by Aline Robert (EurActiv) A group representing European biodiesel producers filed a complaint about illegal state aid with the European Commission on 3 November. It’s the latest episode in a commercial war between European biodiesel and its South American competitor. In September,
Trade Policy
Back TO HOMEIn Final Decision, Commerce Department Confirms Unfair Subsidies by Argentina, Indonesia of Biodiesel Imports
(National Biodiesel Board) Next Steps Include Today's Hearing in the ITC, ITC Vote on Subsidies December 5 -- Today the Commerce Department issued a final determination in a case brought by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition regarding subsidized biodiesel
November 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel and the Ever-Changing Political Landscape
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Industry stakeholders and legal experts discuss the recent RFS court ruling, the ongoing U.S. trade cases against Argentina and Indonesia, and the biodiesel tax credit in context of U.S. EPA’s Notice of Data Availability. -- ... According
October 30, 2017 Read Full Article
U.S. Sets Antidumping Duties on Argentine, Indonesian Biodiesel
by Eric Walsh (Reuters) The U.S. Commerce Department set preliminary antidumping duties on imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia, after an initial finding that the products used as motor fuel were being sold at prices below market value in the
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
NBB Holds Firm In Its Request for 2.5 Billion Gallons of Biomass-Based Diesel, 4.75 Billion Gallons of Advanced Biofuels
(National Biodiesel Board) EPA Letter Does Not Include a Commitment to Raise Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes -- Yesterday the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Notice of Data Availability (NODA), focusing on the advanced biofuel standard for
October 20, 2017 Read Full Article
The Brazilians Are Coming!! The Brazilians Are Coming!!
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Biofuels Digest) ... The recent effort by Brazil to impose import duties on U.S. ethanol has received considerable press coverage and should send a clear message that we need to develop long term reliable markets here at home
October 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Awaiting Final US Ruling over Indonesia's Alleged Biodiesel Dumping
(Indonesia Investments) Stakeholders in Indonesia's biodiesel industry are waiting for the final ruling of the US Commerce Department regarding the dumping of biodiesel products on the American market. The USA accuses Indonesia and Argentina of subsidizing biodiesel exports, hence leading to
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Argentina’s Biodiesel Plagued by Commercial and Environmental Challenges
by Daniel Gutman (Inter Press Service) The Argentine biodiesel industry, which in the last 10 years has become one of the most powerful in the world, has an uncertain future, faced with protectionist measures in the United States and Europe and
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Industry in Full Court Press on DC Priorities
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... Our big three in D.C. remain the Renewable Fuel Standard, the trade case and the biodiesel tax incentive. All three issues require a comprehensive, multifaceted approach made up of advocacy efforts in Congress, various
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2018 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2019; Availability of Supplemental Information and Request for Further Comment (Deadline October 19, 2017)
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) This document provides additional data and an opportunity to comment on that data and potential options for reductions in the 2018 biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel volumes, and/or the 2019 biomass-based diesel volume
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Refiners Make America-First Pitch to Cut Biofuels
(Argus Media) US independent refiners seized on protectionist themes and two key biofuel industry victories this year to argue regulators must reduce federally mandated blending of renewable fuels. Refiners framed a US-first pitch to slash more than 1bn USG — almost 7pc
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
BFC Keynote Addresses Policy, Technology, Economy
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Geoff Cooper, senior vice president of the Renewable Fuels Association, told attendees at the Biofuels Financial Conference Sept. 27 in Minneapolis that it’s tough to predict the future. “Predicting the future is hard work, and
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Argentina Seeks Minimum Biodiesel Price Rather than U.S. Tariffs
by Maximiliano Rizzi (Reuters/NASDAQ) Argentina's government is negotiating a minimum price for its biodiesel exports to the United States that it hopes could replace punitive tariffs implemented last month, a foreign ministry official told Reuters on Thursday. An agreement was being sought
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
‘No Rationale for Further Reducing’ 2018 RFS RVO, RFA Says in Response to EPA Notice
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a Notice of Data Availability (NODA), seeking comment on potential options for reductions in the biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel volumes beyond those already proposed in EPA’s recent
September 26, 2017 Read Full Article
U.S. Corn Ethanol Producers Aim to Out-Pump Competitors
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) U.S. ethanol makers, taking advantage of low corn prices, are ramping up production and expanding capacity to try to squeeze less-efficient competitors out of an overcrowded market. The ethanol industry, which for years bolstered corn prices and U.S.
