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
Higher biofuel mandates boost long-term crop demand, but a tighter D4 market may pressure biofuel feedstocks and pose new soybean oil demand risks.
John Mays with Central Life Sciences joins us to discuss the importance of pest management ahead of wheat storage and how protecting grain quality can support stronger marketing opportunities.
University of Arkansas researchers are working to help farmers reduce grain waste and get more value out of their crops.
According to a tweet from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the full House vote on the Farm Bill will be held until lawmakers return from recess.
Louisiana soybean farmers are moving quickly to get this year’s crop planted during a key window for yield potential.
The House is moving forward with debate on the Farm Bill after a lengthy session in the House Rules Committee cleared the legislation for floor consideration.

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:

Reliance on vegetable imports remains uneven, with domestic production still anchoring several major categories.
Farmland outlook is tracking closely with producer confidence, investment appetite, and financial expectations.
StoneX’s Josh Linville discusses USDA’s efforts to boost domestic fertilizer production and his outlook on supply and prices.
Landowners interested in protecting working ground through an easement now have another funding window open until the end of May.
Domestic demand policy may play a larger role if export competition continues to limit price recovery.
Beef is leading the decline as slaughter drops and supplies tighten.