Yesterday in Washington, D.C., the U.S. ethanol industry – including leaders from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) – signed a quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrolimex, the largest petroleum distributor in Viet Nam, recognizing the economic, environmental, human health and energy security benefits of increasing the use of fuel ethanol in transportation fuel mixes.
The MOU will help Petrolimex align its business with the Government of Viet Nam’s recent directive to promote the implementation of greater ethanol usage in the country.
The U.S. ethanol industry leaders said collectively that “This event is a big first step toward building Viet Nam’s capacity to leverage fuel ethanol so the country may take advantage of all the benefits ethanol provides. It promises to deepen our bilateral economic cooperation and trade between our countries. The U.S. ethanol industry is excited to work with the leaders in Viet Nam to bolster Petrolimex’s and Viet Nam’s fuel ethanol supply chain and infrastructure.”
U.S. ethanol industry leaders signing the MOU included USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and RFA General Counsel and Vice President, Government Affairs Edward S. Hubbard, Jr.
The ceremony also included Vietnamese representatives including the Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Nguyen Hong Dien, Petrolimex Vice General Director Nguyen Xuan Hung, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung, and other leaders. Also present were representatives from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Energy.
The MOU signing comes on the heels of the Viet Nam Ministry of Industry adopting a directive in December 2024 that aimed to boost fuel ethanol utilization across the country. The directive outlines plans to promote the use of E5 RON92 and E100, develop new pricing mechanisms for ethanol blended gasoline, and coordinate potential amendments and technical regulations and standards for fuels.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.