Record Ethanol Exports Drive Strong August Trade Gains

Ethanol exports are expanding on strong demand from Canada and Europe, while DDGS shipments remain broad-based and supportive for feed markets.

Farmland producing ethanol for the oil and gas industry. Railroad tankers cars lined up near a ethanol plant at sunset_Photo by photogrfx via AdobeStock_496174713.png

Photo by photogrfx via Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. ethanol exports surged in August on the strength of record sales to Canada and the European Union (EU), pushing total shipments to 188.8 million gallons — a 15 percent monthly increase and 24 percent above last year. The month’s gains were anchored by 74.4 million gallons moving into Canada and 47.6 million gallons routed through the Netherlands for EU use, with both markets combining for nearly two-thirds of total exports. No foreign ethanol entered the U.S. during the period.

Additional buyers shifted sharply. Colombia increased imports by 43 percent to 14.1 million gallons, India rebounded after months of minimal activity, and Mexico moved higher as the United Kingdom, Peru, and the Philippines eased back. Year-to-date ethanol exports reached 1.42 billion gallons, tracking 16 percent ahead of 2024.

DDGS exports also strengthened. Shipments rose 10 percent to 1.17 million metric tons, with Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam, and Colombia accounting for half of all movement. Several destinations — including Colombia, Honduras, and New Zealand — posted record monthly totals. Year-to-date DDGS exports reached 7.64 million metric tons, slightly below last year’s pace.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Ethanol exports are expanding on strong demand from Canada and Europe, while DDGS shipments remain broad-based and supportive for feed markets.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
Cuban economic reforms could open up nearby export demand, but policy execution remains the key uncertainty.
ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.
Domestic textile demand plays a shrinking role in supporting U.S. cotton prices.
Strong cattle markets are masking ongoing financial stress across crop agriculture.
Record ethanol demand continues supporting corn markets and rural economies.

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:

Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
Bipartisan momentum builds, but final farm policy remains unsettled.
Heavy cattle weights are cushioning beef supplies despite shrinking herd numbers.
Farm bill negotiations remain unsettled, leaving producers waiting for updated federal support programs.
Geopolitical risk is rapidly increasing fertilizer price volatility before planting.
China may no longer serve as a consistent anchor market for U.S. cotton exports. Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the factors influencing planting decisions, river conditions, and what producers are considering as they finalize acreage plans for the season.