The United States exported more than 2.18 billion gallons of ethanol in 2025, marking an increase of nearly 13% compared to 2024, according to data released on Feb. 19 by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. In contrast, exports of distillers grains declined 4% to 11.6 million metric tons during the year, Ethanol Producer Magazine reported.
In December alone, ethanol exports reached 220.35 million gallons, up from 211.33 million gallons in November and 196.28 million gallons in December 2024.
The U.S. shipped ethanol to approximately 39 countries in December. Canada was the leading destination at 66.44 million gallons, followed by the Netherlands with 36.3 million gallons and Jamaica with 16.87 million gallons.
The value of ethanol exports totaled $473.17 million in December, down from $508.15 million in November but higher than the $418.59 million recorded in December of the previous year.
For the full year, ethanol exports reached 2.18 billion gallons valued at $4.8 billion, compared to 1.94 billion gallons worth $4.32 billion in 2024. The top destinations in 2025 were Canada, the Netherlands, India, the United Kingdom, and Colombia.
Meanwhile, U.S. distillers grains exports totaled 894,665 metric tons in December, down from 933,557 metric tons in November and 1.02 million metric tons in December 2024.
More than three dozen countries imported U.S. distillers grains in December. Mexico was the largest buyer at 164,406 metric tons, followed by Indonesia with 112,706 metric tons and South Korea with 110,538 metric tons.
The value of distillers grains exports stood at $216.86 million in December, slightly below $219.6 million in November and significantly lower than $354.43 million in December 2024.
For the full year, distillers grains exports reached 11.6 million metric tons valued at $2.77 billion, compared to 12.08 million metric tons worth $3.12 billion in 2024. The leading markets in 2025 were Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Turkey.
Additional export data is available on the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service website.
