Kentucky Corn helped lay the groundwork for a new trade agreement with Vietnam’s top fuel distributor, opening the door to a 300-million-gallon export opportunity for U.S. ethanol.
U.S. ethanol leaders recently took a big step forward by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrolimex, Vietnam’s largest petroleum distributor. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), U.S. Grains Council (USGC), and Growth Energy came together in Washington, D.C. to formalize the agreement and strengthen trade ties.
The MOU highlights the many benefits of ethanol — from boosting energy security to improving air quality — and supports Petrolimex’s commitment to align with Vietnam’s new government directive to increase ethanol use in transportation fuel blends.
Kentucky Corn Helped Pave the Way
This milestone didn’t happen overnight. According to a Kentucky Corn Growers Association news release, the groundwork was laid months earlier in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Back in October 2023, Kentucky Corn and the USGC welcomed 15 key Vietnamese ethanol stakeholders and policymakers for an immersive tour of the U.S. bioethanol supply chain. Many of those same delegates would later attend the MOU signing.
The visit gave the Vietnamese delegation a chance to see firsthand how U.S. farmers and ethanol producers work together to meet demand while improving sustainability.
Farms, Fields, and Fueling the Future
Brandon Hunt, a fifth-generation farmer, hosted the group at his farm, where he explained how cover crops and conservation practices support ethanol production and long-term soil health.
“Vietnam’s liquid fuel needs could equate to a 300-million-gallon market for U.S. ethanol. This MOU is a major step toward reaching that potential,” Hunt said in the release. “Their current market uses E-5 in some fuel grades, and our goal is to help them move to E-10 across the board.”
Hunt said one of the main questions from the group was about consumer acceptance.
“We spent time sharing how the U.S. transition to higher blends like E-10 went smoothly. We took them to convenience stores and gas stations where they could see motorists using E-10 every day without a second thought,” he said.
Beyond the technical details, Hunt emphasized the importance of relationship-building.
“I was also pleased to show them how our farming practices support decarbonization goals, and to share why American corn farmers are a dependable feedstock source,” Hunt said. “Trade starts with trust. There’s no better place to build that trust than in a cornfield or on a tractor.”
Full-Circle Education
The group’s experience also included conversations with local farm leaders and a tour of H&R Agri-Power’s equipment repair facilities. Multi-generational farmers shared how they’ve boosted production while keeping conservation front and center.
The visit wrapped up with a deep dive into the ethanol production process at Commonwealth Agri-Energy. Delegates toured the facility to see everything from grain delivery to quality control labs and co-product storage, including distillers grains and corn oil.
“The U.S. Grains Council does a fantastic job connecting U.S. corn producers with global partners,” Hunt added. “It’s a team effort—and we’re proud to be part of it.”