September 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Censky, McKinney Nomination Hearing Addresses Biofuels, RFS
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Sept. 19, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing on the nomination of Stephen Censky at deputy secretary of agriculture and Ted McKinney as under secretary of agriculture for
September 21, 2017 Read Full Article
EBB Will Challenge EU Reduction on Argentinian Biodiesel Duties
(Biofuels International) The European Union is lowering import duties on Argentinian biodiesel after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled against initial measures taken against cheap imports from the South American country, Reuters reports. The European Biodiesel Board, an EU producer group, is now
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
US Biodiesel Supply Looks Thin Moving into Q4 and beyond: Sources
(Platts/UkrAgroConsult) The US could have trouble meeting its biodiesel blending mandate as imports from Argentina and Indonesia have been cut off by duties, sources have said. "Without Argentina this year or early next year there's going to be a shortage in
September 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Trade Agreement Changes Are Destroying Ag Market Opportunities
by Bruce Rohwer (Paullina/Des Moines Register) To accommodate the bounty Iowa's farmland produces, we farmers need every market and marketing opportunity that exists. Domestically, our No. 1 demand is our livestock, followed by our biofuel production. Domestic markets are not
September 18, 2017 Read Full Article
What the EU Risks by Opening up Its Market to Brazilian Sugar Cane Ethanol
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Euractiv) Free and fair trade that helps boost economic growth and create jobs is a concept most people support, at least in theory. But trade policy is about more than just open markets; it should also support
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
New U.S. Duties on Biodiesel Will Create Void
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) If the U.S. plans to fill the gap created by slamming the door on Argentina and Indonesia, it may need Canadian canola -- A biodiesel dispute involving the United States and other countries could
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
EU-28 Biodiesel Imports Likely to Increase Significantly
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) EU-28 biodiesel imports from the world's three biggest exporters, Argentina, Indonesia and Malaysia, have dropped substantially since 2013. Whereas in 2012, Argentina still exported 1.48 million metric tons (444.3 million gallons) of soybean oil-based biodiesel and Indonesia shipped 1.09 million tons (327.2
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
China, Brazil Spark Global Trade War over Biofuels -- Ethanol Leaders Expect Trump to Return Fire
by Ben Wolfgang (The Washington Times) Throughout his campaign, President Trump voiced unwavering support for U.S. ethanol. Now that he’s in the White House, industry leaders say it’s time for Mr. Trump to back up his words with action by returning
September 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazil Slaps US with Ethanol Quota, 20 Percent Tariff
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, the Brazilian Chamber of Foreign Trade has approved a recommendation to impose a 20 percent tariff on U.S. ethanol imports after a 600 million liter tariff rate quota, according to postings from the
August 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Argentine Biodiesel Industry Says U.S. Duties Will Halt Exports
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) Argentine biodiesel exports will be priced out of the U.S. market, its leading industry body said, after Washington decided on Tuesday to impose steep duties on imports that it said were unfairly subsidized. The countervailing duties on
August 23, 2017 Read Full Article
NBB Fair Trade Coalition Succeeds in Latest Stage of Biodiesel Import Cases
(National Biodiesel Board) Department Finds That Argentina and Indonesia Unfairly Subsidize Biodiesel They Export to US -- The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition won a preliminary countervailing duty determination from the Commerce Department regarding subsidized biodiesel imports from
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Brexit Fears of Biodiesel Firm
(Motherwell Times) Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows visited the Newarthill factory of Argent Energy to discuss the effects of Brexit on the business. The plant produces biodiesel and aims to continue contributing to the global battle against climate change
August 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Cheaper or Greener: Colombia Eyes US Ethanol with Trepidation
by Sophie Byron (Platts) ... As the 13th largest producer of sugar in the world, Colombia is sitting on a substantial natural resource. The production and processing of sugarcane as a feedstock is focused on a region called the Cauca River Valley,
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel From Argentina and Indonesia: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations of Antidumping Duty Investigations
(Federal Register/International Trade Administration) On April 12, 2017, the Department of Commerce (Department) initiated antidumping duty (AD) investigations on biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia.[1] Currently, the preliminary determinations of these investigations are due no later than August 30, 2017. Postponement of
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
India Set to Unveil New Biofuel Policy in Bid to Cut Oil, Gas, Coal Imports: Minister
by Sanjeev Choudhary (Economic Times) The government will soon bring out a new policy on biofuel to incentivize the use of the cleaner fuel, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said. ... Increased use of biofuel, along with higher domestic oil and gas
August 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Application of America-First Approach to RVOs Well-Intended, But Misses the Mark
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board) The first action by the Trump administration on the Renewable Fuel Standard was much anticipated. The National Biodiesel Board and the entire biofuels industry eagerly awaited the 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVO) proposal released
August 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump Might Start an Ethanol Trade War With Brazil
by Mario Parker and Fabiana Batista (Bloomberg) Brazil weighing tariffs on imports made from U.S. grain; Hedge funds cut corn holdings, get less bearish on sugar -- President Donald Trump’s America First rhetoric is doing no favors for U.S. ethanol producers,
August 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Malaysia and Indonesia Ready to Fight EU at WTO over Palm Oil Ban
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Malaysia, during a meeting between the trade ministers for Malaysia and Indonesia, the countries expressed deep disappointment in the allegedly unfair treatment by the EU on palm oil in favor of other vegetable oils and commodities
July 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Let’s Not Return to the Failed Protectionism over Ethanol
by Bob Dinneen and Joel Velasco (Renewable Fuels Association/Estadao (translation of Op-Ed)) ... With all of this progress then, we two old warriors have to ask, why is Brazil contemplating a return to the anti-free trade, anti-consumer, anti-cooperation policies of the
July 24, 2017 Read Full Article
EU to Cut Biodiesel Tariffs for Argentina, Indonesia, Following WTO Ruling
by Poppy Carnell (M Lex Market Insight) EU dumping tariffs on biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia will be cut by more than half, after European investigators recalculated the duty rate in line with a ruling by the World Trade Organization. The move
July 20, 2017 Read Full Article
NBB Considers Legal Options Regarding Surging Argentinian Biodiesel Imports Since Filing of Trade Petition
(National Biodiesel Board) New data show that dumped and subsidized biodiesel imports from Argentina continue unabated and, in fact, have further surged into the United States. In March of 2017, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition filed petitions
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Targets Biofuel Imports and Biodiesel, HUH?
