Ethanol Industry Supports Brazil Trade Investigation

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Ethanol stakeholders support the U.S. Trade Representative taking action against unfair trading practices by Brazil with a Section 301 investigation.

In comments sent Monday to USTR, the Renewable Fuels Association noted Brazil’s punitive ethanol tariff regime and restrictive regulations demonstrate that the country is clearly not committed to fair and reciprocal trade in ethanol.

“Brazil’s tariff rates have no doubt had a demonstrable impact on U.S. ethanol exports,” wrote RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “While Brazil was once the top export market for U.S. ethanol, the imposition of tariffs (without a duty-free quota) in recent years has essentially closed the market. To make matters worse, while U.S. ethanol faces a significant 18 percent import duty, Brazilian ethanol enters the U.S. market with just a 2.5 percent ad valorem duty, granting Brazilian producers preferential access and market competitiveness in America.”

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. said there is clear evidence demonstrating that Brazil’s ethanol tariff and other actions are unreasonable, discriminatory and burden U.S. commerce.

“Brazil is actively looking to unseat the historic and obvious success of the American corn industry by a series of trade actions that directly and indirectly harm U.S. corn growers,” Hartman said.

USTR’s Section 301 investigation will allow the agency to determine if a foreign country has taken unfair trade actions that burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Following the imposition of an 18% tariff on U.S. fuel ethanol, exports to Brazil fell to zero in 2023 and just $43 million in 2024. In 2024, exports to Brazil accounted for just 1.3 percent of total U.S. ethanol exports, after accounting for approximately one-third of total U.S. exports as recently as 2018.

USTR initiated the investigation of Brazil under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 in July, citing its actions in several trade arenas, including ethanol market access.

Meanwhile, Brazil submitted its own comments, rejecting the authority of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 and saying only the World Trade Organization has the authority to handle trade disputes.

In its 90-page rebuttal, Brazil claims it “maintains an open ethanol market and has not imposed discriminatory barriers against U.S. ethanol.”

Historically, Brazil has maintained tariffs on ethanol well below its bound tariff agreed to as part of its membership to the WTO (i.e., 35 percent). This tariff applies equally to all countries, including the United States, and is lower than the tariff the United States currently applies to Brazil’s exports of ethanol (Brazil’s tariff is 18 percent, whereas the United States’ tariff is now 52.5 percent).

Brazil, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, NCGA, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, Trade

NREL Releases 2024 BQ-9000 Biodiesel Assessment

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released the Assessment of BQ-9000 Biodiesel Properties for 2024, the eighth in a series of annual reports documenting the quality of biodiesel from U.S. and Canadian producers participating in the industry’s voluntary BQ-9000® accreditation program.

The report was developed in partnership with Clean Fuels Alliance America and authored by Robert L. McCormick of NREL and analyzes monthly quality data provided by BQ-9000 accredited producers throughout 2024.

The study evaluates critical fuel quality parameters within the ASTM D6751 and Canadian CAN/CGSB-3.524 specifications. These include test methods such as kinematic viscosity, sulfated ash, distillation temperature, carbon residue, cetane number, and levels of key metals including sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Results from the 2024 assessment reaffirm that biodiesel produced under BQ-9000 accreditation consistently exceeds the performance limits set by ASTM International’s D6751 specification — the industry’s global consensus standard for biodiesel quality.

“ASTM specifications, such as D6751 for biodiesel, are designed to reflect the minimum performance parameters and limits that provide the fuel performance that consumers and fleets have expected and deserve,” said Scott Fenwick, Technical Director for Clean Fuels. “This report demonstrates that the quality of biodiesel supplied by a BQ-9000 accredited producer exceeds the limits of the consensus, global specification from ASTM International.”

This level of quality is now being translated into requests for higher volumes and higher blends by high-demand fleets such as on-road trucking, railroads, marine shipping companies and home heating applications.

Read more from Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance, Energy

Ethanol Stocks at Lowest Level This Year

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Ethanol stocks hit their lowest level this year during the week ending August 8, according to Energy Information Administration data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association.

