Amid volatility in global oil markets that has renewed attention on alternative fuels, the United States reported higher exports of ethanol and distillers grains in January compared with the same month last year, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on March 12, Ethanol Producer Magazine reported.
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 shipments reached more than 40 countries during the month. Canada remained the largest buyer, importing 69.96 million gallons, followed by Brazil with 36.4 million gallons and Netherlands with 33.4 million gallons.
The value of ethanol exports stood at $475.83 million in January, 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. Shipments reached 1.01 million metric tons in January, up from 894,655 metric tons in December and 881,480 metric tons in the same month last year.
The U.S. supplied distillers grains to more than three dozen countries during the month. Mexico was the top 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, compared with $216.86 million in December and $195.93 million in January 2025, the agency said.
