LUBBOCK, TX – U.S. ethanol production pulled back in early July, but export demand strengthened, and stocks fell to the lowest level of the year.
Renewable Fuels Association analysis of Energy Information Administration data shows ethanol production fell 2.1 percent for the week ending July 3 to 1.09 million barrels per day. That equals 45.91 million gallons daily. Output was still 0.7 percent above last year and 4.8 percent above the five-year average.
Ethanol stocks dropped 3.1 percent to 23.9 million barrels, the lowest weekly level since the start of 2026. Inventories declined in every region except the Gulf Coast.
Gasoline supplied to the market fell 3.1 percent to 8.85 million barrels per day. Ethanol blender inputs also declined, dropping 2.2 percent to a five-week low.
Exports were the bright spot, jumping 58.7 percent to 200,000 barrels per day, or 8.4 million gallons daily.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong ethanol exports helped offset weaker domestic fuel demand and supported corn-use signals.