Ethanol output in the United States rose to its highest level in five weeks, supporting demand for corn, even as exports saw a sharp fall, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reviewed by the Renewable Fuels Association.
Production increased by 0.4% to 1.12 million barrels per day, placing it more than 10% higher than the same period last year. The four-week average also moved up, keeping annual output on track to cross 17 billion gallons. Higher production levels continue to support corn use within the country.
Demand for fuel also strengthened during the week. Gasoline consumption rose by 6.1% to a five-week high, remaining above both last year’s level and the three-year average. This helped maintain stability in the ethanol market despite mixed trends.
However, exports dropped sharply, falling by more than 60% compared to the previous week. At the same time, inputs from refiners and blenders declined to a six-week low, indicating a short-term slowdown in blending activity.
Ethanol stocks, meanwhile, increased by 2.5%, with most of the build seen along the East and Gulf Coasts, adding to overall supply.
