U.S. Ethanol Exports Slip in September as Shipments to Brazil Sag

In Washington, D.C., U.S. ethanol exports totaled 86.4 million gallons (mg) in September, down 16% from August shipments, according to government data released and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association. Canada was again the top destination for U.S. exports at 28.8 mg (one-third of total exports), a decrease of 5% from August. India increased its intake of U.S. product by 126% to 20.3 mg, edging out Brazil as the second-leading export destination in September.

For the first time in 16 months, Brazil was not one of the top two customers of U.S. ethanol exports—likely the result of the nation’s implementation in early September of a 20% tariff on ethanol imports. Ethanol exports to Brazil decreased to 19.1 mg, down 29% from August and 70% below the peak of 64.3 mg in May. Canada, India and Brazil accounted for a whopping 79% of all shipments in September while another 20% was parsed out amongst nine other markets.