RFA reports show ethanol exports passed $7.1B in 2023

In Washington, according to new statistical reports by the Renewable Fuels Association, the value of the U.S. ethanol industry’s exports soared to a record level of just over $7.1 billion in 2023.  Ethanol export volumes strengthened to 1.43 billion gallons in 2023, the third-highest level on record. Meanwhile, distillers grains shipments registered at 10.8 million metric tons, slightly down from 2022.

As detailed in the ethanol trade summary report, the 1.43 billion gallons exported in 2023 represented an increase of 9 percent over 2022 and the highest volume since 2019. The value of U.S. ethanol exports surged to $3.82 billion, a record high. Shipments to Canada set an annual record for a single destination, tallying almost 640 million gallons. The United Kingdom, European Union, South Korea, India and Colombia also were sizable markets.

U.S. imports of fuel ethanol plunged to 21 million gallons in 2023, the lowest level in more than a decade. The U.S. remained a net exporter for the 14th consecutive year, as imports accounted for only 0.1 percent of domestic consumption. Net exports of 1.41 billion gallons were the second-highest ever, trailing 1.60 billion gallons in 2018.

The second trade summary report covers co-product exports, including distillers grains, a high-protein feed ingredient for livestock and poultry. Distillers grains exports totaled 10.81 million metric tons in 2023, representing 30 percent of domestic production. Export volumes were slightly lower than 2022, as was their value, at $3.3 billion.