NASHVILLE, TN – U.S. ethanol production rebounded sharply last week as exports and domestic blending increased, supporting corn demand despite gasoline consumption remaining below normal. Renewable Fuels Association analysis of federal data shows output reached 1.09 million barrels per day.
Production rose 5.2 percent for the week, equal to 45.95 million gallons daily. Output was 1.5 percent above last year and 3.2 percent above the five-year average. The four-week rate annualized at 16.69 billion gallons.
Ethanol stocks increased 0.4 percent to 24.5 million barrels. Inventories rose across most regions, while the Gulf and West coasts declined. Refiner and blender inputs climbed 3.5 percent to 938,000 barrels daily, the strongest level since May 2025.
Exports nearly doubled to 158,000 barrels per day, equal to 6.6 million gallons daily. Gasoline supplied rose 1.2 percent to 8.95 million barrels per day but remained below both last year and the five-year average.
Producers will watch whether stronger exports and blending can offset softer gasoline demand. Sustained ethanol output would support corn use, plant margins, and regional basis.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger ethanol production, exports, and blending could support corn demand despite below-average gasoline consumption.