Ethanol exports fell 3% in October

In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Agency says U.S. ethanol exports eased 3% in October to 143.5 million gallons (mg), reflecting significant market fluctuations and a heavy concentration of shipments to two primary destinations. Canada maintained its status as the leading export market for the 43rd consecutive month, despite a 22% reduction in shipments. Exports to Canada totaled 50.7 mg, primarily denatured fuel ethanol, marking a four-month low. In contrast, exports to India surged fourfold to a seven-month high of 20.7 mg, comprising the bulk of exported undenatured ethanol intended for applications other than fuel and beverage. Shipments to the United Kingdom, the largest market for undenatured fuel ethanol, fell to 10.6 mg, halving September volumes. Other larger markets included South Korea (tripled to 10.2 mg), Colombia (down 30% to 9.0 mg), and the European Union (down 55% to 8.3 mg, driven by reduced volumes to the Netherlands). Notably, Brazil and China were again absent from the export landscape in October. Cumulatively, U.S. ethanol exports for the year reached 1.53 billion gallons (bg), a 35% year-over-year increase and a record high for the ten-month period.

Fuel ethanol imports into the U.S. remained negligible in October, amounting to just 69,332 gallons from Canada and Sweden. Year-to-date imports totaled 3.60 million gallons, 79% lower than the same period last year.