Why are U.S. biofuel imports growing more slowly in 2025 despite the EPA's record bio-based diesel mandates?

U.S. biofuel imports are growing more slowly because foreign producers no longer qualify for the $1-per-gallon blender's tax credit—replaced in 2025 by the 45Z Clean Fuel Production tax credit, which generally benefits domestic bio-based diesel—and many foreign importers are not registered with the EPA to generate Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), which are required to meet blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

What did Valero’s executive identify as the two main barriers hindering bio-based diesel imports into the U.S.?

Valero’s senior vice president of renewable operations and low carbon fuels, Eric Honeyman, identified two main barriers: (1) the elimination of tax credit benefits for foreign imports, and (2) the requirement that importers be registered to generate RINs—a status many foreign producers have not obtained—compounded further by recent tariff announcements increasing the difficulty.

US refiner Valero says tax credit overhaul, registration hurdles have slowed biofuel imports

Jul 30, 2026

Valero executives state biofuel imports are lagging due to tax credit changes and RIN registration hurdles, complicating EPA mandate compliance. Imports through June totaled just 25% of 2024 levels despite record blending requirements.

reuters

2026-07-30

US refiner Valero says tax credit overhaul, registration hurdles have slowed biofuel imports

US refiner Valero says tax credit overhaul, registration hurdles have slowed biofuel imports

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