Ethanol stocks retreated 4.7% to 22.6 million barrels, the lowest volume since mid-December 2024. Stocks were 3.0% less than the same week last year and 3.3% below the three-year average.

Ethanol production increased by a little over one percent that same week to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.91 million gallons daily. Output was two percent higher than the same week last year and five percent above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.71 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol exports expanded 6.0% to an estimated 123,000 b/d (5.2 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

More Corn Shows Need for Ethanol Expansion

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s August Supply and Demand Estimate calls for sharply higher supplies, greater domestic use and exports, and larger ending stocks, which all highlight the need to remove artificial regulatory barriers that are undercutting demand and constraining market opportunities for both corn and ethanol, according to the Renewable Fuels Association.

For 2024/25, larger corn exports are partly offset by reductions in corn used for ethanol and glucose and dextrose. Corn production for 2025/26 is forecast at a record 16.7 billion bushels, up 1.0 billion from last month with a 1.9-million acre increase in harvested area and higher yield. If realized, this total would be 1.4 billion bushels more than the prior record set in 2023/24. The season’s first survey-based corn yield forecast, at a record 188.8 bushels per acre, is 7.8 bushels higher than last month’s projection.

For 2025/26, total U.S. corn use is forecast 545 million bushels higher to 16.0 billion with feed and residual use up 250 million bushels to 6.1 billion based on a larger crop and lower expected prices. Corn used for ethanol for 2025/26 is raised 100 million bushels to 5.6 billion. With supply rising more than use, ending stocks are up 457 million bushels to 2.1 billion and if realized would be the highest in absolute terms since 2018/19. The season-average corn price received by producers is lowered 30 cents $3.90 per bushel.

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the report is a cause for alarm. “Our nation’s farmers are doing their job—they are sustainably and efficiently producing the largest corn crop in history. But antiquated policies and regulations—like the summertime prohibition on E15, outdated pump labeling obligations, and needless equipment certification requirements—are stifling demand and failing America’s farmers,” Cooper said. “The best way to boost demand for U.S. crops is to truly unleash American ethanol and open the market to higher blends.”

RFA is calling on Congress to pass the Nationwide Fuel Retailer and Consumer Choice Act to allow year-round, nationwide E15; adopt the Ethanol for America Act, which would streamline regulatory requirements related to E15 pump labeling and equipment compatibility; and eliminate the century-old “denaturant” requirements, which “obligate ethanol producers to poison their clean, renewable fuel with dirty, toxic substances.” In addition, the Administration should finalize strong RFS volumes, limit small refinery exemptions, and reallocate any exempted volumes.

“Congress and the Administration can take these simple steps to strengthen America’s agriculture sector and stave off an impending crisis in farm country,” Cooper said. “We urge our nation’s leaders to act quickly to open new market opportunities for America’s farmers by removing barriers to increased ethanol consumption.”

USDA is forecasting that direct government payments to farmers will hit $42.4 billion in 2025, more than quadruple the 2024 level and the second-highest ever (trailing only the $45.6 billion distributed in 2020, when the COVID pandemic cratered global demand for farm products). According to RFA, opening new market opportunities for corn and ethanol—like year-round E15—would restore demand-driven dynamics in the grain market and significantly reduce the need for government assistance.

corn, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, USDA

Iowa Corn 350 Helps Drive Corn Demand

Cindy Zimmerman

Iowa Corn Growers celebrate with Iowa Corn 350 winner William Byron

The Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race was held this month at the Iowa Speedway with over 40,000 fans gathered to see the power and performance of ethanol

“The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race is an event like no other,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Ralph Lents. “Over half of Iowa’s corn crop is processed into ethanol, making it our largest market. So, the fact that this race not only demonstrates the power and performance of ethanol but also showcases Iowa Corn farmers sustainable practices growing one of the most versatile crops used for fuel, feed, food and 4,000 everyday products.”

In 2024, ethanol production added $437 million to the value of Iowa’s corn crop, lifting corn prices an average of 18 cents per bushel since 2002. Blending corn-based ethanol into fuel has saved Iowans $11 billion at the pump over the past 15 years and investments in programs, like the Iowa Corn 350, are only working to grow those savings.

The Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol debuted last year, presenting corn growers in the state the opportunity to showcase their product and promote cleaner burning, homegrown Unleaded 88/E15.

corn, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NASCAR

Vietnam Starts E10 Trials

Cindy Zimmerman

Two of Vietnam’s largest fuel distributors and retailers this month launched the country’s first commercial trials of gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) in three major cities. A total of 42 fuel stations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong began selling E10 RON95 gasoline as part of the trial that follows the Government’s recent announcement of a nationwide E10 mandate to begin in January.

Vietnam had implemented an E5 mandate in 2018 for its RON92 grade of gasoline, one of two gasoline grades widely used throughout the country. The decision to expand to E10 next year will help amplify the environmental and economic benefits of fuel ethanol use, according to U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “This month’s rollout of E10 gasoline at retail stations is a massive step toward decarbonizing Vietnam’s transportation sector and a new potential partner for the U.S. ethanol industry and the American farmer,” said LeGrand.

Vietnam’s gasoline consumption surpassed 2.8 billion gallons in 2024, increasing 8.1 percent from 2023 consumption levels. A nationwide E10 mandate will create a total fuel ethanol demand of 280 to 300 million gallons per year, depending on gasoline demand. “We look forward to continuing our partnerships with government and industry stakeholders in support of the upcoming nationwide rollout of E10 gasoline,” LeGrand said.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, International, USGC

Ethanol Exports Remain Strong Over Last Year

Cindy Zimmerman

U.S. ethanol exports were lower in June compared to May but remain much higher than year ago levels, according to the latest trade monitor report from the Renewable Fuels Association.

U.S. ethanol exports totaled 173.7 million gallons (mg) in June, down 6% from May amid volatility in key markets but still 30% higher than year-ago levels. Canada remained the top destination, increasing 6% to a six-month high of 64.9 mg. Exports to India surged 158% to 24.2 mg, the largest volume in five months. The European Union imported 20.3 mg, driven primarily by the Netherlands, though volumes were one-third lower than May. Ten additional markets made up the balance of U.S. ethanol exports in June, with notable shipments to South Korea (12.6 mg, up 16%), the Philippines (12.0 mg, up 5%), the United Kingdom (11.0 mg, down 64%), and Colombia (10.8 mg, down 17%). Notably, Brazil remained absent for the second consecutive month. Through the first half of 2025, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.06 billion gallons, a 13% increase over the same period in 2024.

Meanwhile, U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS) declined slightly in June to 917,307 metric tons (mt), reflecting mixed performance across major markets, with shipments to top customer Mexico declining 11% to 184,379 mt, while South Korea increased its purchases by 18% to 112,890 mt. Total U.S. DDGS exports for the first half of 2025 reached 5.42 million mt, down 8% from the same period in 2024.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Groups Comment on Proposed RFS Volumes

Cindy Zimmerman

Biofuels stakeholder groups submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency last week on the agency’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2026 and 2027.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings expressed support for the proposed record volumes, while noting a few targeted changes to ensure the policy continues to fulfill its mission of increasing the use of American-made biofuels.

“ACE supports EPA proposing the highest RVOs to date, including more than 24 billion gallons of total renewable fuel for 2026 and 2027,” said Jennings in written comments. “We applaud EPA for proposing to significantly increase advanced biofuel levels, so those gallons are not displacing corn ethanol in the conventional biofuel pool.”

While supporting many aspects of the proposed rule, ACE urged EPA to consider setting conventional biofuel volumes above 15 billion gallons to offset export market losses and maximize the blending of physical gallons of ethanol and recognize higher projected use of E15 and E85, particularly given several state-level E15 year-round approvals, record E85 sales in California, and bipartisan legislation pending in Congress to permanently allow E15 sales nationwide.

Clean Fuels Alliance America – representing biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel – also expressed appreciation for EPA’s intent to provide consistent RFS growth in recognition of the industry’s investments in new capacity.

