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Cooper has high expectations for ethanol export market

The head of the Renewable Fuels Association says he has high expectations for the ethanol industry this year, but the export market faces challenges.

Geoff Cooper tells Brownfield some barriers could impact US ethanol sales.

“Brazil just reinstated its high tariff rate on US ethanol,” he said. “China still has a high tariff on US ethanol. And, we still have trouble getting into Europe because of some of their trade barriers.”

But he says he’s optimistic about the ethanol export market despite the challenges at hand.

“The record year for exports was 1.7 billion gallons,” Cooper said. “We’re hopeful we can get back to that level and surpass that level here in 2023.”

Cooper says US ethanol had its fourth highest export volume ever in 2022, and he expects global demand to pick up steam.

He spoke to Brownfield at the 2023 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Des Moines on Tuesday.