West Coast could become major export region for Asian ethanol imports

In California, the West Coast is set to become a major ethanol origin for biofuel exports to Asia as demand in the region heats up, pushing the Gulf Coast region out of the leadership position. The region’s first export to Asia was booked recently at around $500/cu m on a CIF basis by a Filipino independent oil company who sourced 16,000 cubic meters of ethanol likely from Global Partners’ converted ethanol transloading terminal in Clatskanie, Oregon. Short delivery windows for tenders like those in the Philippines have meant limited capacity to offer from the Gulf region but West Coast suppliers could be more successful with shorter turn around times.