NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. ethanol production eased slightly late last week, but demand indicators strengthened, offering support for corn-based biofuels as winter fuel consumption rebounded. New EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association show ethanol markets entering late January with mixed supply signals but improving usage.
Ethanol production for the week ending January 23 declined 0.4 percent to 1.11 million barrels per day, or roughly 46.8 million gallons per day. Despite the weekly dip, output remained nearly 10 percent higher than the same week last year and more than 10 percent above the three-year average. The four-week average production rate edged marginally lower to an annualized pace of 17.40 billion gallons, signaling plants continue to run well above historical norms.
Ethanol inventories tightened modestly. Stocks fell 1.3 percent to 25.4 million barrels, slightly below year-ago levels but still above the three-year average. Inventory builds in the Midwest were offset by draws in other regions.
Demand showed notable improvement. Gasoline supplied rebounded nearly 12 percent ahead of a winter storm, while ethanol blending increased more than 3 percent. Exports declined sharply week to week but remain historically strong.
Despite China’s sharp drop in grain purchases this year, new USDA export data this week shows that even some buying activity from the trade giant still moves the markets.
December 16, 2025 12:20 PM
·
Corn and wheat exports remain supportive, but weaker soybean demand — especially from China — continues to pressure oilseed markets.
December 16, 2025 12:08 PM
·
Tim and Sharyn Abbott of the Music City Celebration Sale recap the weekend’s premier auction, which drew top dairy breeders and buyers to Nashville again this year from across North America.
December 16, 2025 11:54 AM
·
Slower grain movement may pressure basis, but falling diesel prices could help offset transportation costs.
December 16, 2025 06:00 AM
·
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
December 15, 2025 01:35 PM
·
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
December 15, 2025 12:15 PM
·
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
December 15, 2025 11:34 AM
·
Freight Softens as Producers Plan 2026 Budgets Nationwide
December 15, 2025 10:48 AM
·
Western Caucus member Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) details the SPEED Act on Champions of Rural America. The legislation aims to reform NEPA, streamline permitting, and expand domestic energy development.
December 12, 2025 03:58 PM
·
