U.S. Ethanol Exports Surge Past 1 Billion Gallons

Strong ethanol exports support long-term growth in corn demand.

Aerial of cargo ship carrying container for export cargo from cargo yard port to other ocean concept smart freight shipping ship front view_Photo by Yellow Boat via AdobeStock_1601867486.jpg

Aerial of a cargo ship carrying a container of exports.

Photo by Yellow Boat via Adobe Stock

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — U.S. ethanol exports have surpassed one billion gallons in the current marketing year, putting shipments on pace to exceed last year’s record and reinforcing strong demand for corn-based fuel globally, according to the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council.

Exports are up 13 percent year-over-year, driven by expanding international demand and improved market access. Canada remains the top buyer, importing 432 million gallons so far this year, while the European Union has nearly doubled purchases as it works toward renewable fuel targets.

Japan remains a steady customer, while Brazil has sharply increased its imports, and emerging markets like Nigeria are showing consistent growth. Higher ethanol blend rates and policy shifts in key countries are helping drive that demand.

For U.S. agriculture, strong ethanol exports translate directly into sustained demand for corn. As production continues to increase, export markets play a critical role in absorbing supply and supporting prices.

The industry also sees future growth tied to new uses, including sustainable aviation fuel and marine fuel applications, which could further expand demand.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong ethanol exports support long-term growth in corn demand.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) shares an end-of-harvest update and a peek at the farmland market in Central Illinois.
Host of RealAg Radio Shaun Haney discusses how the proposed reductions to agriculture programs in Canada’s new budget could affect research and support programs that farmers need.

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:

A permanent national E15 standard would boost corn demand, lower fuel costs, and provide a stable path for U.S. energy security.
Outdated reporting thresholds reduce cash-market visibility and increase the urgency of comprehensive Mandatory Price Reporting reform.
Rural employers are slightly more optimistic, but labor shortages and renewed price pressures continue to limit growth across farm country according to a
Stable U.S. fundamentals continue for major crops, but global adjustments in corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton may influence early-2026 pricing.
Corn and wheat exports continue to outperform last year, while soybeans show steady but subdued movement compared to 2024.
Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.