WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — U.S. ethanol production eased slightly last week, even as inventories and exports climbed, according to EIA data compiled by the Renewable Fuels Association. Output fell 1.9 percent to 1.09 million barrels per day — equal to 45.8 million gallons daily — but remained 0.8 percent above last year and 3.1 percent above the three-year average. The four-week average rate rose to an annualized pace of 16.7 billion gallons.
Ethanol stocks expanded two percent to 22.4 million barrels, running 2.7 percent above a year ago and 3.2 percent higher than the three-year average. Most of the build occurred along the Gulf and West Coasts. Gasoline supplied to the market — a proxy for demand — rebounded 5.6 percent to 8.92 million barrels per day, slightly trailing last year but still topping its three-year trend.
Net ethanol blending inputs held steady at 911,000 barrels per day, while exports jumped nearly 35 percent to 175,000 barrels per day, the highest since January. Analysts note the continued absence of imports for more than a year highlights the U.S.’s strong domestic balance and competitive export position.
The nation’s largest biofuel trade association, Growth Energy, is voicing support for the U.S. investigation into China’s implementation of the Phase One trade agreement, a move announced just days before renewed trade talks between President Trump and China’s President Xi.
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the ongoing concerns surrounding U.S. ethanol exports and market access promised under the Phase One deal.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Bliley shared what the industry hopes to see come from the investigation and how it could influence future trade policy. He also addressed the potential for renewed tension between the U.S. and China as the investigation proceeds, while highlighting new trade agreements announced by the U.S. with four Southeast Asian countries that could open new opportunities for American ethanol producers.
