After big gains in the first quarter of 2023, U.S. ethanol exports slowed in April, dropping five percent to 125.7 million gallons (mg), despite a 95% increase in undenatured ethanol shipments, according to the latest Renewable Fuels Association Trade Monitor update. Exports of both U.S. ethanol and the co-product dried distillers grains (DDGS) are lower than a year ago at this time.

Canada was our largest destination for the 25th consecutive month with 46.9 mg crossing the border (17% lower than March), including two-thirds of all April U.S. denatured exports. Other major global customers included the European Union (16.5 mg, +26%)—primarily shipped to the Netherlands—India (13.2 mg, -42%), South Korea (10.8 mg, +108%), the United Kingdom (10.4 mg, +20%), and Mexico (7.0 mg, +19%). Brazil again remained absent from the market with a 16% tariff on U.S. ethanol in place. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports total 479.8 mg, lagging 17% behind last year at this time and marking the smallest January-April exports in seven years.

RFA reports that April U.S. exports DDGS declined 13% to 777,617 metric tons.

Mexico remained our top customer for the tenth consecutive month despite a 25% cut from March volumes, with imports totaling 157,339 mt. Mexico, South Korea (111,573, -13%), Indonesia (73,341 mt, +7%), and Vietnam (65,258 mt, +23%) together captured roughly half of our global market in April. Japan (41,984 mt, +14%), the European Union (41,832 mt, +45%)—with the entirety bound for Ireland—Colombia (39,495 mt, a tick lower), Thailand (39,365 mt, +179%), Canada (36,008 mt, -26%), and Ecuador (30,847 mt, +44% to a record high) imported sizeable volumes as well. Year-to-date DDGS exports total 3.21 million mt, coming in 13% below last year at this time and representing the smallest January-April exports in a decade.