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA wants to cut imports of biofuels, but the biodiesel and advanced biofuels industries are mystified as to why it's getting into that arena, Pro's Eric Wolff reports . EPA cut back advanced biofuels,
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazil Delays Decision on Ethanol Import Tariff
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) U.S. groups say tariffs could have "wide-ranging and long-standing impacts" on industries and global fuel supply. -- The Executive Management Committee of CAMEX, Brazil’s Chamber of Foreign Trade, announced Wednesday that it would delay a decision
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Unfair Polish Low-Priced Biodiesel Exports Continuous Damage to the EU Internal Market of Renewable Fuels Needs to Be Stopped
(European Biodiesel Board) Since more than one year unfair low price biodiesel exports from Poland are causing serious damages to the EU internal market of renewable fuels and to fuels operators in many countries. Notwithstanding industry’s alerts to national and
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
UNICA Slams EU Industry for False Subsidy Claims
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, UNICA is hitting back at ePure and the European sugar industry for wild, invalidated claims of $1.8 billion in subsidies to its sugarcane sector and cross-subsidization of its ethanol industry. In a letter sent
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
150+: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Renewable Energy Group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI) is the US’ biggest producer of biomass-based diesel, and leading provider of cleaner, lower carbon intensity products and services. REG utilizes an integrated procurement, distribution, and logistics network to
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
NBB Considers Legal Options Regarding Surging Argentinian Biodiesel Imports Since Filing of Trade Petition
(National Biodiesel Board) New data show that dumped and subsidized biodiesel imports from Argentina continue unabated and, in fact, have further surged into the United States. In March of 2017, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition filed petitions
June 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Letter: Ethanol Production Helps Local Farmers
by David Howell (The Herald Bulletin) While increased production is usually a good thing, the bumper crop is leading to a global glut of corn and a third straight year of tumbling commodity prices. To complicate matters, farmers are facing uncertainty
June 28, 2017 Read Full Article
RFA Leader Talks Trade During UNICA Ethanol Summit
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen addressed participants of the 2017 Ethanol Summit this week in São Paulo, Brazil. ... Dinneen expressed his concerns about Brazil’s recent trade decision regarding ethanol. “I was surprised when
June 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Indonesian Biodiesel Producers Turn to China
(Jakarta Post) Indonesian biodiesel producers are eyeing China as a new promising market amid negative sentiment in the European Union and the United states. Indonesian Biofuel Producers Association (Aprobi) chairman MP Tumanggor stressed Thursday that their members could no longer rely
June 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Activities in South Korea, Vietnam Highlight Importance of Policy’s Role In Trade
(U.S. Grains Council) Developing markets for U.S. ethanol involves a complex combination of trade policy and marketing work. Two U.S. Grains Council (USGC) activities this past week aimed to not only provide insights on ethanol policy development with a role
May 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Free Trade Needed to Maximize Biofuels’ Benefit
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The recent rise of economic populist and protectionist language used in several countries is a troubling sign as it could harm investors’ confidence at a time when the biofuels industry’s future
May 25, 2017 Read Full Article
USDA Bioenergy Programs Gutted in 2018 Trump Budget: The Digest’s 7-Minute Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Rural Business Service to shut down; BCAP, REAP, loan guarantees gone; food stamps, crop insurance slashed. Want to understand what USDA is targeting, cutting, growing or eliminating — but don’t have the time to wade through
May 25, 2017 Read Full Article
USGC, NCGA Weigh in on Plan to Renegotiate NAFTA
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Trump Administration has announced plans to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. In response, U.S. Grains Council and National Corn Growers Association are speaking out to remind the administration how important NAFTA
May 23, 2017 Read Full Article
China Ethanol Exports Jump as Beijing Boosts Local Output
by Dominique Patton and Josephine Mason (Reuters) China's ethanol exports soared in April from the same month the year before and imports slowed to a trickle, the latest sign that Beijing's drive to ramp up local output is upending trade flows
May 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Dinneen: Chinese Ethanol Trade Barriers Compounds Deficit
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Trade barriers in the form of antidumping and countervailing duties imposed by the Chinese on dried distillers grain imports from the United States, are compounding an already large trade deficit, Renewable Fuels Association
May 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazil Acts to Protect Ethanol Producers as U.S. Imports Jump
by Luciano Costa (Reuters) Brazil is toughening requirements for ethanol importers to protect domestic producers from an incoming surge of U.S. corn ethanol, a minister said on Monday, adding that he opposed the idea of new tariffs that could trigger costly
May 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Perdue Unveils Plan to Reorganize USDA
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On May 11, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue released a plan to reorganize the USDA that creates an undersecretary for trade and agricultural affairs and eliminates the undersecretary for rural development. USDA Rural Development agencies
May 12, 2017 Read Full Article
US Advances Biodiesel Dumping Case against Imports from Argentina, Indonesia
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) The US International Trade Commission voted Friday to allow US biodiesel producers' petition against Argentina and Indonesia to go forward. The National Biodiesel Board filed the petition in March, seeking antidumping and countervailing duty measures against Argentina and
May 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report on Trade Issues and Trump Administration
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) ... In this episode, we get a Washington update from Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen, focusing on recent trade developments and the Trump Administration. Dinneen comments on President Trump’s first 100 days, the
May 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Perdue Pushes RFS, Beef Exports in Iowa Speech
by Spencer Chase and Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) ... Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue highlighted the benefits of renewable energy and the need for export markets in a Friday speech to Iowa producers. The speech was billed as Perdue’s first major farm policy speech
May 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Are Part of an ‘America First’ Energy Plan
by Brian Jennings (The Hill/American Coalition for Ethanol) ... By every measure, increasing the production and use of homegrown renewable fuels has spurred economic growth for U.S. farmers and supported high-skill, high-wage jobs in rural communities. When the use of renewable
May 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazil Minister Backs Tariff to Curb U.S. Ethanol Imports
by Anthony Boadle and Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi has asked Brazil's foreign trade council to impose tariffs on ethanol imports following a surge in shipments from the United States, an official said on Thursday, a move that could
April 28, 2017 Read Full Article
National Biodiesel Board Applauds New Biodiesel Tax Credit Bill
(National Biodiesel Board) Grassley-Cantwell bill would modify the biodiesel tax credit to a production credit -- Today the National Biodiesel Board applauded the introduction of a bipartisan biodiesel tax credit bill that would convert the blender’s credit for biodiesel to
April 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Argentina to Try to Revive Exports of Biodiesel and Lemons at the Bilateral Meeting between Macri and Trump
(telam.com) The meeting between the presidents will be an opportunity for the country to try to recover the market for agroindustrial exports that are paralyzed. Bilateral trade in 2016 reached US $ 10,472 million, with a favorable balance for the United
April 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Here Comes BioChina: Amyris, Others Bypass the 4 Myths of Business in the Middle Kingdom
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From California arrives the very interesting news that Amyris has entered into an agreement with Blue California whereby its affiliates will provide access to its fermentation manufacturing in China and provide the necessary capital to
April 19, 2017 Read Full Article
U.S. to Launch Probe into Argentina, Indonesia Biodiesel Imports
by Eric Walsh and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) The United States said on Thursday it would start an investigation into imports of biodiesel from Indonesia and Argentina for possible dumping and subsidization. The U.S. International Trade Commission is scheduled to make a preliminary
April 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Syngenta Touts Potential for Cellulosic Ethanol
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Developments in cellulosic ethanol technology are creating opportunities for American ethanol producers. Miloud Araba, head of Enogen® technical services at Syngenta, says cellulosic innovation could enable dry grind ethanol producers to meet the increasing Renewable Fuel Standard
April 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Sizing Them Up
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) A close look at export data for wood pellets, fuel ethanol and biodiesel reveals a varying reliance on export markets for U.S. producers. -- The combined export value of wood pellets, ethanol and biodiesel for
April 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Dumping Complaint Could Kill Argentine Biodiesel Exports, Groups Says
by Maximiliano Rizzi (Reuters) Argentina's biodiesel exports could be devastated if the U.S. government imposed anti-dumping duties on the coutrtry based on a complaint by the U.S. National Biodiesel Board, the heads of two local industry chambers said. The board last week
April 04, 2017 Read Full Article
U.S. National Biodiesel Board Petitions against 'Illegal' Biodiesel Imports
by Christine Prentice and Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) The National Biodiesel Board said on Thursday it has filed a petition to the U.S. government to investigate imports from Argentina and Indonesia, saying they have violated trade laws by flooding the U.S. market
March 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Groups Call Food-vs.-Fuel Fight Truce
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... Now, representatives of two ag groups previously at odds over the RFS say they have moved on. The reason, they say, is that the 5 billion bushels of corn demand created by U.S.
February 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Dinneen: 'Ethanol Lifts Ag'
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Though there is angst in rural America about the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard and agriculture trade in particular, the leader of the nation's largest ethanol interest group told an ethanol industry
February 22, 2017 Read Full Article
#Ethanol Report on Export Picture
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Ethanol exports are in the news this week. First we heard about record net ethanol exports for 2016 in a new report from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), followed quickly by an industry letter to President
February 09, 2017 Read Full Article
A Taxing Issue for Ethanol Producers?
by Brian Kuehl and Donna Funk (K·Coe Isom) Will a possible US tax reform and border adjustability affect ethanol producers in the US? -- ... There is a high likelihood that comprehensive tax reform legislation will become law during 2018 and that
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
India Complains against US at WTO over Subsidies
(LiveMint) India has complained against the US at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for what it calls illegal subsidies and domestic content requirements for the renewable energy sector in eight American states, even as the Donald Trump administration pursues a Buy
February 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump Puts US Food, Farm Companies on Edge over Mexico Trade
by Tom Polansek, Mark Weinraub and Frank Jack Daniel (Channel NewsAsia'World-Grain.com) U.S. food producers and shippers are trying to speed up exports to Mexico and line up alternative markets as concerns rise that this lucrative business could be at risk
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Uganda: Museveni Wants Law on Sugarcane By-Products
by Ismail Musa Ladu (The Monitor/All Africa) President Museveni has directed the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Ms Amelia Kyambadde to bring to Parliament, within six months, a law that will allow for the blending of fuel with Ethanol
January 25, 2017 Read Full Article
A Double Whammy for Corn and Ethanol Industries
(Michigan Farmer) China imposes additional tariffs on DDGS and ethanol. -- ... Inevitably, changes in trade could bludgeon an already wounded ag economy. A tug of war with punitive tariffs has already started with the world’s second-largest economic powerhouse — China. In
January 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Ag Leaders Praise Branstad as China Pick
by Gene Lucht Lee (Agri-Media/Midwest Producer) Midwestern agricultural leaders have been watching President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism of trade - with China, in particular - with some concern. But their hopes were lifted Dec. 7 when it was announced Iowa Gov.
December 22, 2016 Read Full Article
America's New Ambassador To China Is A Boon To The Renewables Sector
by Tristan R. Brown (Seeking Alpha) President-elect Donald Trump nominated Iowa governor Terry Branstad to be America's ambassador to China last week. China's government was quick to praise the pick, having developed a strong relationship with Mr. Branstad thanks to a
December 14, 2016 Read Full Article
China Pledges to Increase Openness with Foreign Investment Rules
by Michael Martina (WHBL) ... Although the guidelines are not finalised, and the extent of the reforms remain unclear, the revised lists include openings in manufacturing sectors such as rail transportation equipment, automotive electronics and new energy vehicle batteries, edible fats
December 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Argentina Biodiesel Producers Fear Losing Access to U.S. Market
by Maximilian Heath (Reuters) Argentina's biodiesel producers fear losing access to the United States, the destination of nearly all their exports, after Donald Trump's surprise victory in presidential elections earlier this month, representatives of the sector said. The Republican candidate, who is skeptical
December 01, 2016 Read Full Article
US Elections: Who Wins, Who Loses - What Trump's Victory Means for the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digests) In Washington, Donald Trump captured the US Presidency in an upset victory that confounded pollsters and political pundits even as it delighted supporters of his maverick candidacy based on themes of immigration and trade reform
November 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Board to Argue against Argentine Imports
by Mark Drajem & Ari Natter (Bloomberg) Early last year the EPA sent a letter to the Argentine biodiesel board that set out how its members could qualify their fuel as having been produced from “qualified land,” allowing them to sell
November 06, 2016 Read Full Article
How Do the Presidential Candidates Stack up on Farm and Rural Policy Issues?
by Sara Wyant (Farm Forum) As some of you know, Agri-Pulse made a significant commitment to track the presidential candidates, starting in 2015. We followed each one during the primaries, to the nominating conventions and on through the general election
October 13, 2016 Read Full Article
China Set to Export Corn, Threatening Global Market: Sources
by Dominique Patton (Reuters) China has given approval to at least two companies to export corn, trading sources said, in a radical move by the world's No. 2 producer to cut its ballooning surplus and unleash more supply into a
October 01, 2016 Read Full Article
EU-Canada CETA Agreement Could Devastate European Ethanol Industry, ePure Warns
(Biofuels International) The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) is a major threat to the EU ethanol industry, the European renewable ethanol association ePure warns. The agreement, which is to be discussed by the EU’s trade ministers during the informal European
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
CETA Threatens to Trigger US Ethanol Exports to EU through the Back Door - ePURE
(e-PURE) The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), which is to be discussed by the EU’s Trade Ministers during the informal Council meeting in Bratislava on 23 September, is a major threat to the EU ethanol industry. It could result
September 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Export Exchange 2016 Presents Great Opportunity
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) The Export Exchange 2016 is essential. It brings together international buyers and end users of coarse grains and other products, including DDGS, with U.S. suppliers and agribusiness representatives. -- The export market continues to
September 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Chinese Ethanol Almost Competitive Enough to Export
by Xiaojuan Gao (Platts) The export arbitrage for China ethanol has narrowed to the point where transactions could be occurring very soon, market participants said Friday, citing a combination of factors including increasing international ethanol market prices and government support policies
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Hillary Clinton Picks TPP and Fracking Advocate To Set Up Her White House
by Zaid Jilani and Naomi LaChance (The Intercept) Two big issues dogged Hillary Clinton during the Democratic primary: the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement (TPP) and fracking. She had a long history of supporting both. Under fire from Bernie Sanders, she came out against
August 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Cambodia-Thai Cassava Woes
by Sok Chan (Khmer Times) The value of Cambodia’s cassava exports to Thailand is being adversely affected by Thailand’s periodic closing of informal border checkpoints, forcing some farmers to grow alternative cash crops as prices wildly fluctuate, provincial officials told Khmer
August 16, 2016 Read Full Article
Rwanda: Mauritian Investors to Construct Sugar Factory in Eastern Provice
by Emmanuel Ntirenganya (AllAfrica.com) The Government has given investors from Mauritius the green light to set up a sugar processing factory in the country. The agreement will see the investors construct a factory with capacity to produce 100,000 tonnes of sugar
August 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Love of Fried Food Could Curb India's Crude Oil Imports
by Saket Sundria, Debjit Chakraborty (Bloomberg) India says cooking oil can make 2 million tons of biodiesel; Government is trying to curb crude imports as economy grows -- The nation of 1.3 billion people can make at least 2 million tons of
August 09, 2016 Read Full Article
August Is the Time to Reach Out and Meet Your Member of Congress
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) Members of Congress just returned to their home states and districts for the August recess to meet with constituents and campaign for the upcoming elections. You can be sure the oil producers will
August 08, 2016 Read Full Article
US, Brazil Demonstrate What’s Possible
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) UNICA wants to focus the discussion on the importance of advanced biofuels, like sugarcane ethanol. The RFS is one of the world’s most ambitious programs promoting biofuels and a key policy for the future of
August 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Trump VP Pick Draws Rave Reviews from Agriculture
by Spencer Chase (Agri Pulse) ... On the Renewable Fuel Standard, a policy that Trump supports, Pence voted in favor of the original 2005 legislation that created the program, but voted against the 2007 bill that created the current version of the RFS. ... In April of
July 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Bill Intro'd in Senate to Reform, Extend Tax Credit through 2019
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate to extend the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit through 2019 and restructure the incentive from a blenders credit to a domestic production credit. The legislation was introduced by Sens.
July 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Big Soy Crop No Help for U.S. Biofuel Makers Overrun by Imports
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Biodiesel plants idled as shipments from Asia, Argentina jump; Foreign supplies cheaper or cleaner than fuel from Midwest soy -- Makers of renewable fuels derived from the vast soybean fields across the American Midwest can’t seem to
June 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Brexit: What Does It Mean for the Advanced Bioeconomy?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, the British people voted to exit the European Union in a historic vote which was announced in the early Friday hours. Following the vote, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said he would
June 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Knock on Wood: Why Trade and Brand Will Trump Tech in the Advanced Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... So if the advanced bioeconomy is so prevalent and so pervasive, why do we hear so much about the struggles of projects to be built? Why is it so much easier to build wind and
June 23, 2016 Read Full Article
The Battle Over Argentine Biofuel
by Bruce Dorminey (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) Argentina biodiesel faces anti-dumping tariffs if it enters the EU market but there might be some relief in sight. After years of crying foul, Argentina finally got some good news late last month when a World Trade
June 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Workshop In Japan Aims To Dispel Myths On U.S. Ethanol GHGs
(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its industry partners sought to dispel myths about U.S. ethanol and open the door for the renewable fuel in the Japanese market this week at a workshop held in Tokyo for
May 20, 2016 Read Full Article
USTR Releases Special 301 Report on Protection of American Intellectual Property Rights Across the World
(Office of the United States Trade Representative) Obama Administration unveils list of the world’s most significant challenges facing American intellectual property rights alongside bipartisan members of Congress and business community leaders -- On the heels of World Intellectual Property Day,
April 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Greenbelt Resources CEO Visits Cuba -- Company Seeks Partners to Deploy Sustainable Energy Technology
(Greenbelt Resources/PR Newswire) As a result of recent changes to Commerce Department regulations by the Obama administration regarding trade with Cuba, the advanced modular technology available from Greenbelt Resources Corporation (OTC: GRCO), an innovator of sustainable energy production systems, is
March 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Calling for Reduction on Ethanol Tariffs
(Hoosier Ag Today/WKKG) On Monday, nine U.S. House members sent a letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Michael Froman, urging him to examine opportunities to reduce any tariffs on U.S. produced energy, including ethanol, during the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-Tip)
March 23, 2016 Read Full Article
DATA CHECK: For Innovation, No Magic in 3% Rule
by Jeffrey Mervis (Science Magazine) Science policy wonks use the ratio of research spending to overall economic activity to judge whether a country is investing enough in innovation. For decades 3% has been the magic number, and Israel and South Korea
March 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Platts, Department of Commerce’s ITA Form Strategic Agreement
(Platts/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Platts, the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets and a division of McGraw Hill Financial, has entered into a strategic agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade
February 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Analysis: 'TTIP Would Benefit US Biofuels'
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) If the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, currently being negotiated by the United States and the European Union becomes reality, a recent analysis by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development said ethanol
February 23, 2016 Read Full Article
National Biodiesel Board Challenge to Rules on Argentinian Biodiesel Imports Continues
(American Soybean Association) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) this week filed a legal brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit regarding their petition for review of EPA rules on Argentinian biodiesel imports under the Renewable Fuel
January 19, 2016 Read Full Article
The Biggest Trade Agreement You’ve Never Heard of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The biggest expansion of free trade in a generation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership could reshape world trade in food and agriculture. Here’s the need to know: What it is: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a new trade
October 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotechnology: OSTP Seeks Comment on Clarifying Current Roles and Responsibilities Described in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell, PC) On October 6, 2015, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit relevant data and information, including case studies that may assist in the development of
October 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Grassley on the Oil Export Ban, Attempt to Diminish Ethanol
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley) Note: This week, the Senate Banking Committee voted to lift the ban on U.S. oil exports. The committee defeated an amendment that would have eliminated the corn ethanol blending requirements under the federal Renewable Fuel
October 04, 2015 Read Full Article
National Biodiesel Board Responds to Protectionist EU Trade Policy
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) released the following statement from Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs, regarding the European Commission’s decision announced Tuesday to extend protectionist trade duties that have blocked U.S. biodiesel from the European
September 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Use in International Markets: The Importance of Trade
by Jayson Beckman (US Department of Agriculture) Global biofuel production rose tremendously over 2001-13, led largely by rapid growth in the United States and the European Union (EU). Brazil, the second largest biofuel producer, doubled its production in that span. A
September 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Do Liberals Hate Biofuels?
by Douglas L. Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) Most liberals don’t hate biofuels. But most don’t love them either, mainly because of their underlying environmental concerns about first-generation biofuels, corn starch ethanol and soy biodiesel. The left’s deep ambivalence toward biofuels is thus
August 28, 2015 Read Full Article
US Biofuels Part of Food, Feed Global Solution
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cleaner burning, higher performing fuels and their nutritious coproducts are valuable at home and abroad, and have the potential to resolve many issues around the globe, writes Tom Buis. -- ... Growth Energy has
August 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Import Tariffs to Keep EU Biofuel Industry 'Stagnant'
(Agrimoney.com) The European biofuels industry is to stagnate next year, according to a report from the US Department of Agriculture's bureau in The Hague, unless import tariffs are relaxed. The bureau noted that the EU has "effectively separated itself from the
July 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Study: Lifting US Crude Export Ban Could Lead to Layoffs
(Downstream Today/The CRUDE Coalition) Exporting U.S. crude oil would raise gasoline, diesel and home heating prices, cutting into the vast benefits Americans are enjoying from lower crude oil prices, according to a new report by Alan Stevens of Stancil &
July 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Carmakers Worry Higher Biofuel Mix Could Damage Engines
by Raras Cahyafitri and Linda Yulismann (The Jakarta Post) ... “The usage of biodiesel is good. However, we are still worried about the impacts. There are engines that can accept 15 percent or even 20 percent [biofuel] content, however, some other
April 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Brazilian Study Explores Multiple Causes of 2007 Mexico Tortilla Crisis
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In light of signs of a moderation in the long upward trend in commodity prices, and recurrent assignment of blame for food insecurity and high food prices to the emergence of biofuels markets, particularly
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Vilsack Calls for Ethanol Industry Support of Trade Negotiations
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asked for the ethanol industry's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership in his keynote address at the 2015 Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference held in Phoenix Feb. 26-27. The opponents
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. Industry Blasts EPA Decision on Biodiesel Imports
(National Biodiesel Board) EPA to Fast-Track Argentinian Biodiesel by Easing Sustainability Requirements The National Biodiesel Board on Tuesday sharply criticized a decision by the EPA to allow streamlined Argentinian biodiesel imports to the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “This decision
January 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Beyond Boats To China
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After halting distillers grains imports late last year, the world's top DDGS buyer is poised to resume business, but on what terms? The prospect of China reissuing distillers grains import permits bodes well for the
January 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Opening Channels For Export
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council is teaming up with Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service on a new four-way partnership in ethanol export market development. There’s a big difference
January 19, 2015 Read Full Article
As US Cleans up, It's Exporting More Pollution
by Dina Cappiello (Associated Press) Heat-trapping pollution released into the atmosphere from rising exports of U.S. gasoline and diesel dwarfs the cuts made from fuel efficiency standards and other efforts to reduce global warming in the United States, according
December 11, 2014 Read Full Article
CPO Biodiesel to Help Lower State Expenditure by US$2.43 bln
by Kamis (AntaraNews.com) The use of crude palm oil (CPO) as biodiesel fuel can reduce the state expenditure by US$2.43 billion, according to the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). "The state expenditure could be economized by using CPO as
October 17, 2014 Read Full Article
U.S. Biodiesel Industry Challenges EU Trade Barriers
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) on Tuesday filed comments with the European Commission challenging unfair trade duties that have blocked U.S. biodiesel from being exported to Europe since 2009. NBB urged the commission to allow duties on U.S.
