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Biofuels groups still unsure what Phase One entails for ethanol

Biofuels groups are trying to figure out where U.S. ethanol fits into the Phase One trade agreement with China.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says ethanol and co-products like dried distillers grains will be included in the preliminary trade deal.

“But we don’t know any of the specifics, and I don’t know if we will learn the specifics. The first news we may receive is when a call is placed ordering some U.S. ethanol to go to China.”

American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says the 90-page text of the agreement offers few details on ag purchases.

“The agreement suggests that China is going to streamline some of the procedures for importing distillers grains from the United States.”

He says that’s important because China was importing DDG’s at a significant pace before the Trade War began.

And Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association says a lot of work remains.

“It’s great news that both ethanol and DDG’s are in there, but until we see boats on the water headed that direction, I think there’s going to be a lot of hesitancy and a wait-and-see attitude in the marketplace in terms of how this all turns out.”

Brownfield spoke to Skor, Jennings, and Cooper at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Altoona Thursday.

Emily Skor interview:

Brian Jennings interview:

Geoff Cooper interview: