North American biofuels are wrestling with uncertainty due to tariff talks

An energy expert tells Reuters he expects the North American biofuels industry to contract if the uncertainty of tariffs continues to drag on.

Paul Niznik is the Director of Energy at Capstone LLC, he says that while he expects the industry to contract, it will not disappear entirely. He says that tariff unknowns have left little room for prices to catch up, but tariffs are not the industry’s only concerns.

A lack of 45Z tax credit guidance continues to impact the industry.

Brazil’s ethanol industry also faces some tough choices as tariffs loom.

To avoid reciprocal duties from teh U.S., Brazil would have to lower its 18% duty on American ethanol, and while ithis would allow Brazil to keep the U.S. as a key export market, opening itself up to U.S. ethanol would hurt its local industry.

Brazil shipped nearly 300 million liters of ethanol to the U.S. last year.

Related Stories
Strike risk adds volatility to already tight markets.
Fertilizer investigation may impact input costs and margins.
The American Coalition for Ethanol reacts as the Farm Bill heads to a full House vote — while ethanol expansion, including year-round E15, is left out — as well as the USDA’s pursuit of global markets for ethanol.
Big oils-and-fats volumes can support crush demand, but fuel markets can quickly tighten supplies.
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.