US President Donald on July 27 Trump announced that the United States has finalized a trade agreement with the European Union, which includes a commitment from the EU to purchase $750 billion worth of U.S. energy exports, reported Ethanol Producer Magazine.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed in a post on X that the agreement includes U.S. ethanol as part of the $750 billion energy purchase.
The European Union is composed of 27 member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), around 10% of U.S. ethanol exports went to the EU last year. In 2024, the U.S. shipped approximately 194 million gallons of ethanol to the EU, valued at $419.91 million—an increase from 128 million gallons worth $333.36 million in 2023.
Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, expressed appreciation for the agreement, thanking President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He welcomed the inclusion of ethanol in the deal and highlighted its potential to help reduce the U.S.’s $24 billion agricultural trade deficit with the EU.
“With U.S. corn growers on track for a potentially record-breaking harvest, we’re ready to meet increased demand for ethanol and co-products like distillers grains worldwide,” Cooper stated. “When trade is fair and markets are accessible, everyone benefits. The U.S. ethanol industry looks forward to continued collaboration with Europe to expand the use of renewable, affordable, and reliable fuels.”
Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, also praised the deal, viewing it as a demonstration of the administration’s dedication to American energy leadership. She acknowledged President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for prioritizing rural America in trade discussions.
“This agreement will bring tangible advantages to the American ethanol sector and the rural communities it supports,” Skor said. “It could mark the beginning of a stronger transatlantic trade relationship and build upon an already significant partnership. We’re eager to learn more about how this deal tackles both tariff and non-tariff barriers, enabling the U.S. ethanol industry to expand beyond the $420 million exported to the EU in 2024.”
