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.
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
October 24, 2025 11:05 AM
·
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
October 23, 2025 12:10 PM
·
Bioethanol continues to gain ground as the bridge fuel connecting agriculture, aviation, and maritime industries in the global shift toward lower-carbon energy.
October 23, 2025 10:14 AM
·
Expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.
October 23, 2025 10:10 AM
·
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
October 22, 2025 11:53 AM
·
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
October 21, 2025 11:06 AM
·
Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
October 20, 2025 01:32 PM
·
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
October 20, 2025 12:46 PM
·
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.
October 20, 2025 11:17 AM
·
