U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Exports Gain Traction

In July, U.S. ethanol exports demonstrated a 1% increase, reaching a three-month high at 113.4 million gallons (mg). Of notable significance, Canada continued to dominate as the largest destination for U.S. ethanol exports, maintaining this position for the 28th consecutive month and accounting for a significant 55% of global sales.

July witnessed an astonishing milestone, with U.S. ethanol exports surging to a record-breaking 62.6 mg, including 58 mg of denatured ethanol. This remarkable achievement represented a substantial 23% month-over-month increase and marked the fourth-largest single-month volume of U.S. ethanol exports to any country. The remaining gallons were diversified across nine other markets, illustrating a diverse and expansive export landscape.

Notable escalations in ethanol exports were observed in the United Kingdom, recording a remarkable 23% growth to 16.7 mg, and South Korea, showing a 5% increase to 10.7 mg. Nevertheless, there were contractions in exports to the European Union, experiencing a significant 55% decline to 7.1 mg, Colombia, which saw a decrease of 22% to 4.3 mg, and Mexico, registering a 6% decline to 3.9 mg.

Brazil and India chose not to partake in the ethanol export market during this specific period. Cumulatively, year-to-date ethanol exports amounted to a substantial 818.3 mg.

Interestingly, the United States experienced a unique scenario, as it marked the seventh consecutive month without any noteworthy imports of foreign ethanol.

During the same month, the export of dried distiller grains (DDGS), which represent an animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, reached a total of 993,018 metric tons (mt). U.S. shippers achieved their highest monthly DDGS exports in the past year, indicating a collective 5% improvement compared to June.

While there was a slight 2% decrease in DDGS imports, which amounted to 185,136 mt, Mexico remained a steadfast and consistent market for U.S. DDGS for the 13th consecutive month, consistently holding its position as the largest destination. Exports of DDGS soared in Vietnam, experiencing an impressive 11% increase to 124,184 mt, and in Indonesia, where they surged by 31% to 120,839 mt, reaching a record high.

Turkey also witnessed a significant upswing, nearly doubling its DDGS imports to 89,859 mt. In contrast, DDGS exports decreased in the European Union, marking a 9% decline to 68,879 mt, as well as in South Korea, which witnessed a notable 26% decrease to 64,888 mt, representing the lowest monthly volume in over three years.

Additionally, Canada recorded a 16% decline in DDGS imports, totaling 59,670 mt. Completing the list of the top ten DDGS customers for July were Japan (56,371 mt), Morocco (30,041 mt), and Taiwan (24,526 mt). Year-to-date U.S. DDGS exports reached a cumulative 6.11 million mt, reflecting a 9% decrease compared to the same period the previous year.