Recently, the U.S. Grains Council facilitated a tour for key ethanol industry stakeholders from Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to various U.S. ethanol facilities, aiming to boost biofuel exports to Africa and the Middle East.
Ramy H. Taieb, USGC regional director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), emphasized the importance of providing market intelligence and consistent updates on the U.S. biofuels industry. He noted that informing Middle Eastern and African players about supply and demand dynamics, blending practices, and quality issues could stimulate future demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and U.S. bioethanol in the region.
The participating countries showcased varying levels of ethanol adoption. Nigeria, for instance, has emerged as the largest market for U.S. ethanol, primarily for industrial applications. The Council is actively working in Nigeria and Ghana to encourage fuel policy authorities to consider implementing 10 percent blending (E10) mandates.
In Egypt, local authorities are drafting an ethanol mandate that could open doors for U.S. ethanol to provide economic, environmental, and health benefits. Meanwhile, in the UAE, stakeholders are exploring investments in the ethanol sector, particularly in SAF, with the Council developing initiatives to showcase the advantages of alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) U.S. ethanol to airlines in the region.
Taieb, along with USGC Ethanol Program Coordinator Sam Redfern and the participants, began their tour in Fargo, North Dakota, where they visited the Northern Crops Institute (NCI) for an informative presentation on ethanol production and its applications.
The following day included discussions on sustainable agriculture economics and a visit to a local farm, allowing attendees to witness climate-friendly practices in action. The group concluded their North Dakota visit with a tour of Tharaldson Ethanol’s facility, including its quality control lab, and held a meeting with a major fuel retailer to understand how biofuels are integrated into consumer products.
The agenda wrapped up with a trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the group inspected a biofuel export terminal and met with CHS, a Council member focused on enhancing supply chains between U.S. producers and international clients.
Taieb expressed enthusiasm about the potential for expanding the ethanol market in the EMEA region, highlighting the program’s diverse meetings and tours as crucial for achieving that goal. He noted that the NCI’s educational resources and its proximity to ethanol plants, farms, and export facilities make it an ideal venue for fostering business relationships and enhancing industry knowledge among international buyers and policymakers.
