The European Commission has extended its surveillance of fuel ethanol imports for a further three years, following concerns that rising volumes could harm the EU’s renewable ethanol industry.

 

The decision, published on 14 September, keeps imports under monthly statistical monitoring until September 2029. It also enables the Commission to respond quickly if import volumes pose a greater risk to European producers.

 

Imports of renewable fuel ethanol into the EU rose from 621,954 tonnes in 2023 to 967,354 tonnes in 2025 — an increase of 55%. The US accounted for 44% of imports in 2025, with shipments rising from 114,000 tonnes in 2023 to 423,000 tonnes in 2025. Imports from Brazil also increased, from 25,000 tonnes to 46,000 tonnes over the same period.

 

The Commission noted significant unused production capacity in the US and Brazil. Together, the two countries have more than 28 million tonnes of spare capacity, compared with EU ethanol consumption of around 5 million tonnes in 2025.

 

The investigation found that several economic indicators for sampled EU producers had deteriorated, indicating potential injury to the sector. The Commission therefore concluded that continued retrospective surveillance of bioethanol imports is in the EU’s interest.

 

Laurent Donceel, secretary general of ePURE, said the move recognises the importance of maintaining a strong domestic ethanol industry to support Europe’s competitiveness, energy independence and industrial resilience.