U.S. ethanol exports posted a strong rebound in May, rising 11 percent from April as international demand strengthened across several key markets.
According to the latest trade data, the United States exported 189.7 million gallons of ethanol during the month. Canada remained the largest customer, increasing imports by 18 percent to 76.3 million gallons, the highest monthly total in six months.
Shipments to the European Union also climbed 15 percent in May. Combined, Canada and the European Union accounted for more than 60 percent of all U.S. ethanol exports during the month, underscoring their importance as major export destinations.
Other markets also posted notable gains. Exports increased significantly to Nigeria, Colombia and Vietnam, helping offset declines in shipments to South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, exports to Brazil and India remained virtually nonexistent during the month.
The strong May performance helped push total U.S. ethanol exports above one billion gallons for the year to date. That pace is running 11 percent ahead of the same period in 2025, reflecting continued growth in global demand for American-produced ethanol.
The ethanol industry's export gains extended beyond fuel. Exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), a high-protein livestock feed co-product produced during ethanol manufacturing, also increased in May. Shipments rose 6 percent from April to 1.08 million metric tons, providing an additional source of demand and value for the U.S. ethanol industry.
The combination of stronger ethanol and DDGS exports offers continued support for corn demand and the broader agricultural economy, as ethanol production remains one of the nation's largest uses of U.S.-grown corn.