The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council participated in a U.S. Department of Agriculture trade mission to the Philippines earlier this month, focusing on strengthening ethanol export relationships, according to the organization. The mission highlighted the growing partnership between U.S. ethanol producers and the Philippines, the ninth-largest export market for U.S. grains.
E20 fuel station marks market expansion
The trade mission featured the opening of Manila’s first retail gas station carrying gasoline blended with 20 percent ethanol. USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering delivered remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson and industry representatives from Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association.
Philippines leads regional ethanol imports
The Philippines imported more than 101 million gallons of U.S. ethanol in 2025, making it the largest U.S. ethanol trading partner in Southeast Asia. U.S. ethanol now accounts for roughly 45 percent of the country’s total ethanol demand.
Since the Philippines implemented its E10 mandate in 2013, domestic ethanol production has increased nearly 450 percent. Total gasoline demand in the country surpassed two billion gallons for the first time last year.
The USGBC delegation met with the Ethanol Producers Association of the Philippines to discuss expanding E20 access to additional regions and explored opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel and marine fuel applications.
