U.S. ethanol exports rose to a peak value of $7.5 billion last year, making a positive contribution to the U.S. trade balance, while also boosting farm incomes.
Renewable Fuels Association Chief Economist, Scott Richman spoke with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander on current trade conditions, what this means for producers, and what to expect moving forward in 2025.
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Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
Strong rail demand and higher fuel costs raise transportation risk even as barge and export flows stabilize.
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.