UAE Biorefinery Plans Major New U.S. Corn Purchases

The planned UAE facility could create a new annual export outlet for American corn growers.

Corn-Combine-Auger-AdobeStock-422368315_1920x1080.jpg

Dusan Kostic, Adobe Stock

SEATTLE, Wash. (RFD-TV) — A planned biorefinery in the United Arab Emirates intends to buy at least 39 million bushels of U.S. corn annually, potentially creating a new export outlet for American growers.

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council signed a memorandum of understanding with BioPower Energy during Export Exchange 2026. BioPower says it plans to source 50% to 100% of its feedstock needs from U.S. suppliers.

The agreement includes an initial minimum purchase floor of 1 million metric tons of corn each year. That volume equals roughly 39 million bushels and would support renewable-fuel production at the planned UAE facility.

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service officials observed the signing. The council says the arrangement is intended to support steady U.S. corn purchases while supplying renewable fuels and related products to markets in the region.

The memorandum signals planned demand rather than completed sales, and the release does not specify when the biorefinery will begin operating or when purchases will start.

Farm-Level Takeaway: A successful UAE biorefinery project could create a new annual export market for roughly 39 million bushels of U.S. corn.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist

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:

Slower exports and stronger foreign competition are weighing on the U.S. pork sector.
Farmers could receive one-time payments based on planted acres, production costs and USDA forecasts.
More soybeans are being processed domestically as renewable fuels drive demand for soybean oil.
USDA’s new regional cattle report could give producers a clearer view of cash prices as negotiated trade continues to shrink.
Countries that buy American cotton could receive favorable tariff treatment on qualifying apparel.
Wheat remains closest to triggering a PLC payment as producers approach the December election deadline.
New and expanded rail lines could give Brazilian soybean and corn exports a stronger cost advantage.
Barge traffic improved, but grain movement continues to face higher transportation costs during harvest.
Temporary policy changes could help ease fuel costs while refineries get back on track. RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James dug into U.S. policy and found four wildcard ideas that might work.
Open cotton remains vulnerable to rain and severe weather as High Plains growers weigh harvest costs and abandonment.
Lower tariffs could improve U.S. competitiveness, but the framework does not guarantee Chinese purchases.
Expanding crush capacity and export markets are helping absorb larger supplies.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady, Commodity Talk on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 143 delivers expert insight into today’s agricultural commodity markets just before the CME opens.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.