Net U.S. ethanol exports topped a billion gallons last year to set a new record, according to a summary of 2016 ethanol trade just published by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

Net ethanol exports totaled 1.01 billion gallons in 2016, while gross U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.05 billion gallons, second only to 2011’s record of 1.19 billion gallons. U.S. ethanol exports were valued at $2.02 billion in 2016, up 13 percent from 2015 and the third-highest on record.

Meanwhile, ethanol imports were only 34 million gallons last year, the lowest since 2010. Brazil was the leading destination for U.S. ethanol exports, followed by Canada and China. Together, the three countries accounted for 68 percent of total ethanol exports.

“Our industry produced 15.2 billion gallons of ethanol last year, and while we continue to meet our domestic needs, ethanol exports are essential for future growth,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “Just a few years ago, the U.S. was a net importer of Brazilian ethanol, but as U.S. producers have become more efficient and world sugar prices have risen, Brazil is now the top recipient of our domestic product.”

Printed copies of the analysis will available to attendees at the upcoming National Ethanol Conference, Feb. 20–22 in San Diego. The conference will also serve as host to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program (IBP).