Asian B-grade ethanol buyers concerned of availability from May onwards

In South Korea, Platts reports that buyers of US-origin B-grade ethanol in both South Korea and Japan are having problems finding cargoes beyond May. One trader said that though he was able to buy cargos for March and May that he sees purchases further out becoming more difficult. With US ethanol producers facing negative margins, a Japanese buyer said he was looking to Brazil in expectation of easier sourcing which is expected to land in Ulsan at $600/cu m from mid-July.