Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/141651
U.S. Clean Diesel Technology Exports an Economic Powerhouse TRENDS AND TIDBITS On the occasion of World Trade Week, the Diesel Technology Forum today highlighted the importance of diesel engines, fuels and equipment in global commerce and international trade. "Diesel technology powers the global economy, and it so happens that the U.S. is a leader in the manufacturing of the new generation of clean diesel technology. Altogether, diesel product and fuel exports represented $46.2 billion of U.S. exports, according to a recent study by California-based Aspen Environmental and M-Cubed. Most notably, diesel technology has an export-tovalue ratio that is five times higher than the national average," said Allen Schaeffer, the executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "The U.S. exports a significant amount of high-value diesel products and fuels; taken together these commodities represent 4.4 percent of $1.06 trillion dollars in exports. Refineries account for the largest proportion of dieselrelated exports, at $9.5 billion. U.S. vehicle and equipment manufacturing has resulted in strong U.S. export figures from other diesel industry segments including truck manufacturing [$9.1 billion, or 36 percent of total production] and construction equipment [$7.8 billion, or 18 percent of production]. "Diesel engine manufacturing is particularly notable, accounting for $6.9 billion in exports [22 percent of production], and nearly one in four diesel engines made in the U.S. were destined for export. "America's clean diesel technology is the very kind of reliable, durable, energy efficient, and low-emissions products that are highly-valued exports increasingly in demand around the world. From diesel-powered generators that provide critical electrical power to farm tractors and equipment that enables greater food production and productivity with less fuel to construction machines and equipment that build and maintain the critical transportation and utilities infrastructure, diesel technology is at work, making progress possible around the globe. "Diesel is one our nation's greatest environmental and economic success stories. By using the world's cleanest diesel fuel, making engines that have near zero emissions and increased fuel efficiency, and renewable fuel capability, diesel engines and equipment are now well positioned as a technology of the future and will continue to play a vital role not only in growing our core domestic economy in the U.S., but enabling progress and improving the quality of life in developing countries around the globe. The United Nations Environment Programme has noticed the impressive emission reduction achievements made from the introduction of clean diesel fuel and emission reduction technologies here in the U.S. and is working to introduce these technologies to markets around the globe. "The first step on the path to a global clean diesel future is the availability of low sulfur diesel," said Schaeffer. "In fact, the U.S. is now a net exporter of ultra-low sulfur diesel, sending over 262 million barrels of clean fuel abroad in 2012 and sparking new demand for engines and emission reduction technologies made in the U.S." ● www.sacbee.com May, 2013 By kgribbins Trends continued on page 41 IDA UNIVERSAL July-August 2013 37