For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the U.S. ethanol market displayed significant price fluctuations, marked by a strong upward trend in the early part of the quarter, followed by a decline as the quarter progressed. Initially, in October, prices remained stable, supported by consistent demand from the fuel blending sector and industrial usage of ethanol as a feedstock. Domestic production was aligned with demand, as U.S. ethanol producers-maintained output levels matching consumption, preventing supply imbalances. A favorable market dynamic, alongside strong export performance, particularly in October, saw exports surge by 38% compared to the previous week. This upward export momentum helped stabilize prices despite slight drops in ethanol inventories.
By mid-November, ethanol production reached record highs of 1.113 million barrels per day, fueled by robust domestic output and a steady increase in regional production, particularly in the Midwest. Despite this growth in supply, the global demand for ethanol remained strong, driving prices upward in late November. However, blending activity began to show signs of slight weakening as production continued to outpace demand. Ethanol inventories also rose, contributing to downward price pressure.
In December, the market saw a marked decline in ethanol prices. A decrease in export demand, coupled with growing ethanol inventories, signaled an oversupplied market. Additionally, a slight dip in production and blending activity further exacerbated the downward price movement. Despite these trends, domestic demand remained stable, with a marginal increase in blending activity observed during the month. However, the decline in ethanol exports and reduced regional consumption, especially in the Gulf Coast and Midwest, contributed to the overall softening of prices.
Overall, Q4 2024 saw a volatile price trend, with prices rising sharply in October and November due to strong demand and production growth. However, December experienced a price decline as supply outpaced demand. The quarter ended with a 13% decrease in prices compared to the previous quarter.
APAC
In the APAC region, particularly in China, the ethanol market exhibited a declining trend throughout Q4 2024, driven by supply surpluses, fluctuating demand, and market adjustments. Early in the quarter, prices softened due to a seasonal demand slowdown and increased domestic production, supported by improved plant efficiencies and stable feedstock availability. Corn prices, a key determinant of ethanol production costs, experienced consistent declines, further pressuring ethanol prices downward.
Midway through the quarter, market stability was briefly observed, with steady demand from fuel blending industries and industrial sectors, coupled with effective inventory management. However, this stabilization was short-lived as the market faced mounting supply pressures. Increased production capacity and weak enforcement of biofuel mandates, alongside a drop in export demand, created a surplus environment that reinforced the downward price trend.
By the latter part of the quarter, limited procurement enthusiasm and rising inventories further weighed on the market. Although certain industrial and biofuel blending applications supported baseline demand, overall consumption remained muted. These combined factors resulted in a sustained decline in ethanol prices across Q4 2024. Overall, the quarter-on-quarter change decreased, with prices decreasing by 8% compared to the previous quarter.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the price trend of ethanol in Europe, particularly in Germany, displayed a clear two-phase movement, with an incline in the first half of the quarter and a decline in the latter half. The first phase, spanning October and early November, saw a noticeable rise in prices driven by strong demand from the fuel blending industry, especially with colder weather increasing ethanol-blended fuel consumption. Additionally, supply constraints due to plant shutdowns and technical issues in production facilities further tightened the market, pushing prices higher. The seasonality of demand and the growing emphasis on renewable fuels, coupled with some import difficulties, supported this price increase.
However, in the second half of November and into December, prices softened. The decline in ethanol prices was primarily due to weakened demand from industrial and fuel sectors, exacerbated by a slowdown in manufacturing activity across the Eurozone. This was further compounded by increased supply from competing international sources, particularly from Brazil, because of the EU-Mercosur trade deal. As a result, the ethanol market saw oversupply pressures, causing prices to decrease despite stable blending mandates.
Overall, Q4 2024 experienced volatility in ethanol prices in Germany, with a strong upward momentum in the first half of the quarter followed by a softening in the latter part. With the price decline towards the end of the quarter, the quarter-on-quarter change of 12% indicated an overall decrease in prices.
