Hoeven Statement on Japan Accepting Imports of U.S. Corn-Based Ethanol

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after Japan finalized a decision to begin accepting imports of U.S. corn-based ethanol. 

“This decision by Japan to open its markets to corn-based ethanol produced in the U.S. is a win for our producers,” Hoeven said. “Access to more markets means greater demand for high-quality U.S. goods and stronger prices. Further, this move is a timely one, as today, a summit is taking place with the U.S. and Japan to discuss trade opportunities between our two nations. We will continue to work to ensure better deals for American industry, especially agriculture and energy, promoting fair and free trade in markets around the globe.”

Until now, Japan had only accepted imports of sugarcane-based ethanol from the U.S. The policy change means the U.S. will be able to export approximately 95.5 million gallons of ethanol to Japan annually, or about 44 percent of the nation’s demand for ethanol, according to the U.S. Grains Council and the Renewable Fuels Association.

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