NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. ethanol production dipped during the week ending December 5, even as overall output remained above last year and recent historical averages. Renewable Fuels Association analysis of EIA data shows production eased 1.9 percent to 1.11 million barrels per day, though volumes stayed 2.5 percent higher than a year ago and 3.2 percent above the three-year average. The four-week average rose slightly, supporting an annualized pace of 17.05 billion gallons.
Stocks held steady at 22.5 million barrels, remaining below both year-ago and three-year benchmarks. Regional draws continued across most PADDs, except the Midwest, where inventories climbed to an 11-week high.
Gasoline supplied — a key indicator of implied demand — increased 1.6 percent to 8.46 million barrels per day, but still trailed last year and the three-year average. Refiner and blender net inputs fell to a 41-week low, reflecting softer near-term blending activity. Ethanol exports also pulled back sharply to an estimated 125,000 barrels per day.
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
January 30, 2026 01:13 PM
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The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
January 30, 2026 12:51 PM
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Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
January 30, 2026 11:44 AM
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Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
January 30, 2026 08:00 AM
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Strong blending demand continues to support ethanol use even as production and exports fluctuate.
January 30, 2026 07:00 AM
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Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
January 29, 2026 01:31 PM
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