Exports needed to keep ethanol margins healthy beyond March

In Nebraska, ethanol exports next year could help offset a lower RFS blend, but it’s going to take time to develop new markets in Asia. Brazil is likely to be a returning customer, but volumes aren’t likely to reach a billion gallons—the volume the US will need to get rid of to ensure good margins remain for producers. Healthy margins are only guaranteed for distillers for the next three or four months if exports don’t pick up. Canada is also a steady buyer but there’s not foreseen jump in demand there.