Data released this week by the Census Bureau revealed that U.S. ethanol exports for 2024 totaled 1.72 billion gallons through November, surpassing the previous annual record of 1.67 billion gallons in 2018, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). “With one month of data to go, exports were on pace to approach 1.9 billion gallons for the full 2024 calendar year, which would represent 12% of U.S. ethanol production, also a record,” wrote the RFA.
“Growth in the export market was a big bright spot for the U.S. ethanol industry in 2024,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Record exports not only highlight the growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions, but also underscore the vital role trade plays in strengthening the American energy sector, driving innovation and supporting economic growth. Today, 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 more than 75 countries around the globe.”
Cooper pointed out that the new record was achieved even as several key ethanol markets—including Brazil and China—maintain punitive trade barriers against U.S. ethanol. “Moving forward, it is crucially important that U.S. ethanol producers maintain free and fair access to global markets for both renewable fuel and co-products like distillers grains. In 2025, open markets need to stay open, and shuttered markets need to be unlocked,” he said. “RFA will continue to work with our partners to break down artificial trade barriers, expand export opportunities for U.S. producers and educate the world’s consumers on the benefits of low-carbon renewable fuels.”
Canada has been the top destination for exports, accounting for over one-third of total shipments. Over 600 million gallons of ethanol were shipped to Canada through November, and shipments were on pace to be the largest ever to an individual destination in a single year, according to the report. Other top destinations in 2024 included the United Kingdom, India, the European Union and Colombia.
Additionally, exports of distillers grains, a high-protein animal feed ingredient that is a coproduct of ethanol, are expected to hit 12 million metric tons on an annual basis for only the second time in history, said the RFA.