Just like 2024, ethanol exports in 2025 topped the previous year and set a new record before the year came to an end, providing a needed lift for the industry according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).
According to data released today by the Census Bureau, 2025 U.S. ethanol exports through November totaled 1.96 billion gallons, already surpassing annual shipments of 1.94 billion gallons in 2024, which had smashed the previous record. With one month of data to go, calendar year 2025 exports were on pace to exceed 2 billion gallons for the first time, which would represent 13 percent of U.S. ethanol production, also a record.
“We’re going to set a new record. It’s going to be big, well over 2 billion gallons, and that’s exactly what the industry needed,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper in a recent Ethanol Report podcast. “It’s been a badly needed source of demand growth. We’re continuing to see growth in shipments to Canada and the United Kingdom and the European Union, but also places like Colombia, Peru, the Philippines.”
While Brazil and China maintain punitive trade barriers against U.S. ethanol, Cooper said the Trump administration’s efforts last year have helped to open markets and ensure a level playing field for American ethanol. While in Iowa this week, President Trump mentioned some of the trade deals that benefit ethanol producers. “So Japan will now allow the United States to supply up to 100% of automobile ethanol, automotive ethanol, and import Large amounts of aviation biofuels from the United States,” said Trump. “The United Kingdom will import nearly $1 billion of ethanol. That’s part of their deal.”
Canada remained by far the top destination for ethanol, accounting for over one-third of total exports. Through November, 726 million gallons of ethanol had been shipped to this vitally important market, which also was already a new annual record. Notably, exports to the European Union were on pace to roughly double from 2024, making it our second-largest market. Other top destinations included India, the United Kingdom, and Colombia.