The U.S. ethanol industry is raising concerns over an uneven trade relationship with Brazil.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office launched an investigation into Brazil last week, and the ethanol industry will be part of that inquiry. While the U.S. imports sugarcane ethanol from Brazil, the Brazilian market places tariffs on American corn ethanol exports. Industry leaders say this lack of reciprocity is a fairness issue that needs addressing.
“We’ve had concerns about that mainly because Brazil has a tariff on U.S. ethanol, U.S. corn ethanol, going to Brazil, and we don’t have the same tariff in the U.S. And so, certainly, the Trump administration has been very engaged on this fairness issue,” said Chris Bliley, senior vice president of regulatory affairs at Growth Energy.
However, Bliley adds that it is not the only concern with Brazil’s sugarcane ethanol.
“I think one of the other concerns we have is that Brazilian sugarcane ethanol can get an advanced biofuel RIN where corn starch ethanol is not, and so that’s an issue that we’ve been working on as well. But we’re pleased to see that our Trade Representative and others in the administration are starting to address this fairness issue. And hopefully, we can return to parity between the two markets.”
Meanwhile, U.S. ethanol inventories have dropped to their lowest level in seven months. Stocks fell below 23.7 million barrels last week, despite a slight uptick in production. This tightening supply could affect fuel markets as demand holds steady.
Dalton Henry, with U.S. Wheat Associates, joined RFD-TV to provide insight on what the pending trade frameworks may mean for American wheat growers.
November 19, 2025 04:11 PM
·
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
November 17, 2025 01:24 PM
·
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
November 14, 2025 11:58 AM
·
China’s cost advantage with Brazilian soybeans and vague public messaging leave U.S. export prospects uncertain heading into winter.
November 14, 2025 11:03 AM
·
AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.
November 13, 2025 02:34 PM
·
Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, discusses what is driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.
November 11, 2025 01:30 PM
·
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
November 07, 2025 11:16 AM
·
Distillers dried grains (DDG) values follow corn and soybean meal trends, with ethanol grind and feed demand shaping costs into early 2026.
November 07, 2025 10:45 AM
·
Pork producers should prioritize health and productivity gains, hedge feed and hogs selectively, and watch Brazil’s export pace and China’s sow policy for price signals.
November 06, 2025 03:03 PM
·
