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The Implications of Alternative U.S. Domestic and Trade Policies for Biofuels

Author

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  • Yano, Yuki
  • Blandford, David
  • Surry, Yves R.

Abstract

The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS), which involves mandates for various biofuels, is complex and has been often misinterpreted or oversimplified in previous studies. In this paper we analyze the implications of the RFS for the U.S. domestic and international ethanol markets. We demonstrate the vital role of the advanced biofuel mandate within the RFS. Impacts of changes in tariffs on imported fuel ethanol and subsidies for U.S. domestic ethanol production are examined. One of our important findings is that the RFS could result in serious misallocation of resources in both a national and international context. There is a possibility that the United States could be required to import sugarcane-based ethanol to meet the advanced biofuel mandate, simultaneously exporting corn-based ethanol, while satisfying the national overall mandate. Since the provision of subsidies for domestic ethanol production can stimulate exports of corn-based ethanol, they are equivalent to export subsidies in this situation. The removal of tariffs can reduce the burden imposed on consumers in the United States from the operation of the RFS. Our analysis shows that it is extremely important to understand the potential impact of the RFS on agricultural and energy markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Yano, Yuki & Blandford, David & Surry, Yves R., 2010. "The Implications of Alternative U.S. Domestic and Trade Policies for Biofuels," 84th Annual Conference, March 29-31, 2010, Edinburgh, Scotland 91832, Agricultural Economics Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aesc10:91832
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.91832
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. de Gorter, Harry & Just, David R., 2007. "The Law of Unintended Consequences: How the U.S. Biofuel Tax Credit with a Mandate Subsidizes Oil Consumption and Has No Impact on Ethanol Consumption," Working Papers 127022, Cornell University, Department of Applied Economics and Management.
    2. de Gorter, Harry & Just, David R., 2007. "The economics of U.S. ethanol import tariffs with a consumption mandate and tax credit," MPRA Paper 5504, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Harry de Gorter & David R. Just, 2008. "The Economics of a Blend Mandate for Biofuels," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 91(3), pages 738-750.
    4. Martinez-Gonzalez, Ariadna & Sheldon, Ian M. & Thompson, Stanley R., 2007. "Estimating the Effects of U.S. Distortions in the Ethanol Market Using a Partial Equilibrium Trade Model," 2007 Annual Meeting, July 29-August 1, 2007, Portland, Oregon 9802, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    5. Martinez-Gonzalez Ariadna & Sheldon Ian M & Thompson Stanley, 2007. "Estimating the Welfare Effects of U.S. Distortions in the Ethanol Market Using a Partial Equilibrium Trade Model," Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization, De Gruyter, vol. 5(2), pages 1-19, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sunil P. Dhoubhadel & Azzeddine M. Azzam & Matthew C. Stockton, 2017. "Does the USA have market power in importing ethanol from Brazil?," International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 10(2/3), pages 251-266.

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