Sources familiar with the matter were quoted by Reuters as saying that the company has recently supplied export-grade ethanol to shippers and leased tank space in Louisiana.
Said to be the third-largest ethanol producer in the US, Valero is expected to focus on major markets in Asia and Brazil.
The company plans to initially ship the alcohol fuel to overseas markets on a freight-on-board basis, and later sell its production directly to customers abroad.
Valero spokesman Bill Day said: "We are looking at increasing sales and expanding markets, including export markets."
Increasing regulatory uncertainty has plagued demand for the fuel in the US. Consequently, the companies are looking at countries such as Brazil and the Philippines.
During January – May, the US ethanol exports totalled 377 million gallons, a 6% increase compared to last year.
Valero started ethanol production in 2009, and has since sold domestic grade fuel. Last year, the company acquired Aventine Renewable’s 110-million-gallon plant in Mount Vernon, Indiana, and modernized the plant.