South America
In South America, particularly Brazil, ethanol prices exhibited a mixed trend during Q4 2024. The first half of the quarter saw an upward trend, followed by a decline in the latter half, influenced by varying production and demand dynamics.
During the initial weeks of Q4, stable sugarcane prices and increased ethanol output supported steady market conditions. Ethanol production from both sugarcane and corn saw significant growth, driven by high demand for biofuels, including hydrous ethanol used for blending purposes. Regulatory developments, such as the “Fuel of the Future” law and increased blending mandates, also bolstered demand. The inauguration of new production capacities, including Brazil’s largest corn-based ethanol plant, further added to supply stability. Ethanol prices climbed as supply could not immediately meet the strong domestic consumption, particularly for hydrous ethanol, pushing prices upward.
In contrast, the second half of the quarter experienced a price decline, primarily driven by reduced sugarcane processing, slower ethanol production, and rising inventory levels. Despite robust domestic sales, particularly of hydrous ethanol, global market trends, declining crude oil prices, and softening demand exerted downward pressure on prices. By December, ethanol prices had closed lower, marking a 6% decrease compared to the previous quarter, reflecting the interplay of balanced supply-demand dynamics and external market influences.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the North American region during Q3 2024, the Ethanol market experienced a significant decline in prices. This downward trend was primarily influenced by a combination of factors such as surplus production capacity, and inventory adjustments by producers.
Seasonal slowdowns in demand for ethanol-blended fuels and a temporary dip in industrial consumption further exacerbated the situation. Corn prices, a key input for ethanol production, decreased, lowering production costs and facilitating lower selling prices. These elements led to an oversupply of Ethanol in the market, resulting in decreased prices. Additionally, reduced industrial demand and lower blending activity further contributed to the negative pricing environment.
Specifically in the USA, which saw the most notable price changes, the overall trend for Ethanol prices in Q3 2024 was characterized by a consistent decrease. Furthermore, the quarter-on-quarter change of 4% indicated a gradual decrease in prices. The price variation between the first and second half of the quarter, with a decrease of 7%, demonstrated a continued downward trajectory. Ultimately, the quarter-ending price of USD 535/MT of Ethanol 99% FD Houston in the USA reflected the prevailing negative pricing sentiment and the challenging market conditions for Ethanol producers.
APAC
In Q3 2024, ethanol prices in the APAC region exhibited overall stability, driven by various factors. In China, prices experienced a slight increase, supported by stable demand and supply constraints. At the start of the quarter, rising blending mandates and consistent production levels in downstream sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals bolstered ethanol demand. Although domestic production remained steady, unexpected plant shutdowns and technical issues temporarily limited supply, contributing to upward price pressure. Fluctuations in raw material costs, particularly for corn, also affected production expenses. As the quarter progressed, price stability was maintained due to a seasonal uptick in demand for ethanol-blended fuels and effective inventory replenishment. The government's strict blending mandates reinforced the demand for ethanol as a renewable fuel source. By late Q3, China's ethanol market demonstrated resilience, effectively navigating internal production challenges and external economic pressures to ensure consistent pricing. Overall, the quarter-on-quarter change remained unchanged, with prices increasing slightly by 1% compared to the first half of the quarter. The quarter-ending price for ethanol Ex-Shanghai stood at USD 727/MT, highlighting the overall stable pricing environment.
