The United States is becoming one the major refined products exports centers in the world. The irresistible force of rising crude oil NGLs production in the United States and Canada combined with limited demand growth, rising biofuels use, and integrated low-cost refining position the United States for refined products export growth. Rising export growth will present opportunities and challenges both in markets and infrastructure. Is the United States sustainably competitive with other export refining centers? How much more refinery and logistics infrastructure modifications are needed?
The shift to lower Carbon Intensity (CI) liquid bio-based transport fuels blending components is becoming firmly established. In California, Canada, and the European Union, the demand for lower CI biofuels is set to rise for at least the next decade. Other market could adopt similar policies. To date, the focus has largely been on renewable diesel fuel. However, as the policies move forward, market constraints are almost certain to develop and require both industry and policy adjustments. How will these low CI policy goals be met? Will other countries follow? What are the challenges and opportunities for market participants in a falling CI world?