LUBBOCK, TX – U.S. ethanol exports slowed in April but remained ahead of last year’s pace, keeping an important demand outlet in place for corn producers and ethanol plants. Renewable Fuels Association data show April exports totaled 171.6 million gallons.
That was the first monthly total below 200 million gallons in six months. Canada remained the top buyer at 64.8 million gallons, while European Union shipments fell to 34.1 million gallons.
South Korea provided a bright spot, with purchases climbing 57 percent to a four-year high of 16.4 million gallons. The Philippines, United Kingdom, Peru, Mexico, Nigeria, and Colombia also remained active buyers, while Brazil and India were largely absent.
Dried distillers grains exports also stayed strong. April shipments totaled 1.02 million metric tons, down 1 percent from March, with Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, and Turkey accounting for about two-thirds of the market.
Through April, ethanol exports reached 811.3 million gallons, up 13 percent from last year, while dried distillers grains exports rose 12 percent to 3.98 million metric tons.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Ethanol and feed coproduct exports remain strong demand outlets for corn, even after April’s pullback.