U.S. Ethanol Exports Break Records Again—2025 Shipments Surge Toward 2 Billion Gallons
The U.S. ethanol industry is on track to close out 2025 with historic momentum, according to new Census Bureau data released today. Shipments through November reached 1.96 billion gallons, already exceeding the full-year 2024 record of 1.94 billion gallons.
The Renewables Fuels Association (RFA) says with one month of data still to come, the U.S. is poised to cross the 2-billion-gallon mark for the first time, a milestone that would put exports at roughly 13 percent of total national ethanol production.
“Continued expansion in the export market provided a tremendous lift for the U.S. ethanol industry in 2025,” said Geoff Cooper, President of RFA.
“Record exports not only highlight the growing global demand for affordable energy solutions, but also underscore the vital role trade plays in strengthening the American energy sector, driving innovation, and supporting economic growth. One out of every eight gallons of ethanol produced in the United States is being exported, providing savings at the pump and cleaner air for drivers in dozens of countries across the globe.”
Record Growth Despite Major Trade Barriers
The industry achieved this new export record even while two historically important markets—Brazil and China—continue to impose punitive trade barriers that have limited access for U.S. ethanol.
Cooper highlighted the work done in recent years to broaden access.
“We appreciate the Trump administration’s efforts last year to open markets and ensure a level playing field for American ethanol and for coproducts like distillers grains,” he said. “We are hopeful these barriers will start coming down in 2026, and we are optimistic as other countries increasingly turn to ethanol as a key component of their fuel supplies. RFA will continue to work with the U.S. government and our partners to expand markets.”
Canada Leads the Pack—Again
As in previous years, Canada remained the top export destination, accounting for more than one-third of all U.S. shipments. Through November, U.S. producers had delivered 726 million gallons to Canadian buyers—already an annual record for this critical market.
European Union Emerges as Key Growth Market
A particularly notable development in 2025 has been the rapid rise of U.S. ethanol exports to the European Union, which were on pace to double compared to 2024. That surge makes the EU the second-largest customer for U.S. ethanol this year.
Other Strong Markets Show Broad Global Demand
In addition to Canada and the EU, exports to India, the United Kingdom, and Colombia remained strong. These diverse markets highlight growing global interest in ethanol as a cost-effective, lower-carbon fuel option aligned with national climate and energy-security goals.
A New Era for U.S. Ethanol
With the U.S. industry on track to surpass 2 billion gallons of exports for the first time, 2025 marks a pivotal moment. Record-setting demand underscores ethanol’s expanding global role as countries seek cleaner fuels and affordable energy alternatives.
As momentum continues, the ethanol sector will look for further policy alignment and expanded market access in 2026—especially if barriers in Brazil and China begin to ease. For now, the industry celebrates a year defined by unprecedented international reach and strong economic opportunity for American producers.
Photo Credit: RFA