Ethanol Production Declines Slightly While Weekly Stocks Increase

Stable blending demand continues to underpin corn use despite export volatility.

Farmland producing ethanol for the oil and gas industry. Railroad tankers cars lined up near a ethanol plant at sunset_Photo by photogrfx via AdobeStock_496174713.png

Photo by photogrfx via Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS)Ethanol production eased modestly last week, but output remains stronger than year-ago levels, continuing to support corn demand despite softer export movement.

Energy Information Administration data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association show that production for the week ending February 20 declined 0.4 percent to 1.11 million barrels per day, equal to 46.75 million gallons per day. Output was 3.0 percent above the same week last year and 5.6 percent above the three-year average. The four-week average held at 1.07 million barrels per day, or 16.51 billion gallons annualized.

Refiner and blender net inputs were unchanged at 866,000 barrels per day, running 2.4 percent ahead of last year. Gasoline supplied dipped 0.2 percent but remained 3.3 percent above year-ago levels.

Ethanol stocks rose 0.2 percent to 25.6 million barrels, though inventories remain 7.0 percent below last year and 1.8 percent under the three-year average. Exports fell 20.3 percent to 141,000 barrels per day.

Looking ahead, steady domestic blending may offset export weakness if seasonal fuel demand improves.

Related Stories
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
A rescheduled WASDE, China’s soybean squeeze, barge bottlenecks, and premium beef demand all collide this week — with cash decisions, basis, and risk plans on the line.
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.

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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rising demand for Comfort Colors t-shirts reinforces the pull for U.S.-grown cotton, linking rural fiber production to a fast-growing mainstream apparel brand.
Record Australian exports and rising U.S. imports reflect continued tight domestic cattle supplies — a reminder that herd recovery remains key to balancing future beef prices.
Australia’s expanding harvest and global oversupply are keeping wheat and barley prices capped, though canola markets may hold firmer on shifting oilseed demand.
Bioethanol continues to gain ground as the bridge fuel connecting agriculture, aviation, and maritime industries in the global shift toward lower-carbon energy.
Expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.