Europe
In Q3 2024, ethanol prices in the European region faced a significant downturn, driven by a combination of factors. Increased domestic production, bolstered by enhanced plant efficiencies, led to a market surplus. Concurrently, imports surged from Poland, France, and Belgium, further saturating supply in Germany. Seasonal demand fluctuations played a crucial role, as reduced consumption from sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals added to the downward pressure on prices. The economic landscape also shifted, with Germany experiencing a GDP contraction of 0.1% in Q2, impacting overall demand. The USDA projected an increase in U.S. corn supplies for 2024-2025; however, reduced foreign production in the EU and Russia raised concerns about potential ethanol supply challenges. These factors collectively contributed to a bearish market sentiment, resulting in lower ethanol prices across the region. Freight charges in Europe were another critical influence on the market. Rates from Asia to Northern Europe declined by 2%, while the Asia-Mediterranean route saw a 3% drop. This decrease stemmed from improved carrier capacity and a shift away from peak season demand. However, persistent congestion at major Asian ports and delays caused by incidents like the explosion at the Port of Ningbo complicated shipping schedules. Overall, the quarter-on-quarter change recorded an increase of 3%, but a price comparison between the first and second halves of the quarter showed a decline of 6%, emphasizing the overall negative pricing trends. The quarter-ending price for ethanol FD Frankfurt stood at USD 730/MT.
South America
In Q3 2024, the South American region experienced mixed Ethanol pricing environment, with significant factors influencing market prices. In the first half of Q3 2024, Brazil experienced a notable increase in ethanol prices, driven by robust domestic demand and production constraints. The government's raised blending mandate spurred demand, while technical issues and maintenance shutdowns at ethanol facilities limited supply. Additionally, adverse weather conditions delayed sugarcane harvesting, impacting production levels. As a result, ethanol production surged up to 21% from the previous year, yet tight supply dynamics led to reliance on spot purchases, further elevating prices. During the second half of Q3 2024, ethanol prices in Brazil declined driven by a seasonal slowdown in demand for ethanol-blended fuels and reduced industrial usage. Despite a temporary reduction in sugarcane processing total ethanol production rose, bolstered by a 14 % increase in corn ethanol output. Enhanced domestic production and inventory adjustments led to a market surplus, exerting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, lower sugarcane prices further decreased production costs, allowing manufacturers to lower selling prices. Ongoing adverse weather conditions, including droughts and fires, raised concerns about future harvests, despite overall production gains. The quarter-on-quarter change recorded a slight increase of 1%. Price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed no significant variation, emphasizing the overall stability in pricing trends. The quarter-ending price for Ethanol Anhydrous FOB Santos in Brazil stood at USD 700/MT, reflecting the prevailing stable pricing sentiment in the region.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American ethanol market has experienced a notable increase in prices, driven by several significant factors that have influenced market dynamics. The quarter has been marked by increased production costs, primarily due to rising corn prices, the primary feedstock for ethanol production. Moreover, heightened energy costs, particularly for natural gas used in the ethanol production process, have further contributed to escalating production expenses. Seasonal factors such as the summer driving season have also played a crucial role, with increased gasoline consumption leading to higher demand for ethanol, which is blended with gasoline. Regulatory influences, including potential increases in Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending requirements, have further bolstered ethanol demand.
Focusing on the USA, which has witnessed the most substantial price changes, the overall trend in Q2 2024 has been one of increasing prices. Seasonality has contributed significantly, with the summer driving season pushing ethanol demand higher. This period has also seen heightened demand from industrial sectors, adding further pressure on prices. There has been a substantial 14% increase from the previous quarter in 2024.
The quarter-ending price for ethanol in the USA stands at USD 641/MT for 99% FD Houston, underscoring the positive pricing environment. This consistent increase in ethanol prices reflects a robust market responding to supply constraints and higher demand, positioning the overall sentiment as decidedly positive for Q2 2024.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the ethanol market in the APAC region experienced an upward pricing trajectory, driven primarily by a confluence of factors. The primary catalysts were heightened demand for ethanol blending in gasoline due to regulatory mandates, increased industrial applications, and higher global crude oil prices, which propelled ethanol as a competitive alternative. Additionally, supply-side constraints, including logistical disruptions and elevated freight costs, exacerbated the supply-demand imbalance. Raw material price hikes, notably in corn and sugarcane, further contributed to the escalated production costs, thus pushing ethanol prices higher.