EPA proposes biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel volumes to reach 5.61 billion gallons in 2026 – more than two billion gallons higher than in 2025. “The proposal is a welcome signal to U.S. farmers and biofuel producers, and we are ready to meet these higher volumes with domestically produced fuel,” Clean Fuels writes in its comments. “We ask that the final rule sustain the volumes as proposed to ensure that our capacity is fully utilized. These volumes are readily achievable, based on current domestic production and investments that have been made.”

ACE, Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Congress and Industry Recognize RFS 20th Anniversary

Cindy Zimmerman

A bi-partisan, bicameral resolution was introduced in Congress to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its foundational role in strengthening the United States’ energy security, supporting rural communities, and growing the American economy.

Congressman Max Miller (R-OH) led the resolution in the House, joined by Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) Rep. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Rep. Zack Nunn (R-IA), and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE). The Senate companion bill is led by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) along with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN).

Commenting on the anniversary today, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “Over the past two decades, the Renewable Fuel Standard has delivered tremendous benefits for our nation—reducing dependence on foreign oil, lowering fuel costs for consumers, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across rural America, and strengthening the agricultural economy. It has spurred market competition and expanded choices at the pump for drivers nationwide.”

RFA published a report on ethanol industry successes since this landmark policy was put into place and released a podcast interview with Cooper about the importance of the RFS and its achievements.

Clean Fuels Alliance America, formally the National Biodiesel Board, also commemorated the anniversary today and applauded the congressional resolution.

Clean Fuels Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik said, “Under the RFS over the last twenty years, U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production has grown from a few hundred million gallons to 5 billion gallons, meeting 9 percent of the nation’s on-road diesel demand. Biodiesel and renewable diesel production is vital for America’s economy, supporting $42.4 billion in economic opportunity. It is essential to America’s farmers, supporting 10 percent of the value of every soybean grown in the United States. With robust RFS volumes proposed for the coming years, the benefits keep growing.”

Also celebrating the milestone today is the National Corn Growers Association. NCGA and state corn grower groups were on the forefront of the issue in the 1990s and early 2000s, pushing for a national law that would allow use of biofuels in the nation’s fuel supply.

“Since it was signed into law, the Renewable Fuel Standard has provided immeasurable benefits to Americans,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “It has dramatically increased demand for corn, provided significant savings to consumers at the pump and strengthened America’s energy dominance.”

“There is more work to be done if we are going to fully unleash the power and benefits of ethanol,” Hartman said. “But today, we are going to celebrate a hard-fought victory that has resulted in countless benefits for corn growers and indeed all Americans.”

Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA

Happy 20th Anniversary to the RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

President George W. Bush holds the box containing the energy bill after signing the H.R. 6, The Energy Policy Act of 2005 at Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Monday, Aug. 8, 2005. (White House photo)

It took a Texas oil man to finally unleash the power of renewable fuels.

In the aftermath of 9/11, energy independence became a driving force for President George W. Bush, and he saw the potential for our nation’s productive farmers to help attain that goal.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed on August 8 of that year at Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico symbolizing a new approach to energy economics and security, diversifying our transportation fuel supply by incentivizing ethanol and biodiesel.

“The bill includes a flexible, cost-effective renewable fuel standard that will double the amount of ethanol and biodiesel in our fuel supply over the next seven years,” said President Bush. “Using ethanol and biodiesel will leave our air cleaner. And every time we use a home-grown fuel, particularly these, we’re going to be helping our farmers, and at the same time, be less dependent on foreign sources of energy.”

In 2005, there were 81 ethanol plants in the United States, production was less than 4 billion gallons a year, and corn was averaging $2 per bushel. Three years later, in 2008, production was 9.4 billion gallons with almost 140 plants on-line and corn was $7 a bushel.

President Bush understood the American farmer and he understood that fuel could be made from crops and that it could help make our country more energy independent.

“I like to say that someday a President is going to pick up the crop report and they’re going to say we’re growing a lot of corn, and — or soybeans — and the first thing that’s going to pop in the President’s mind is, we’re less dependent on foreign sources of energy. It makes sense to promote ethanol and biodiesel.”

(Introduction to “Ethanol: America’s Fuel”)

Listen to part of Pres. Bush’s remarks 20 years ago today:
Pres. Bush 2005 Energy Bill Signing 3:17

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFS