March Ethanol and DDG Exports Post Strong Gains

Stronger overseas demand for both fuel ethanol and feed co-products continues to reinforce corn use beyond the domestic market.

Handling Grain Bard Waste DDGS for Sustainable Agriculture Applications_Photo by V.Semeniuk via AdobeStock_1424686711.jpg

Distiller Dried Grains (DDG)

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. ethanol and distillers’ grains exports both moved higher in March, adding support to corn demand through fuel and feed channels. The latest trade data showed stronger ethanol shipments to Canada and the European Union, while DDGs exports also posted a solid monthly gain.

U.S. ethanol exports rose 4 percent in March to 217.8 million gallons. Canada remained the top destination at 75.1 million gallons, up 23 percent from a year earlier, while shipments to the European Union climbed 18 percent to 58.8 million gallons, the highest level in six years.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger March ethanol and DDGs exports gave the corn sector another boost from international fuel and feed demand.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist

Several other markets also showed strength. Ethanol exports to the Philippines jumped 157 percent to 15.2 million gallons, Colombia rose 34 percent to 13.4 million gallons, and South Korea increased 52 percent to 10.5 million gallons. Year-to-date ethanol exports reached 639.8 million gallons, up 20 percent from last year.

DDGs exports expanded 12 percent in March to a five-month high of 1.03 million metric tons. Mexico recovered to 213,575 metric tons, Indonesia rose 61 percent to 163,702 metric tons, and Vietnam increased 44 percent to 101,428 metric tons. First-quarter DDGs exports totaled 2.96 million metric tons, up 10 percent from 2025.

The combined report points to broad export support for the ethanol sector. Stronger overseas demand for both fuel ethanol and feed co-products continues to reinforce corn use beyond the domestic market.

Related Stories
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture shows us why breaking even is going to be a challenge for corn producers across the state.
Farmers are struggling with low commodity prices and skyrocketing input costs, resulting in debt that is outpacing income across the sector, according to the USDA’s new farm income forecast.

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:

Treat storage as risk management and logistics, and budget to break even since export growth is unlikely to absorb bigger U.S. corn and soybean crops.
For rural borrowers, freeing up community-bank balance sheets could mean steadier home loans, operating lines, and ag real-estate financing as winter planning ramps up.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging Congress and the Trump Administration to act quickly on behalf of American agriculture.
Better yield measurement means fairer grids, more precise breeding targets, and more dollars for truly efficient cattle.
Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.
Expect a steady corn grind and selective basis strength where exports and local blending stay active.