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
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