropped 30% to 80,920 mt. Other notable markets included Canada (63,649 mt, +18%), New Zealand (60,000 mt, +49%), the United Kingdom (41,337 mt, +131%), and Turkey (38,220 mt, -52%). The remaining 25% of December exports were distributed across thirty additional countries. Strong momentum in the second half of the year lifted total U.S. DDGS exports to 11.60 million mt in 2025, the fourth-highest annual volume on record.

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Ag Economist Stresses Importance of E15

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At the recent 2026 Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau annual meeting, Washington ag consultant Jim Wiesemeyer emphasized the critical role of domestic ethanol demand — particularly year-round E15 sales — in supporting U.S. corn growers amid low commodity prices and cash flow pressures.

Wiesemeyer stressed that expanding E15 could significantly boost corn consumption and help reduce burdensome carryover stocks. “If we get year-round E15, it will be very good for the consumption of corn,” Wiesemeyer said. “And that’s going to whittle down those stocks. If you whittle down carryover, that means higher prices, or should be.”

Wiesemeyer says the U.S. lags behind other countries using E25 or E30 blends, calling for higher levels like E20 or E25 to further drive demand. “We really should be at E20 or E25,” he said. “Look at other countries around the world. They’re going E25, E30. So we’re behind the curve on that one. That’s for the future. That’s building for the future to more domestic consumption.”

With farmers facing consecutive low-price years, Wiesemeyer views expanded domestic utilization as a jobs creator and market stabilizer, reducing reliance on volatile exports. Combined with the 45Z clean fuel tax credit and potential RFS increases for 2026-2027, these policies could provide much-needed demand signals. As congressional efforts for permanent nationwide E15 continue amid ongoing debates and missed deadlines, Wiesemeyer remains optimistic that progress on year-round access would temper market negatives and bolster farm incomes by harvest time.

Wiesemeyer gave an update on the agricultural economy at the CIRB annual meeting. Learn more in this interview.
Jim Wiesemeyer, Informa Economics (18:29)

2026 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

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US Corn Growers Meet with EU Ethanol Interests

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NCGA President Jed Bower answers questions about the corn crop during a meeting in Spain

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) leaders recently traveled to the European Union (EU) with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) to meet with major end-users and handlers of U.S. ethanol and feed grains.

The group included NCGA President Jed Bower, NCGA Chairman Kenny Hartman, NCGA CEO Neil Caske,; and NCGA First Vice President Matt Frostic who were able to offer detailed perspectives from the position of U.S. corn farmers. 

The delegation began its journey in Spain for a meeting with Vertex, a leading ethanol producer in Spain and France which began using U.S. corn at one of its plants, confirming a higher ethanol yield compared to corn of other origins.

Next, the group attended a roundtable with CESFAC, a non-profit organization representing the Spanish compound feed industry, and other key stakeholders from across the Spanish feed sector, including importers, traders, end-users of corn and corn co-products and industry association leaders.

Attendees spoke about demand for U.S. grains in the country and Council staff presented the results of its 2025/2026 Corn Harvest Quality Report to bring importers the latest information about U.S. grain quality, nutritional constitution and added value in feed diets.

The next stop on the agenda was The Netherlands for a visit to one of the major regional liquid chemical storage providers at the Port of Rotterdam to understand the supply chain and the logistical process of exporting U.S. ethanol into the EU. Later, the team met with Alco Group, the largest bioethanol plant in the EU, that produces more than 171 million gallons each year.

Finally, the group traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark to visit Maersk’s headquarters. Maersk is the world’s second largest shipping company and is exploring the possibility of incorporating ethanol as a marine fuel for its fleet.

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, NCGA, USGC

Ten Scholarships Awarded for National Ethanol Conference

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Renewable Fuels Foundation 2025 NEC Scholarship Winners

The Renewable Fuels Foundation announces 10 recipients this year of the Robert Sather Memorial Scholarship, which annually offers opportunities for college students and members of the Renewable Fuels Association’s Young Professionals Network to attend the 2026 National Ethanol Conference, February 24–26 in Orlando.

2026 scholarship recipients include five university students:
Addie Gauck, a second-year student at Purdue University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture systems management.
Felipe Almeida, a research assistant in ag economics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Miriam Nwaogaraku, a graduate assistant at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, working toward a master’s degree in professional science, with a sustainable energy emphasis.
Samantha Cookson, an undergraduate student in chemical engineering at the University of Ottawa.
Shalom Iboh, a PhD candidate at the University of Florida, developing mathematical models for co-optimizing biofuel processes and products from renewable feedstocks.

Scholarships were also awarded to five members of RFA’s Young Professionals Network:
Brett Schrock, projects and research manager at Nebraska Ethanol Board.
Denise Atkinson, marketing manager at Chase Nedrow.
Emily Johnson, merchandiser at KAAPA Ethanol.
Verena Hopkins, sales representative at IFF.
Kayla McCaslin, accounting coordinator at Valero Energy.

