Distillers Grains Exports Also Had a Strong Year
Photo credit: Renewable Fuels Association.
According to new statistical reports released today by the Renewable Fuels Association, the value of the U.S. ethanol industry’s exports rose to a record $7.6 billion in 2025, fueled by a record 2.18 billion gallons of ethanol exports and 11.6 million metric tons of distillers grains shipments.
RFA’s annual trade summaries have long provided industry advocates, policymakers, news media, and the public with the latest data and analysis, demonstrating the importance of U.S. ethanol and distillers grains to the world market.
“Growth in the export market provided crucial support for U.S. ethanol producers this past year,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Our trading partners around the world are increasingly embracing American-made ethanol because it helps lower their fuel costs, reduces emissions, and decreases their reliance on petroleum. One out of every eight gallons of ethanol produced in the United States is being exported, providing savings at the pump and cleaner air for drivers in dozens of countries across the globe.”
As detailed in the ethanol trade summary report, the record 2.18 billion gallons exported to more than 80 countries in 2025 represented a 13 percent increase over 2025. The value of U.S. ethanol exports soared to $4.8 billion, also a record high. Shipments to Canada set an annual record for a single destination, tallying over 792 million gallons. The European Union, India, United Kingdom and Colombia were also sizable markets.
U.S. imports of fuel ethanol kept to just 4 million gallons in 2025, same as 2024. The U.S. remained a net exporter for the 16th consecutive year, as imports accounted for less than 0.1 percent of domestic consumption.
The second trade summary report released today covers coproduct exports, including distillers grains, a high-protein feed ingredient for livestock and poultry. Distillers grains exports totaled 11.6 million metric tons in 2025, the fourth largest on record. These exports represent 36 percent of domestic distillers grains production. Export volumes were valued at $2.8 billion.
For distillers grains, Mexico remained the top export market out of more than 50 countries, with a 20 percent share, followed by South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The full ethanol trade summary report and coproduct export report can be read on the RFA's website.
Read more from the RFA here.