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
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
Strong blending demand continues to support ethanol use even as production and exports fluctuate.
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.

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:

Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities shares an update on post-WASDE grain movement, with corn leading export momentum, soybeans steady, and wheat and sorghum continuing to move selectively.
New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
China still has a long way to go before it meets its commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this year.
The new WOTUS proposal narrows federal jurisdiction, restores key agricultural exclusions, and gives farmers clearer permitting rules after years of regulatory uncertainty.
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
UMN Extension’s Emily Krekelberg outlines today’s top farm stressors, key signs of mental health distress in rural communities, and the resources available for support.