Global Ethanol Summit Brings International Buyers To Washington

Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Nearly 450 global ethanol buyers, producers, and policymakers are in the nation’s capital this week for the 2025 Global Ethanol Summit — a major industry gathering focused on expanding ethanol’s global reach and sustainability profile. Hosted by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council with support from Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, and BASF, the three-day event features representatives from more than 40 countries and key U.S. trade partners.

The summit centers on three themes — ethanol is renewable and available, compatible, and affordable — while exploring new on-road and off-road applications, carbon intensity measures, trade barriers, and ethanol’s role in rural development and emission reductions. Pre-conference technical workshops featured presentations from U.S. and international experts, including POET, Growth Energy, the Global Ethanol Association, and the American Coalition for Ethanol. Council Director Alicia Koch said the event connects decision makers directly to U.S. agriculture and the broader ethanol value chain.

Before the summit, twelve trade teams from Asia, including delegations from the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea, toured U.S. corn regions and ethanol facilities in Iowa, North Dakota, and Nebraska. Nine more teams will travel after the conference to view logistics and production in other major grain states as the U.S. continues promoting ethanol’s export potential.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Related Stories
Reported results include stronger in-season nitrogen response, average yield gains of more than seven bushels per acre and more than $18 per acre in net return.
Acreage shifts could impact pricing and marketing plans.
Herd growth and exports supporting dairy outlook.
Strong exports continue to support corn despite larger supplies.
Crush demand is supporting soybeans despite biofuel uncertainty.
Export growth remains key for grain profitability.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Low farmer shares reflect deep consolidation across the food chain, keeping producer returns thin even as retail food prices remain high.
Strong yields and higher cattle prices helped stabilize conditions, but weak crop prices and rising carryover debt remain major challenges for Eleventh District farmers.
Corn exports remain strong, while soybeans and wheat shift week to week on river conditions and global demand.
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.