Ethanol production in the United States reached a record high in 2025, driven by stronger domestic demand and a sharp rise in exports, according to data released on February 27 by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Ethanol Producer Magazine reported.
The agency reported that U.S. ethanol output climbed to 16.49 billion gallons last year, the highest level on record. Domestic consumption rose to 14.34 billion gallons, an increase of nearly 100 million gallons compared with 2024.
Reacting to the data, Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, said both American and overseas buyers are showing strong interest in U.S.-produced ethanol. He welcomed efforts by the Trump administration over the past year to expand access to international markets for U.S. ethanol and called on Congress to allow year-round sales of E15 across the country.
The national average ethanol content in gasoline, known as the blend rate, rose to a record 10.51 per cent in 2025. This marked a move beyond the long-discussed 10 per cent level that had previously been viewed as a limit for blending.
Growth in domestic use reflected expanding sales of E15, a fuel blend containing 15 per cent ethanol, even though seasonal restrictions remain in some regions. Industry representatives said removing such restrictions could lead to faster growth in ethanol demand.
Exports also played a key role in the record production. U.S. ethanol shipments overseas rose to more than 2.18 billion gallons in 2025, up 13 per cent from the previous high set a year earlier.
The data show that almost all ethanol consumed in the United States was produced domestically, with imports remaining negligible, supporting the country’s energy security goals.
