Which Country Imports the Most Ethyl Alcohol in the World?

In 2016, the global ethanol imports totaled 8.7M tonnes, going up by 11% against the previous year level. Overall, it indicated a remarkable growth from 2007 to 2016: the total imports volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. Based on the result of 2016, ethanol imports increased by +23.5% against its level of 2014. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2011, an increase of 46% year-to-year. Global ethanol import peaked in 2016, and are expected to retain its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, ethanol imports totaled $7.1B in 2016. Overall, it indicated a strong growth from 2007 to 2016: the total imports value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. Based on the result of 2016, ethanol imports decreased by -26.7% against its level of 2012. Global ethanol import peaked of $9.7B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2016, it stood at a somewhat lower level.

Top Ethanol Importing Countries in the World

1. Netherlands (810.7 million USD)

2. Germany (644.9 million USD)

3. Canada (604.9 million USD)

4. USA (525.5 million USD)

5. Japan (429.4 million USD)

6. United Kingdom (416.3 million USD)

7. China (408.3 million USD)

8. Brazil (394.7 million USD)

9. Philippines (249.1 million USD)

10. India (192.3 million USD)

11. South Korea (189.6 million USD)

12. Italy (143.5 million USD)

Ethanol Imports By Country

The countries with the highest levels of ethanol imports in 2016 were the Netherlands (1M tonnes), Germany (869K tonnes), Canada (672K tonnes), Brazil (657K tonnes), the U.S. (583K tonnes), the UK (530K tonnes), Japan (476K tonnes), China (454K tonnes), the Philippines (346K tonnes), South Korea (271K tonnes), India (214K tonnes), and Italy (179K tonnes), together amounting to 72% of total import.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of ethanol imports, among the main importing countries, was attained by Brazil (+80.3% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest ethanol markets worldwide were the Netherlands ($811M), Germany ($645M) and Canada ($605M), with a combined 29% share of global imports.The U.S., Japan, the UK, China, Brazil, the Philippines, India, South Korea and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 42%.

Brazil (+78.3% per year) had the highest growth rate of ethanol imports, among the main importing countries, over the last 9 years, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Ethanol Import Prices By Country

The average ethanol import price stood at $813 per tonne in 2016, descending by -8.5% against the previous year. Overall, ethanol import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011, when import increased by 14% year-to-year. Over the period under review, average ethanol import price reached its maximum level of $1,124 per tonne in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2016, it failed to regain its strength.

There were significant differences in the average import prices amongst major importing countries. In 2016, the country with the highest import prices was Japan ($901 per tonne), while Brazil ($600 per tonne) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of ethanol import prices was attained by South Korea (+1.5% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Do you want to know more about global ethanol market? Get the latest trends and insight from our report. It includes a wide range of statistics on

• ethanol market share
• ethanol prices
• ethanol industry
• ethanol sales
• ethanol import
• ethanol export
• ethanol market forecast
• ethanol price forecast
• key ethanol producers

All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 2207 - Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength.

Source: World: Ethyl Alcohol - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025