Brazil’s corn-based ethanol shift global trade flows

In Brazil, AgWeb reports Farmdoc daily data shows that Brazil’s bet on corn-based ethanol has reshaped global corn trade flows. Ethanol consumption from corn has blown up to 722 million bu. in 2024-25, 15% of domestic production, from just 16 million bu. in 2015-16, thanks to the 25 corn ethanol plants in operation. Another 15 are currently under construction. That has translated to a 20% drop in corn exports, which has also been compounded by other factors including increased production in Ukraine and elsewhere. Last month, corn prices surged to a three-year high of $6.57 per bushel.