China: Biofuels Annual
China is a major producer of biofuels and production continues to increase. However, it is unclear how the government will meet its ambitious targets for continued expansion given its decision to limit grainbased biofuel production and the limited availability of alternative feedstocks. 2016 fuel ethanol production is forecast at 3.15 billion liters (2.49 million metric tons), up 2.6 percent from 2015 in response to increased fuel consumption in provinces with blend mandates. Biodiesel production is forecast to stay flat in 2016 at 1.14 billion liters (1 million metric tons). 2016 ethanol imports are forecast to reach 90 million liters on higher consumption and competitive prices. Imports jumped to 56.9 million liters in the first half of 2015, compared to less than 14 million liters during the same period the year before. The prospect for further import growth remains uncertain given tight government controls over the sale of ethanol for fuel use.
