Ethanol and Distillers Grains Exports Strengthen in August

Ethanol exports reached a five-month high as distillers grains shipments hit an 11-year high.

LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV News) — U.S. ethanol and dried distillers grains exports strengthened in August, adding demand for corn and ethanol plant coproducts as shipments increased across several major international markets.

Ethanol exports rose 6% from July to a five-month high of 211.8 million gallons. Canada remained the top buyer at 84.8 million gallons, followed by the European Union at 51.6 million and the United Kingdom at 19.5 million.

Colombia purchases jumped 163% to 12.7 million gallons, while Vietnam shipments fell 44% after a record July. Through August, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.62 billion gallons, 12% ahead of last year.

Dried distillers grains exports increased 18% to 1.30 million metric tons, the highest monthly total since August 2015. Mexico led at 214,091 metric tons, while Indonesia reached a record 203,258 and New Zealand a record 143,066.

Year-to-date dried distillers grains exports totaled 8.57 million metric tons, up 13% from 2025. Continued export strength would support ethanol plant margins and demand for corn processed through dry-mill facilities.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger ethanol and distillers grains exports are providing additional demand for corn and ethanol plant coproducts.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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