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Japan opens markets to U.S. ethanol, creates opportunities for farmers

Golden Grain Energy in Mason City, a maker of Ethanol

DES MOINES – This week, the Japanese government updated its biofuel policy and will allow imports of ETBE – a gasoline additive – made from U.S. corn-based ethanol.

According to the U.S. Grains Council, the change comes as part of the country’s update of its existing sustainability policy, approved in 2010, in which only sugarcane-based ethanol was eligible for import and which only allowed sugarcane-based ethanol for the production of ETBE, an oxygenate. The new policy calls for an increase in the carbon intensity reduction requirements of ethanol used as a feedstock to make ETBE to meet a 55 percent reduction, up from 50 percent, and recognizes corn-based, U.S.-produced ethanol’s ability to meet that goal, even with the higher greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction standard.

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement on Friday following news that Japan will open its market to U.S. ethanol:

“Today is a great day for Iowa farmers and our state’s renewable fuels industry. With Japan opening its market to U.S. ethanol, Iowa can further expand our trade opportunities in that region of the world.

“Agriculture at the hands of hardworking farmers is a vital piece of the U.S. economy. Now, more than ever, ethanol production strengthens Iowa’s ability to continue as an agricultural leader by giving farmers another market for their commodities.

“Iowans think globally and rely on expanded trade opportunities to give farmers another market for their commodities. Today’s announcement moves us forward on that path and further solidifies Japan and Iowa’s long history of friendship.”

Japan is Iowa’s third largest export destination, purchasing over $1 billion in Iowa made/grown products in 2017. Japan is Iowa’s largest customer outside of NAFTA.

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