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
Tom McComas became involved with toy trains by accident and with reluctance. Now, he hosts “I Love Toy Trains,” where he invites viewers to enter the delightful and charming world of toy trains.
The success of American agriculture relies upon a robust transportation system.

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:

RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across each region of the United States for the week of Monday, September 22, 2025.
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.
The USDA NASS report also confirms lower August placements.
Producers and processors should watch trade policy closely as tariff impacts ripple through seafood markets.
While symbolic, the WTO’s youth hackathon reflects growing calls for creative approaches to food trade and security, with potential implications for reducing losses, expanding biofuel markets, and stabilizing grain flows.
Ethanol producers face a widening opportunity window as aviation and marine fuel markets expand, with the potential to add billions in demand if policy and certification align.