The NEC scholarship program is named in honor of Robert “Bob” Sather, an educator who helped found Ace Ethanol. Sather was a longtime chairman of the Renewable Fuels Foundation, whose mission is to meet the research and education needs of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry. The aim of the Bob Sather Memorial Scholarship is to reach young adults aspiring to a career related to renewable fuels, open new doors for them, and present new perspectives on ethanol’s place in our world today and in the future.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

No E15 Bill to Consider

Cindy Zimmerman

It should come as no shock to anyone that the deadline for the “E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council” to come up with legislation for Congress came and went February 15 without any notice and the House of Representatives is off this week, making it unlikely anything will be done before the end of the month. But the ethanol industry remains determined to get this issue resolved after fighting for so many years.

The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association released a joint statement Tuesday regarding the lack of progress toward a permanent, legislative fix offering consumers year-round access to E15.

“Year-round, nationwide E15 is an urgent priority for rural America, and it can’t wait. House leaders already have bipartisan, consensus legislation that has broad support from the overwhelming majority of biofuels, agriculture, fuel retail, and oil refining interests. The solution is on the table, and we urge council members to refocus their attention on proposals that already have widespread support. Year-round E15 will deliver real savings for hard-working families and open a reliable market for U.S. farmers struggling to stay afloat. We cannot allow a tiny handful of mid-sized refiners to take year-round E15 hostage while demanding outlandish handouts, just to line their pockets at the expense of everyone else,” said RFA President & CEO Geoff Cooper, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, and Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower.

The “Council” was just created on January 22, after Congress failed to adopt E15 legislation as part of the recent appropriations bill, and charged with developing “legislative solutions to address the crisis facing our nation’s farmers and refiners.”

Directed to “investigate topics including, but not limited to, the sale of Ethanol-15, U.S. refinery capacity, the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, Renewable Identification Numbers, access to markets, and federal regulations that hinder American energy dominance,” the council was to develop “legislative solutions” by February 15 to be considered no later than February 25. Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA), were assigned as co-chairs of the council.

The council has faced criticism for only including Republicans and has been unable to overcome opposition from a handful of refineries that would stand to lose access to exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw said the industry cannot afford to give up on this issue. “This is no time for quitting on E15,” said Shaw. “Farmers and consumers are counting on Congress and President Trump to finish the job for E15….Congress needs to prove it can function, because we’re getting fed up with the dysfunction.”

While February 15 has passed, Shaw points out the rule authorizing the Council gave until the end of the month for floor action on E15.

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E15 Sales Set Another Record in MN

Cindy Zimmerman

Sales of 15 percent ethanol blended fuel, known as E15 or Unleaded 88, set another record in Minnesota last year.

The final report for 2025 out from the Minnesota Department of Commerce last week showed a one percent increase in Unleaded 88/E15 sales in 2025, totaling 144.34 million gallons compared to 142.89 million gallons in 2024. Last year was the fourth straight year annual sales in the state exceeded 100 million gallons.

“The record sales of Unleaded 88 in Minnesota over the last five years show that despite regulatory uncertainty from Washington, D.C., retailers continue to expand access and consumers continue to fill up with E15. That’s because it works in any car 2001 and newer and saves drivers between $0.15 and $0.30 per gallon. As the ‘E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council’ continues to consider a framework for passing year-round E15, we urge them to listen to consumers who are clearly demanding permanent access to a better fuel at a better price,” said Brian Werner, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

According to MN Biofuels, Unleaded 88 is now available at 552 stations in the state. BP became the latest brand to offer Unleaded 88 in Minnesota last year, joining Amoco, ARCO, Casey’s, Cenex, Holiday, Hy-Vee, Kwik Trip, Little Dukes, Love’s, Marathon, Minnoco and Speedway.

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EPA and USDA Officials to Speak at NEC

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association has announced key officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency will be speaking at the upcoming National Ethanol Conference Feb. 24-26 in Orlando.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, attendees will hear from Aaron Szabo, assistant administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation. This office oversees implementation of Clean Air Act programs, including the Renewable Fuel Standard. Szabo is expected to address the work of the Trump administration on ethanol, including EPA’s proposal creating the highest-ever renewable volume obligations under the RFS, the issuance of emergency waivers allowing year-round sale of E15, and the agency’s swift efforts to reform vehicle tailpipe GHG standards and remove the federal EV mandate.

The following day, Daniel Whitley, administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service, will provide an update on global trade policy issues affecting the ethanol industry at a time when we are seeing record exports of ethanol—more than 2 billion gallons in 2025. As the Trump administration has focused on new trade agreements around the world, expanding ethanol exports has been a priority in many of them.

Click here for more information and to register for the 2026 National Ethanol Conference.

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