Annual Ethanol Exports at Record Levels

U.S. ethanol exports hit record levels in 2024 even with one month left to report for the year.

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) says at through the end of November, ethanol exports were 1.72 billion gallons, surpassing the previous annual high of 1.67 billion set in 2018, representing 12% of domestic production.

Those strong sales were driven by rising global demand for renewable energy and were reached without any significant business with potential major markets Brazil and China, both of which have trade barriers for U.S. ethanol.

Canada took in about a third of total shipments, followed by the United Kingdom, India, the European Union, and Colombia.

The RFA says it expects the final 2024 ethanol export total to be about 1.9 billion gallons and projects exports of distillers dried grains at a record 12 million tons.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Really good news for corn producers and the ethanol industry. Corn producers will benefit from the higher demand for ethanol due to a stronger underpinning for corn prices. It is also better for the environment through lower carbon emissions. Overall, this report provides very good news to the entire ethanol industry in the U.S. Be sure to promote to the corn producers in your area your CAD membership, AgPack®, CAD Protect, CADFI and all the other benefits you have available through the Certified Ag Group. You’ll be glad you did!