Guatemala Agreement Will Boost Ethanol Exports

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USTR Jamieson Greer and Guatemala Minister of Economy Adriana Gabriela Garcia

The United States–Guatemala Agreement on Reciprocal Trade signed on Friday by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Guatemala’s Minister of Economy Adriana Gabriela Garcia will help boost exports of U.S. ethanol to that country.

“President Trump’s leadership is forging a new direction for trade that promotes partnership and prosperity in Latin America, further strengthening the American economy, supporting American workers, and protecting our national security interests,” said Ambassador Greer.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper thanked the Trump administration for securing the agreement which includes a requirement for 10 percent ethanol blends for on-road gasoline (E10), and a purchase commitment for at least 50 million gallons of American-made ethanol annually. “Our nation’s 200 ethanol biorefineries are well-positioned to help Guatemala deliver lower prices at the pump and cleaner air for their citizens,” said Cooper. “Other countries in the region—including Panama, Costa Rica, and El Salvador—also hold great promise for expanded ethanol use, and we are excited to see Central America opening its doors to this opportunity.”

Gasoline consumption in Guatemala for 2026 is estimated at approximately one billion gallons; thus, an E10 standard means 100 million gallons of ethanol will be needed. As Guatemala currently exports much of its domestically produced biofuel, the move to E10 provides U.S. producers with a new export opportunity valued at roughly $150 million.

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

Groups Urge Council to Focus on E15

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A broad coalition of trade groups representing ethanol producers, petroleum refiners, farmers, and retailers is urging the newly formed Congressional Rural Domestic Energy Council to focus on only E15 to get legislation accomplished by the end of this month.

The coalition of stakeholders sent a letter to the co-chairs of the new council on Friday outlining recommendations for consensus legislation to permit year-round, nationwide sales of E15 and improve long-term policy certainty across the transportation fuel sector.

“[T]he time window for arriving at a recommended legislative solution is short, with the council expected to submit legislative solutions to the full House by February 15th, only 16 days from today. We applaud this expedited time frame as fuel producers and retailers are making decisions now about product offerings over the next year, farmers are making planting decisions, and a legislative fix is needed as soon as possible to provide fuel producers and retailers with a predictable policy framework as we approach the summer driving season,” the organizations wrote.

To “achieve a solution in short order,” the groups urged lawmakers to build upon H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which was amended and offered for consideration by Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) last week before the Rules Committee. These include fixing outdated regulations on summer sales of E15 and limiting the marketplace distortions caused by Small Refiner Exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “H.R. 1346 has broad support from the overwhelming majority of biofuels, agriculture, fuel retail, and oil refining interests, and is the most comprehensive pathway to a legislative solution,” the organizations wrote.

Signatories on the letter included the Renewable Fuels Association, Agriculture Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Petroleum Institute, Corn Refiners Association, Growth Energy, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, NATSO, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, and SIGMA.

The letter was sent to Reps. Stephanie Bice (D-OK) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA), who have been assigned as co-chairs of the council.

AFBF, Ag group, corn, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

ACE Elects 2026 Officers

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The American Coalition for Ethanol Board of Directors has elected its 2026 Executive Committee and Troy Knecht of South Dakota as the new board president.

Knecht is a farmer representing Redfield Energy, a 63 million-gallon-per-year (MGY) ethanol producer in Redfield, South Dakota. “It’s humbling to be the incoming President of ACE. I’m thinking of so many industry giants and leaders who currently serve on the board or have in the past,” said Troy Knecht. “I look forward to carrying on their legacy and the mission of ACE. Our grassroots efforts to support the ethanol industry and rural America are more important than ever right now, and I don’t take that lightly.”

Troy Knecht

Knecht replaces Dave Sovereign, who will now serve as chairman of the board. Sovereign is chairman of Golden Grain Energy’s Board in Mason City, Iowa and also serves on the board of Absolute Energy in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

“We are enormously grateful for the leadership and dedication Dave Sovereign has demonstrated during his five years as ACE board president,” said ACE CEO Brian Jennings. “Fortunately, Dave will continue serving on the board, where his experience and insight will remain a valuable asset to ACE and the industry. Further, Troy Knecht will be an outstanding president. We are excited he is stepping into the role and look forward to a strong year ahead for ACE and the ethanol industry.”

Chris Studer was elected to serve as Vice President of the ACE Board. He is Chief Member and Public Relations Officer for East River Electric Power Cooperative, which is a founding member of ACE dating back to 1987.

Re-elected to serve as officers on the 2026 Executive Committee are:
Ron Alverson, Secretary
John Christianson, Treasurer
Bill Dartt – Cardinal Ethanol in Union City, Indiana

ACE, Ethanol, Ethanol News

2025 Ethanol Exports Again Set Record in 11 Months

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Just like 2024, ethanol exports in 2025 topped the previous year and set a new record before the year came to an end, providing a needed lift for the industry according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

According to data released today by the Census Bureau, 2025 U.S. ethanol exports through November totaled 1.96 billion gallons, already surpassing annual shipments of 1.94 billion gallons in 2024, which had smashed the previous record. With one month of data to go, calendar year 2025 exports were on pace to exceed 2 billion gallons for the first time, which would represent 13 percent of U.S. ethanol production, also a record.

