On May 29, 2025, Enterprise Products Partners announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) notified the company of new licensing requirements for exports of ethane and butane to China. This new requirement was effective immediately for ethane and butane with a purity of 95 percent or more by volume, though the butane requirement was later withdrawn.
This regulatory change means Enterprise must now apply for a license to export ethane to China, a process that could significantly impact its export volumes and operations. The company stated that its ethane exports could be hurt by this new requirement.
In 2024, Enterprise's marine export terminal on the Houston Ship Channel loaded approximately 213,000 barrels per day of ethane, with about 40 percent, or 85,000 barrels per day, destined for Chinese markets. This new licensing hurdle introduces uncertainty for a substantial portion of its ethane export business.
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