Burgeoning U.S. Ethanol Exports Third Highest on Record

In Washington, D.C., U.S. ethanol exports totaled 175.4 million gallons (mg) in October, according to government data released and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). This is nearly double (up 95%) September exports and the third highest monthly total on record—only surpassed by February (218.7 mg) and March (215.1 mg) of this year. Shipments were bolstered by the strongest demand for American ethanol in six months by Brazil.

A widespread shuffling of customers occurred in October with Brazil bumping Canada to capture the position of top U.S. customer. Brazil imported 54.5 mg—up 49.1 mg and representing 31% of U.S. export sales—as the sugarcane harvest began to wind down. Canada decreased its offtake by 12%, importing 30.7 mg or 18% of U.S. ethanol shipments in October. India boosted its purchases of U.S. ethanol to a record 29.1 mg for a 17% hold on American ethanol exports. Sales to these three countries represent two-thirds of all shipments in October.

American producers shipped 91.4 mg of denatured fuel ethanol in October, a 35% increase and the highest volume on record. October exports of U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol were 79.7 mg, shooting back up after dipping to 13.4 mg in September. October sales of ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes backed off 54% from the prior month to 4.3 mg.