“We’re going to set a new record. It’s going to be big, well over 2 billion gallons, and that’s exactly what the industry needed,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper in a recent Ethanol Report podcast. “It’s been a badly needed source of demand growth. We’re continuing to see growth in shipments to Canada and the United Kingdom and the European Union, but also places like Colombia, Peru, the Philippines.”

While Brazil and China maintain punitive trade barriers against U.S. ethanol, Cooper said the Trump administration’s efforts last year have helped to open markets and ensure a level playing field for American ethanol. While in Iowa this week, President Trump mentioned some of the trade deals that benefit ethanol producers. “So Japan will now allow the United States to supply up to 100% of automobile ethanol, automotive ethanol, and import Large amounts of aviation biofuels from the United States,” said Trump. “The United Kingdom will import nearly $1 billion of ethanol. That’s part of their deal.”

Canada remained by far the top destination for ethanol, accounting for over one-third of total exports. Through November, 726 million gallons of ethanol had been shipped to this vitally important market, which also was already a new annual record. Notably, exports to the European Union were on pace to roughly double from 2024, making it our second-largest market. Other top destinations included India, the United Kingdom, and Colombia.

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

President Trump Backs Congress in Approach to E15

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President Donald Trump told a crowd in Iowa Tuesday that he supports the Congressional leadership approach to get nationwide, year-round E15 passed into law.

“I promised to support E15 all year round… I am trusting speaker Mike Johnson and Leader John Thune to find a deal that works for farmers, consumers, and refiners, including small and mid-sized refiners, to get E15 approved and they’re working on it and they’re very close to getting it done,” said Trump, during remarks in Clive, Iowa. He noted that he wanted to “be there in person” to tell that to the people of Iowa.

“And China will be sending me a bill shortly supporting year-round E15…and I will sign it, without delay,” said President Trump, presumably meaning Congress, not China, adding, “I hope you remember us for the mid-terms.”

Earlier in his address, Trump teased the crowd, “Do you like ethanol? Is it big?…Do you want me to do something with ethanol?” He was interrupted by hecklers and the crowd chanting “USA, USA” at least twice, prompting him to call them “paid agitators.” The live feed for the video also apparently bleeped out for several seconds, just as Trump said, “We love our farmers.”

Trump also touted some of the trade deals he has made that benefit ethanol producers. “So Japan will now allow the United States to supply up to 100% of automobile ethanol, automotive ethanol, and import Large amounts of aviation biofuels from the United States,” said President Trump. “The United Kingdom will import nearly $1 billion of ethanol. That’s part of their deal.”

Listen to the first half of the president’s remarks here (E15 comments at 23:00)
President Trump in Iowa 26:03

Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Iowa Ethanol Supporters Share Message to Trump

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Iowa corn and ethanol producers are sending a message to President Trump as he visits their state today and asking for his help to finally push E15 access through Congress.

Iowa Corn and Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) published an open letter to President Trump in the Tuesday edition of the Des Moines Register thanking him for his constant support of nationwide, year-round E15 and asking for his continued leadership on this issue as a task force created by Congress considers the future for the renewable fuel.

The letter states: “Congress has appointed a task force, co-chaired by Iowa’s Rep. Randy Feenstra, to consider the critical need for nationwide, year-round E15 with a vote scheduled for the end of February. Without permanent access to this market, the long-term viability of our state’s largest economic driver is at serious risk. Today, we are asking for your help to finally push E15 access through Congress.”

“Removing the outdated regulatory hurdle for E15 is exactly the type of government efficiency you’ve worked for. We urgently seek your ongoing assistance as Congress debates E15 over the next month. Permanent nationwide access to E15 is a common-sense, no-cost solution to strengthen American energy dominance and provide a vital lifeline to Iowa’s growers. We look forward to your continued leadership on this issue and remain ready to work alongside you to move this critical policy across the finish line. Now is the time.”

President Trump is expected to make remarks at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa focused on energy and the economy. Some sources say he may also hold a meeting with ag producers while in the state.

E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

New Mexico Officially Adopts Clean Fuel Program

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The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board last week unanimously adopted regulations officially establishing the Clean Transportation Fuel Program, setting April 1 as the opening date for the Southwest’s first clean fuel market.

Signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2024, the Clean Transportation Fuel Program is a market-based initiative that incentivizes and expands access to lower-carbon transportation fuels, including ethanol, biofuels, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, electricity, and supporting infrastructure.

New Mexico is the first state in the Southwest to adopt a Clean Transportation Fuel Program and only the fourth state in the United States to do so. “Our state is officially open for clean fuel business investments – from cleaner renewable diesel and hydrogen for long-haul trucking to more charging infrastructure to accommodate our increasing battery-electric passenger vehicles,” said Environment Secretary James Kenney.

Clean Fuels Alliance America served on the advisory committee that developed the program’s regulations, working in collaboration with the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition to pass the enabling legislation.

“From a market perspective, New Mexico represents an almost 800-million-gallon opportunity for the biomass-based diesel industry,” said Cory-Ann Wind, Director of State Regulatory Affairs for Clean Fuels. “Since it sits along a key corridor for both feedstocks and finished fuels produced in the Gulf Coast and Midwest, New Mexico’s entry into the market not only expands the demand for clean fuels but further strengthens the supply chain”.

New Mexico’s leadership is particularly significant given its role as the second-largest oil-producing state in the U.S. and the fourth-largest natural gas producer.

“As the first non–West Coast state to implement a clean fuel standard, New Mexico proves that states with strong energy economies can also lead on clean fuel deployment and market certainty,” said Jeff Earl, Director of State Governmental Affairs for Clean Fuels. “This program adds real momentum to clean fuel standard adoption nationwide.”

Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, Ethanol, Ethanol News, renewable diesel

Iowa Biodiesel Production Plummets

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Production of biodiesel in Iowa dropped by more than 30 percent last year with only eight facilities reporting production in 2025, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA).

Iowa’s biodiesel plants produced 244 million gallons in 2025, down 31% from 353 million gallons in 2024 as the industry faced great uncertainty in 2025 due to both low Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending levels and a lapse in federal tax policy, said Iowa RFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Lack of tax policy coupled with low RFS numbers sent producers into a tailspin. We have plants trying to hang on by their fingertips waiting for clarity from DC. Hopefully we can get final guidance on the 45Z tax credits soon and certainty on a robust RFS level for 2026 soon after,” said Shaw.

2025 represented the last of a disappointingly low 3-year RFS blend rule put in place during the Biden Administration. While the Trump Administration has proposed a much more robust RFS rule for 2026-2027, it has not yet been finalized, leaving the industry in limbo. Further, the long-standing biodiesel blenders tax credit was allowed to expire at the end of 2024, to be replaced with a new clean fuel production tax credit, referred to as 45Z. However, the Biden IRS did not finalize the 45Z rules before 2025, again leaving the industry in limbo. While 45Z was modified by Congress in 2025, the Trump IRS has also not yet finalized rules for the tax credit.

“With President Trump being in Iowa tomorrow, we are hopeful that he can go back to D.C. and nudge those agencies to move faster to finalize both the new RFS blend levels and 45Z tax credit guidance,” Shaw added. “If so, 2026 could be a rebound year for biodiesel production. There are biodiesel plants sitting idle in Iowa. We hope they can operate again in a matter of weeks.”

Biodiesel, biofuels, Iowa RFA

Ethanol Report on E15 and NEC

Cindy Zimmerman

To say that ethanol supporters are disappointed by the inability of Congress to include nationwide, year-round E15 in the must-pass funding bill this past week is an understatement. Corn farmers and ethanol producers are expressing outrage, disillusionment, and even betrayal after weeks of working on compromise wording for a problem the industry has been trying to get fixed for more than a decade.

The new “Rural Domestic Energy Council” that Congress has created instead of taking action has a deadline of February 25 to come up with a plan – which is right in the middle of the Renewable Fuels Association’s National Ethanol Conference in Orlando next month. In this edition of The Ethanol Report, RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses how the E15 compromise in Congress fell apart and how the industry will move forward at the NEC.

Ethanol Report 1-23-26 21:01

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Congress Devastates Supporters as it Punts on E15

Cindy Zimmerman

Corn growers at the nation’s Capitol this week (NCGA photo)

Supporters of nationwide, year-round E15 were once again kicked to the curb by Congress, after weeks of negotiations between farm, ethanol, oil and refinery interests to craft wording that would have included it in the funding bill. Instead lawmakers have opted to create a new “Rural Domestic Energy Council” to develop potential legislative proposals on E15.

It’s just too much for National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower of Ohio. “Corn growers are disgusted, disappointed and disillusioned that after spending years of calling for passage of E15, Congress has again punted, and it has done so in a spectacularly weak and offensive way,” said Bower.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the decision to create this council was made by House leadership. “The idea is they’re going to keep working on these issues for the next month with the goal of having legislation ready to consider by February 25,” said Cooper, noting that year-round E15 approval costs nothing and would help farmers who are facing the worst economic crisis in almost 50 years.

“And they need real solutions right now. They don’t need more foot dragging, don’t need more debate. We don’t need a council. We don’t need more study on this issue. We just need to get this bill done,” said Cooper. “So we’re just extremely frustrated with the way this played out this week and I hope I’m wrong, but I just don’t have high hopes for the process that this council is going to undertake.”

Listen to Cooper’s comments here:
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper 4:14

Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA