Global Blending Mandates Fuel Growth
The primary driver for the ethanol boom is rising demand from countries with aggressive blending mandates. The Netherlands, India, Canada, and the UK have significantly increased their imports of US fuel ethanol. In response, the EIA has increased its forecast for 2025 and 2026 production to average 1.07 million barrels per day, reflecting the industry's success in capturing international market share.
Maritime Market and New Initiatives
Beyond traditional road transport, new initiatives are promoting biofuels for the maritime market. This diversification is seen as critical for the long-term health of the sector. In Brazil, major financing has been approved to expand corn ethanol capacity, signaling that the global competition for sustainable fuels is heating up, with the US currently maintaining a strong lead in export volumes.