Focusing on South Korea, which witnessed the most pronounced price changes, the seasonal demand for gasoline blending during the driving season significantly boosted ethanol consumption. The constraints in domestic ethanol production capacity and reliance on imports intensified the price pressures. The correlation between rising global ethanol prices and local market dynamics exacerbated the situation. The quarter-over-quarter increase from Q1 2024 also stood at 11%, reflecting a sustained upward trend.
Concluding the quarter, the price of ethanol 99.5% CFR Ulsan in South Korea reached USD 825/MT. The pricing environment for ethanol in South Korea throughout Q2 2024 was predominantly positive, characterized by strong demand and constrained supply dynamics that collectively drove prices upward. This market behavior underscores the critical balance between regulatory influences, industrial demand, and global supply chain stability, all contributing to the observed price escalation.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the ethanol market in Europe experienced a notable upward trajectory in pricing. The quarter has been marked by a convergence of several critical factors that collectively influenced market prices. Heightened demand for ethanol, driven primarily by increased fuel blending mandates and robust industrial applications such as solvents, played a pivotal role. Seasonal demand spikes, particularly with the onset of the summer driving season, further exacerbated consumption pressures. Concurrently, supply-side disruptions, including logistical challenges at ports and reduced imports from key suppliers like the USA and Brazil, compounded the strain on availability. Additionally, rising feedstock costs, particularly for corn and wheat, coupled with escalating energy prices, have elevated production expenses, thereby pushing final selling prices higher.
Germany witnessed the most significant price changes, reflecting broader trends and seasonality within the European ethanol market. The quarter's overall sentiment remained bullish, with ethanol prices in Germany demonstrating a steady climb. From the previous quarter in 2024, prices surged by 10%, underscoring a strong demand-supply imbalance. The first half of the quarter saw a 9% increase in prices compared to the second half, highlighting the intensifying demand as summer approached. The quarter ended with ethanol prices in Germany at USD 741/MT, CFR Hamburg, reflecting a consistent uptrend.
Overall, the pricing environment for ethanol in Europe during Q2 2024 has been positively skewed, driven by robust demand dynamics and constrained supply. The market has responded predictably to seasonal patterns and broader economic pressures, marking a period of significant price appreciation within the context of the current fiscal year.
South America
Throughout Q2 2024, the South American ethanol market experienced a mixed trend. In the early part of the quarter, particularly in April and May, prices rose due to several factors. High sugar prices incentivized sugarcane mills to prioritize ethanol production, tightening supply. Increased domestic and export demand, coupled with adverse weather conditions and production disruptions, further strained supply chains. The floods in Rio Grande do Sul exacerbated the situation by disrupting transportation and blending mandates, leading to higher ethanol prices.
However, towards the end of Q2, particularly in June, prices began to decline. This decrease was attributed to a surplus in supply resulting from robust production capabilities, which exerted downward pressure on prices. Fluctuations in global demand, especially in key export markets, and seasonal variations in production and demand dynamics also contributed to the decline.
Overall, ethanol prices in Brazil fell by 9% from the previous quarter and an additional 3% between the first and second halves of the quarter. By the end of Q2 2024, the price for Ethanol Anhydrous FOB Santos was USD 701/MT. This period was characterized by a culmination of factors such as sugarcane harvest variations, government policies, and global oil prices, which collectively influenced the pricing environment.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The first quarter of 2024 has been challenging for the North American ethanol market, with prices experiencing a consistent downward trend. Several factors have influenced market prices, including reduced demand both domestically and internationally. The off-season lull in Europe and a downturn in the transportation industry have contributed to the decrease in ethanol demand. Additionally, ample feedstock availability following the harvest season has led to increased ethanol production and higher inventory levels.
In the USA, the largest ethanol producer in the region, prices have seen the maximum price changes. Overall, there has been a negative correlation in price changes, with prices decreasing by 3% compared to the previous quarter. The first half of the quarter recorded a price decline of 4% compared to the second half, further reflecting the decreasing trend.
