NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. ethanol production and exports strengthened in 2025, reinforcing corn demand and reshaping transportation patterns across major domestic and export corridors.
Production rose 2 percent from 2024 and was 8 percent above the five-year average, supported by large corn supplies, improved plant efficiency, and firm international demand. Rail remained the dominant transport mode, moving 68 percent of Midwest output, with shipments primarily routed to the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and West Coast fuel markets.
Overall, Class I rail movements rose 1 percent from 2024 and 10 percent from the five-year average, though second-half rail volumes declined slightly as some shipments shifted to truck and barge.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong exports and production support ongoing corn demand.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Exports accounted for about 15 percent of total U.S. ethanol demand in 2025, reaching 2.18 billion gallons — up 13 percent year over year and 52 percent above the five-year average. Canada, the Netherlands, India, the United Kingdom, and Colombia purchased 76 percent of shipments, driven largely by national blending mandates ranging from E5 to E20.
Looking ahead, federal forecasts show ethanol production and exports holding near record levels into 2026 as blending demand stabilizes and corn use for ethanol rises.
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
January 29, 2026 01:31 PM
·
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
January 29, 2026 12:44 PM
·
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
January 29, 2026 06:00 AM
·
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
January 28, 2026 01:49 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
·
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
January 28, 2026 11:35 AM
·
