US-origin ethanol still finding creative ways to penetrade Chinese market

In China, ICIS reports that ship-to-ship transfers of US-origin ethanol is one way the fuel is making its way to lucrative Chinese markets despite 70% tariffs on ethanol imports. In 2016, about 17% of total US ethanol exports found their way to China. Malaysia and the Philippines have become common “new” origins for US-origin ethanol once it’s been transshipped so it can avoid import duties, a move which isn’t legal. Tariffs could soon be lifted now that the US-China trade war is cooling off.