The latest quarter-ending price for ethanol in the USA is USD 507/MT of Ethanol 99% FD Houston. This marks a significant decrease from the same quarter last year.
In conclusion, the pricing environment for ethanol in North America during the first quarter of 2024 has been negative, with prices consistently decreasing. Reduced demand, ample feedstock availability, and a seasonal lull in the market have all contributed to the downward trend in prices.
APAC
The first quarter of 2024 has witnessed a significant decline in ethanol prices in the APAC region, with South Korea experiencing the maximum price changes. The overall trend in the market has been negative, with prices decreasing due to various factors. These factors include lower demand, oversupply, reduced blending mandates, and weak global energy prices. The decrease in ethanol prices in South Korea can be attributed to seasonality, as the first quarter typically sees lower demand for ethanol due to reduced blending requirements and lower gasoline consumption. However, in February, there was a slight increase of 1.5% in ethanol prices in South Korea due to recent increases in the ethanol blending mandate for gasoline, coupled with the upcoming spring season driving up ethanol demand. This mandate necessitates more ethanol for blending, tightening domestic supply and pushing prices upward. Additionally, the correlation between ethanol prices in South Korea and global energy prices has contributed to the decrease in prices.
Compared to the same quarter last year, ethanol prices in South Korea have declined by 27%. This decline is also evident when comparing the current quarter to the previous quarter in 2024, with prices recording a decrease of 6%. Furthermore, when comparing the first half and second half of the quarter, prices have remained relatively stable, with a change of only 1%.
As of the end of the quarter, ethanol prices in South Korea have been assessed at USD 649/MT, 99.5% CFR Ulsan. Overall, the pricing environment for ethanol in the APAC region during the first quarter of 2024 has been negative, with prices experiencing a significant decline.
Europe
The first quarter of 2024 has been characterized by decreasing prices in the European ethanol market. Several factors have influenced market prices, resulting in a negative pricing environment. The significant factors contributing to the decline in ethanol prices include abundant supplies stemming from corn harvests in key producing regions such United States and Brazil, expanded production capacities, and increased imports. These factors have led to a surplus supply, impacting pricing trends. Additionally, anticipated spikes in energy prices and an upswing in upstream corn prices have contributed to an escalation in production costs. The demand for ethanol has been affected by economic uncertainties, environmental concerns, and the shift towards electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, which have diminished reliance on ethanol. Transportation and blending challenges, along with logistical bottlenecks and high shipping costs, have further impacted the demand for ethanol. Overall, the pricing environment for ethanol in the European region has been negative, with prices experiencing a significant decline.
In Belgium specifically, there has been a decrease in ethanol prices of 48% compared to the same quarter last year. The quarter-on-quarter decrease is 8%, while the price change between the first and second half of the quarter is -2%. The latest quarter-ending price for ethanol in Belgium is USD 606/MT.
South America
In Q1 2024, the South American ethanol market, led by Brazil, saw stable pricing supported by various factors. January witnessed a slight decline in prices due to surplus supply from increased sugarcane processing, partially offset by reduced demand amid lower gasoline prices and economic challenges.
However, February and March saw prices incline by 4.8%, driven by rising gasoline prices, increased economic activity, and changes in storage and transportation costs. Stable production costs, consistent domestic demand, and efficient export infrastructure bolstered market stability despite rising freight costs.
Government policies, like buffer stocks and export controls, further contributed to price stabilization. Although ethanol prices in Brazil declined by 1% compared to the previous quarter, they increased by 35% year-on-year, with a 13% increase within Q1 2024.
This mixed trend reflected seasonal fluctuations, changes in government policies, and global market dynamics in sugar and oil prices. Brazil's intensified sugarcane processing and ethanol production signaled rising demand domestically and globally, positioning the country as a significant player in the international ethanol market.
Consequently, the quarter-ending price for Ethanol in Brazil stood at USD 684/MT, showcasing the positive pricing environment and the market's resilience in Q1 2024.
