Strong Demand from Canada and the European Union Drives U.S. Ethanol Export Growth in May 2026
U.S. ethanol exports recovered strongly in May 2026, reaching 189.7 million gallons, an 11% increase from April after a temporary slowdown.
Stronger shipments to several major international markets helped drive the rebound, with Canada maintaining its position as the largest buyer of U.S. denatured fuel ethanol.
Exports to Canada rose 18% to 76.3 million gallons, marking the country's highest monthly import level in six months.
Demand from the European Union also remained strong, with exports increasing 15% to 39.1 million gallons, largely supported by shipments to the Netherlands. Together, Canada and the European Union represented 61% of total U.S. ethanol exports during May.
Other markets also posted notable gains. Nigeria imported 12.7 million gallons, its highest monthly volume since December 2021, while exports to Colombia jumped 72% to 10.9 million gallons. Shipments to Vietnam more than quadrupled to 7.7 million gallons.
However, exports declined to several destinations, including South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, exports to Brazil and India remained virtually nonexistent. Through the first five months of 2026, cumulative U.S. ethanol exports reached 1 billion gallons, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
U.S. fuel ethanol imports totaled 256,801 gallons in May, the highest monthly level since March 2025. Brazil supplied approximately 70% of imports, while Canada accounted for the remaining 30%. Despite the increase, year-to-date imports remained relatively low.
Exports of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), an important livestock feed coproduct of ethanol production, also improved in May. Shipments climbed 6% to 1.08 million metric tons, led by increased demand from Mexico, South Korea, and the European Union.
Total DDGS exports for the first five months of 2026 reached 5.06 million metric tons, up 14% from the same period last year.
Photo Credit: renewable-fuels-association