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
The impacts of the government shutdown have reached commodity growers with crops to move, ag economists monitoring the harvest without key data reporting, and meat producers in need of new export markets.
In a statement provided to RFD-TV News, a USDA spokesperson reiterated President Trump and the USDA’s commitment to farmers in difficult economic times.
Support policies that keep U.S. biofuels at the table—marine demand could materially lift corn grind, crush margins, and rural jobs.
China is not one of our top suppliers of cooking oil, according to USDA ERS data, but does export a lot of used cooking oil to the U.S. for biofuel production.
Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.
Export Inspections In Bushels Show Mixed Momentum Patterns

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:

ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.
USDA’s steady yields and heavy global stocks keep grains range-bound unless demand firms or South American weather becomes a real threat.
As economic pressures continue to squeeze agriculture, ag lenders are signaling a more cautious outlook for farm profitability heading into next year, particularly among grain producers facing lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
China’s cost advantage with Brazilian soybeans and vague public messaging leave U.S. export prospects uncertain heading into winter.
Expanded aerial capacity strengthens the U.S.–Mexico buffer against screwworm, providing cattle producers with stronger protection heading into winter and reducing risk to herds along the southern tier.