The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), in collaboration with Iowa Corn, recently hosted a delegation of Vietnamese government officials and fuel industry professionals on a tour of the U.S. ethanol value chain. The visit aimed to support Vietnam’s increasing demand for fuel ethanol and strengthen the U.S. industry's foothold in the Vietnamese market. The delegation included representatives from the Vietnam Ministries of Industry and Trade, Finance, and Transport.
Chris Markey, USGC deputy director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, stated, "Vietnam is exploring the expansion of its current E5 RON92 mandate to all gasoline grades, with a long-term goal of implementing E10 blending. With Vietnam's gasoline demand expected to grow at a double-digit rate through 2030, a nationwide E5 mandate could boost ethanol consumption by an estimated 400 percent. This presents a significant opportunity for the U.S. ethanol industry to support Vietnam's clean energy transition."
The tour began with a visit to a POET ethanol plant in Arthur, Iowa, on June 11. As the world’s largest biofuels producer, POET showcased its large-scale production practices and sustainability efforts. The delegation then visited the Iowa Fuels Lab to observe ethanol quality assurance testing.
High-level discussions were held the following day, including a meeting with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Deputy Secretary Grant Menke provided an overview of the state's agricultural industry and heritage. Additionally, representatives from the Hormel Institute and the American Lung Association presented on ethanol’s health benefits.
The group also visited fuel terminals and retailers to learn about the transportation and marketing of ethanol-blended fuels. A tour of a local corn farm demonstrated the sustainable cultivation of raw materials for ethanol production.
The tour concluded with the Iowa Corn 350 NASCAR race, where participants witnessed the high-performance capabilities of ethanol.
"Building confidence in ethanol's compatibility, economics, and health benefits is crucial as Vietnam looks to increase its ethanol use," Markey said. "Our meetings helped establish trust in the practices of U.S. farmers and ethanol producers. The Council is well-positioned to support both the Vietnamese market and the U.S. industry in meeting the anticipated rise in demand for fuel ethanol in Vietnam."
