Ethanol & Bioenergy News in English

2024 U S Ethanol Exports Set New Record—in Just 11 Months

Source RFA

Posted on January 8, 2025

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

According to data released Tuesday by the Census Bureau, U.S. ethanol exports for 2024 totaled 1.72 billion gallons just through November, already surpassing the previous annual record of 1.67 billion gallons set in 2018. With one month of data to go, exports were on pace to approach 1.9 billion gallons for the full 2024 calendar year, which would represent 12 percent of U.S. ethanol production, also a record.

“Growth in the export market was a big bright spot for the U.S. ethanol industry in 2024,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Record exports not only highlight the growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions, but also underscore the vital role trade plays in strengthening the American energy sector, driving innovation, and supporting economic growth. Today, one out of every eight gallons of ethanol produced in the United States is being exported, providing savings at the pump and cleaner air for drivers in more than 75 countries around the globe.”

Cooper pointed out that the new record was achieved even as several key ethanol markets—including Brazil and China—maintain punitive trade barriers against U.S. ethanol. “Moving forward, it is crucially important that U.S. ethanol producers maintain free and fair access to global markets for both renewable fuel and co-products like distillers grains. In 2025, open markets need to stay open, and shuttered markets need to be unlocked,” he said. “RFA will continue to work with our partners to break down artificial trade barriers, expand export opportunities for U.S. producers, and educate the world’s consumers on the benefits of low-carbon renewable fuels.”

Canada has been by far the top destination, accounting for over one-third of total shipments. Over 600 million gallons of ethanol were shipped to our North American neighbor through November, and shipments were on pace to be the largest ever to an individual destination in a single year. Other top destinations in 2024 included the United Kingdom, India, the European Union, and Colombia.

Canada, India, and the European Union were also among the top five destinations when the previous high-water mark for exports was reached in 2018. Notably, at that time Brazil was the top destination, whereas it did not even make the top 10 in 2024 due to the imposition of a punitive tariff.

Additionally, exports of distillers grains, a high-protein animal feed ingredient that is a coproduct of ethanol, are expected to hit 12 million metric tons on an annual basis for only the second time in history.

To read more about Ethanol Industry & Bio Energy News, continue reading Agriinsite.com

Source : RFA