The United States continues to export MTBE, mainly to Mexico, Chile, and Venezuela

U.S. Energy Information Administration --------- U.S. exports of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a motor gasoline additive, totaled 38,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2017, primarily to Mexico, Chile, and Venezuela. MTBE was once commonly used in the United States but was phased out in the late 2000s as a result of water contamination concerns. Since then, fuel ethanol has replaced MTBE as a gasoline additive. MTBE is a fuel oxygenate that boosts octane ratings and helps achieve more complete combustion in gasoline engines. Since 2005, most U.S. exports of MTBE have gone to Mexico and Venezuela, with increasing exports to Chile. In 2017, Mexico accounted for two-thirds (66%) of U.S. MTBE exports. Economic instability in Venezuela may have contributed to the decrease in U.S. exports of MTBE to that country in recent years. Overall, MTBE accounts for a small portion of total U.S. petroleum product exports, averaging 0.7% of the total in 2017. To learn more click on the picture below to read the article.