Amid volatility in global oil markets that has drawn renewed attention to alternative fuels, the United States recorded higher exports of ethanol and distillers grains in January compared with the same month last year. The figures were released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on March 12 and reported by Ethanol Producer Magazine.
The U.S. exported 212.07 million gallons of ethanol in January. The volume was slightly lower than the 220.35 million gallons shipped in December but higher than the 198.05 million gallons exported in January 2025.
Ethanol was shipped to more than 40 countries during the month. Canada was the largest buyer with 69.96 million gallons, followed by Brazil with 36.4 million gallons and Netherlands with 33.4 million gallons.
The value of ethanol exports reached $475.83 million in January. This was slightly higher than $473.17 million recorded in December and above the $420.12 million reported in January last year.
Exports of distillers grains, a by-product widely used in animal feed, also increased during the month. Shipments totaled 1.01 million metric tons, compared with 894,655 metric tons in December and 881,480 metric tons in January 2025.
The U.S. supplied distillers grains to more than three dozen countries in January. Mexico was the leading destination with 226,324 metric tons, followed by South Korea at 120,911 metric tons and Colombia at 104,959 metric tons.
The value of distillers grains exports rose to $248.84 million in January, up from $216.86 million in December and $195.93 million in January last year, the agency said.
