EU extends ethanol import monitoring for three years

The European Commission has extended enhanced monitoring of ethanol imports into the EU for another three years due to risks to the domestic market and local biofuel producers. The new monitoring period will run until September 2029 and will include monthly statistical surveillance of import flows.

The decision follows a sharp increase in imports. The EU imported 621.95 thsd tons of ethanol in 2023, while volumes rose to 967.35 thsd tons in 2025, an increase of 55%. The United States and Brazil remain the largest suppliers.

US shipments increased from 114 thsd to 423 thsd tons over the period, bringing the country’s share of total EU imports to 44%. Brazil nearly doubled its exports to the bloc from around 25 thsd to 46 thsd tons. Canada, Ukraine and the United Kingdom are also among the countries whose shipments will be subject to closer monitoring.

The European Commission also highlighted the substantial spare production capacity of major exporters. Available capacity is estimated at around 12.5 mln tons in the US and 16 mln tons in Brazil, compared with annual EU ethanol consumption of about 5 mln tons. This creates significant potential for a rapid increase in exports if market conditions change.

According to the Commission, rising volumes of lower-priced imports have already weakened the economic performance of European ethanol producers. Industry association ePURE supported the extension of monitoring, stressing the need to protect EU competitiveness, energy independence and domestic renewable fuel production capacity.

Tags: biofuel, EU, imports, restrictions