Insight Focus
The US exported 1.91 billion gallons in of ethanol in 2024. DDGS exports also surged to 12.22 million tonnes, with strong demand from key markets. Policy shifts in 2025 may impact growth, but strong production and demand could sustain momentum.
RFA Annual Report Highlights US Record Total US ethanol exports set a record in 2024, climbing to 1.91 billion gallons. According to data compiled by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), US ethanol exports increased for the 15th consecutive year. The value of the US ethanol industry’s exports rose to a peak of USD 7.5 billion in 2024.
Source: RFA
Meanwhile, dried distillers’ grains (DDGS) shipments registered at 12.2 million tonnes, the second highest ever.
2024 proved to be a terrific year for exports of renewable fuels and coproducts as the entire world saw the value of these US-made goods, said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper.
“Our industry’s export sales made a remarkably positive contribution to the US trade balance, while boosting farm incomes and supporting communities across rural America. As countries around the globe embrace ethanol as a low-cost solution for improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions, RFA will continue to pursue and protect trade opportunities in a free or fair manner,” he said.
Canada held on to its position in the month of December as the top destination for the 45th consecutive month, with exports gaining 10% to 62.8 million gallons, primarily consisting of denatured ethanol.
Source: RFA
The EU saw a 49% surge in December to a record 35.4 million gallons, driven by record exports to the Netherlands, while shipments to the UK jumped 48% to an eight-month high of 27.1 million gallons.
Mexico set a record at 11.1 million gallons, up 36%. Notably, Brazil returned to the market in December for the first time since May 2024, importing 7.8 million gallons.
DDGS Exports Climb as Global Demand Surges
US exports of DDGS rebounded 12% in December to 1.06 million tonnes, with market activity swinging widely across key destinations.
Total US DDGS exports reached 12.22 million tonnes in 2024, the second highest on record. As detailed in the RFA’s annual ethanol trade RFA’s Annual Ethanol Trade Summary Report, the 1.91 billion gallons exported in 2024 represented an increase of over 36% from 2023.
The value of US ethanol exports surged to USD 4.3 billion, a record high. US imports of fuel ethanol dropped to just 4 million gallons in 2024, less than one-fifth of 2023s imports and the lowest level in three decades.
Source: RFA
The US remained a net exporter for the 15th consecutive year, as imports accounted for less than 0.1% of domestic consumption. The US supplied distiller’s grains to more than 50 countries via 24 domestic ports and exit points.
Mexico remained the top export market, accounting for a 21% share, followed by South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Colombia, the EU and Turkey were the largest growth markets in 2024, with increases of 68%, 46%, and 42%, respectively, compared to 2023.
Policies set by a new administration in Washington, DC, concerning biofuels, climate change and international trade will have effects on the fuel ethanol market. But expected strong corn production and higher ethanol output amid continuously booming markets may mitigate any market negatives.
