LUBBOCK, TX – U.S. ethanol and dried distillers grains (DDGS) exports opened 2026 with solid movement, reinforcing steady demand for corn-based fuel and feed products across global markets. Ethanol shipments reached 212.1 million gallons in January — down 4% from December — but gains in key destinations supported overall trade flows and early-year momentum for producers.
Canada remained the top ethanol buyer, up 5% to 70.0 million gallons, with denatured fuel ethanol accounting for most shipments. Brazil tripled imports to 36.4 million gallons — the largest monthly purchase in nearly six years — while exports to the European Union fell 18% to a six-month low of 35.1 million gallons. Shipments declined to India and the Philippines but rose to Colombia, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
Trade shifts carry operational implications for ethanol plants and corn demand, especially as stronger South American buying offsets uneven demand elsewhere. DDGS exports climbed 13% to 1.01 million metric tons, led by Mexico, South Korea, and record purchases from Colombia, though shipments to Indonesia and Vietnam fell.
Regionally, Mexico remained the dominant DDGS buyer, with purchases exceeding 226,000 metric tons, while Turkey and the European Union posted notable gains. Canada and Southeast Asian markets showed mixed movement, reflecting changing feed demand and freight dynamics.
Looking ahead, evolving trade flows point to continued volatility driven by global feed demand, fuel-blending economics, and currency swings as U.S. exporters monitor shifting demand patterns.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong exports support ethanol margins and corn demand.