November ethanol exports hit three-month low, down 40% on year

In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Association says November U.S. ethanol exports declined 3% to a three-month low of 81.4 million gallons (mg), approximately 40% less than the volume shipped a year ago. Essentially all exported U.S. ethanol landed in just ten countries in November. Our northern neighbor secured its place as our top customer for the twentieth consecutive month as shipments to Canada increased 8% to 47.9 mg—an unprecedented 59% of all exports. U.S. ethanol exports also expanded to South Korea, up 54% to 7.8 mg. Other larger markets included Mexico (5.1 mg, -21%), the European Union (4.6 mg, -33% to a 14-month low)—primarily led by the Netherlands—Peru (4.5 mg, -1%), and the United Kingdom (3.3 mg, -5%). India, Brazil, and China were principally absent from our export market in November. Despite the recent relaxed pace, year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports total 1.28 billion gallons, 15% ahead of last year at this time.

The U.S. imported 18.9 mg of undenatured ethanol from Brazil. Total year-to-date imports stand at 77.2 mg, or 32% more than last year at this time.