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
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
September 15, 2025 12:09 PM
·
Harvested acres are estimated at 90.0 million, making this year’s corn crop one of the largest since the 1930s.
September 12, 2025 12:38 PM
·
U.S. producers are holding off on equipment investments amid financial pressure, market uncertainty, a rising demand for diesel, and growing desperation for trade wins.
September 12, 2025 11:18 AM
·
With new renewable volume obligations announced this year, the Iowa Soybean Association says they’ll be vital to a farmer’s bottom line.
September 10, 2025 01:19 PM
·
The September WASDE report comes out on Friday at Noon ET. As always, we’ll bring you those numbers right here on Market Day Report along with our expert
September 10, 2025 11:44 AM
·
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
September 09, 2025 11:12 AM
·
September 09, 2025 10:25 AM
·
Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s
Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.
September 05, 2025 12:40 PM
·
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture shows us why breaking even is going to be a challenge for corn producers across the state.
September 04, 2025 03:36 PM
·