October 02, 2014 Read Full Article
U.S. Trade Rep Tours Biodiesel Leader’s Family Farm, Discusses RFS Threats
(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Argentine biodiesel imports could reverse domestic energy progress Hosting a U.S. Trade Representative on his family farm outside Des Moines, Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, took the opportunity to discuss trade issues relevant to
August 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Southern African, EU Negotiators Sign New Trade Pact
(Reuters) Negotiators for Southern African states have agreed a new trade pact with the European Union which will give the countries a bigger market for food exports, South Africa's trade and industry department said. ... If ratified by the governments involved, the
July 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Platts Webinar – European Road Fuels
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) Tim Worledge, the Associate Editorial Director of Platts Agriculture relayed some of the history and the status quo of the biofuel industry in Europe during a webinar hosted by Platts and Aspect Enterprise Solutions
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Trade Mission to Peru to Address Biomass, Biofuel Opportunities
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is organizing a renewable energy and energy efficiency trade mission to Peru. Scheduled for November, the policy mission will promote the export competitiveness of U.S. renewable energy
June 06, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Trade Mission to China Will Include Focus on Ethanol
by Janet Adkison (RFD TV) China is a growing market for U.S. agricultural products. Recognizing the country’s potential, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host an agriculture trade mission set to begin next week. The travel roster includes officials from
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Vilsack Renews Endorsement of Ethanol in Phoenix
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack left no one in doubt regarding his commitment to the ethanol industry in Phoenix on Thursday, Feb. 27. The ethanol producers, farmers and industry representatives at Growth Energy's annual
February 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Ethanol Tariff Induces Debate at NEC
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It is rare that a conference panel needs to be truly moderated, but the rabble-rousing conversation that ensued between international ethanol industry representatives at the National Ethanol Conference kept Bliss Baker busy Tuesday morning.
February 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Aemetis Announces Commissioning of Biodiesel Distillation Unit at India Plant
(Aemetis) Aemetis, Inc. (OTCQB: AMTX), an advanced fuels and renewable chemicals company, announced today that its 50 million gallon per year capacity biodiesel and refined glycerin production facility in Kakinada, India has been upgraded to produce high-quality distilled biodiesel. The
February 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels and the Straw Man
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...ActionAid UK released a report this week focusing on the story of Addax Biofuels in Sierra Leone. As Addax points out, it was not given the opportunity by Action Aid to review the serious allegations in
September 04, 2013 Read Full Article
Republic of Indonesia to Cut Oil Import, Promote Use of Biofuels
(Antara News) "Right now, we need an immediate solution to the current account deficit. The government will overcome the deficit by reducing imports, particularly fuel oils," Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa said. Indonesia is taking steps to reduce its fuels imports
August 29, 2013 Read Full Article
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Invited to Identify Trade-Related Barriers Affecting Exports to the EU
by Elizabeth Nesbitt (U.S. International Trade Commission) The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission) is preparing a fact-finding study entitled Trade Barriers that U.S. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Perceive as Affecting Exports to the European Union (Inv. No. 332-541). The study, requested by
August 07, 2013 Read Full Article
The European Parliament Is Making a Bad Biofuels Proposal Worse
(EurActiv) ...This conflict is not one between green ambitions and trade rules – it is a conflict between trade rules and a biofuels policy aiming to favour domestically produced biofuels at the expense of foreign competitors. The current proposal to reform
May 08, 2013 Read Full Article
End All Trade Barriers
by Bob Dinneen (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) ...While the U.S. ethanol industry historically only exported a small amount of its product every year, that all changed in 2009 when improving industry economics led to the U.S. ethanol industry becoming
January 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Brazil-US Ethanol Tariff Discussions Pick Up as Expiration Nears
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) As the U.S ethanol industry confronts the reality that the 45-cent-per-gallon Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit and 54-cent ethanol import tariff will end on Dec. 31, some industry representatives are ramping up efforts to
September 28, 2011 Read Full Article
Ending US Ethanol Subsidies Could Be Bullish for European Prices
(Platts) A plan by US senators to end ethanol subsidies on July 31 could prove bullish for the European market, trading sources said Wednesday. "It should be pretty supportive, the EU needs the [US ethanol] supply," one source said. ...Europe's ethanol market
July 14, 2011 Read Full Article
Mina-Made Ethanol Heading to Brazil
by Jeff Natalie-Lees (Aberdeen News) Export options help facility weather weaker domestic demand Ethanol produced in Mina is helping Brazil avoid a fuel crisis after a weak sugar cane crop cut that country's ethanol production. When the sugar cane crop — the
May 31, 2011 Read Full Article
EU Rules on Biofuel Concern Soybean Growers
by Philip Brasher (Des Moines Register) The European Union has set new environmental and labor standards for the crops used to make biofuels there, angering U.S. farmers who worry that such restrictions could spread to other products and countries. The standards
May 31, 2011 Read Full Article
Colombia Pursues Sweet Dream of Becoming a Sugar-Cane Ethanol Powerhouse
by Nathanial Gronewold (Greenwire/New York Times) ...Though 85 percent of Colombia's cane crop is harvested this old-fashioned way, industry leaders say they have no intention of mechanizing the harvest, for fear of mass unemployment in a rural area where people
May 10, 2011 Read Full Article
Obama's Visit to Brazil Yields 'Encouraging' Renewable Fuels Cooperation, According to Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association
(PR Newswire/EIN News/UNICA) Two important announcements involving renewable energy made on the opening day of U.S. President Barack Obama's official visit to Brazil, both directly relevant to Brazil's successful sugarcane ethanol industry, are encouraging signs that Brazil and the U.S. are on a
March 21, 2011 Read Full Article
American Soybean Association Expresses Concerns about EU Renewable Energy Directive to USDA and USTR
(American Soybean Association) The American Soybean Association (ASA), joined by other U.S. oilseed producer and industry organizations, has expressed serious concerns to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk about the requirements