NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. ethanol production surged to a record high in early January, signaling strong operational momentum even as fuel demand and inventories remain seasonally mixed. According to Energy Information Administration data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol output jumped 8.9 percent for the week ending January 9, climbing to 1.20 million barrels per day — the highest weekly level on record.
Production ran 9.2 percent above the same week last year and nearly 14 percent above the three-year average, reflecting aggressive run rates across much of the industry. The four-week average production rate also moved higher, reaching an annualized pace of 17.32 billion gallons, reinforcing the strength of near-term supply.
Ethanol stocks increased 3.5 percent to 24.5 million barrels, though inventories remain slightly below both year-ago levels and the three-year average. Stock builds occurred in most regions, with the Midwest the only area where inventories declined, suggesting continued strong blending or shipment activity in the core production region.
Demand indicators improved modestly. Gasoline supplied rose 1.6 percent week over week, while refiner and blender ethanol inputs rebounded more than 9 percent and exceeded both last year and the three-year average. Exports also strengthened, climbing to an estimated 119,000 barrels per day, with no ethanol imports reported for more than a year.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.
November 04, 2025 10:47 AM
·
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.
November 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
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.
November 03, 2025 09:34 AM
·
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.
November 03, 2025 09:23 AM
·
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.
November 02, 2025 05:06 AM
·
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
November 01, 2025 06:54 AM
·
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
October 31, 2025 01:17 PM
·
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
October 30, 2025 03:25 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
October 30, 2025 02:37 PM
·
