2024 was a great year for U.S. ethanol exports, but what does 2025 hold?

“Ethanol was very competitive as a fuel last year.”

U.S. ethanol exports rose to a peak value of $7.5 billion last year, making a positive contribution to the U.S. trade balance, while also boosting farm incomes.

Renewable Fuels Association Chief Economist, Scott Richman spoke with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander on current trade conditions, what this means for producers, and what to expect moving forward in 2025.

Related Stories
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.