US ethanol exports would take major hit from China’s tariff threat.

China’s proposed 45% tariff on US ethanol imports would block an estimated 20 million gal/month of shipments, deal a blow to US producers export ambitions and make China’s own E10 target unreachable. US ethanol exports to China have been on the rise in recent months, despite an existing 30% tariff imposed in January 2017. China proposed, adding an additional 15% tariff in retaliation to US President Donald Trump’s trade action Thursday targeting China’s technology and manufacturing industries. The proposed hike was part of a wider statement by China’s Ministry of Commerce listing 128 commodities representing $3 billion in trade that could be subject to duties.