US ethanol exports hit record high as Philippines boosts demand for biofuel blends
The Philippines is helping drive record US ethanol exports, with shipments to the country rising 87% to $192.06 million in 2025. Growing E20 adoption and plans for E15 could boost demand further, while proposed policy changes may allow corn-based ethanol production.
The Philippines is considered a major driver of record-breaking US ethanol exports this year as the Southeast Asian country continues to increase its adoption of bioethanol blends, reported Business Inquirer.
US Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg said the Philippines is considered a strategic market for US ethanol shipments as the United States projects its strongest ethanol export year on record.
According to USDA data, US ethanol exports reached a record $4.74 billion in 2025, more than 10 percent higher than the previous year.
Ethanol is among the top 10 agricultural exports to the Philippines, with shipments rising 87 percent to $192.06 million in 2025.
Lindberg said the outlook for US ethanol exports is partly supported by the Philippines’ growing use of ethanol blends, which can help lower fuel prices and improve air quality.
He pointed to the country’s use of E20, or gasoline containing 20 percent ethanol, saying the Philippines is already making significant progress in integrating higher ethanol blends into its fuel supply chain.
Higher ethanol blending, he added, could allow the country to benefit from lower costs at the pump while also gaining environmental advantages from cleaner transportation fuels.
In the Philippines, the Department of Energy said the United States remains a key strategic partner in advancing the government’s biofuels program, energy security and energy transition agenda.
The DOE said the United States is an important source of ethanol supply and technical expertise as the Philippines works towards the wider use of higher bioethanol blends.
According to the agency, US ethanol could supplement domestic supply when local production falls short of blending requirements while supporting fuel security through competitively priced and sustainably produced imports.
The DOE also sees opportunities for greater knowledge-sharing, technical support and the exchange of industry best practices, given the United States’ extensive experience in corn-based ethanol production.
The Philippines currently implements E20 gasoline on a voluntary basis, while a mandatory 10 percent ethanol blend has been in place since 2011.
The DOE said it is undertaking the policy and technical preparations needed to introduce a 15 percent ethanol blend in gasoline safely and effectively. It is also working on the development of Philippine National Standards.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has proposed amending Joint Administrative Order No. 2008-1, Series of 2008, which currently prohibits the use of corn as a feedstock for bioethanol production.
Industry assessments and stakeholder consultations are ongoing to evaluate the viability of the proposed amendment.
To Read more about Ethanol Industry & Bio Energy News continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : ChiniMandi
