U.S. ethanol exports kicked off 2026 at 212.1 million gallons (mg), according to the latest Renewable Fuels Association Trade Monitor for January 2026. Despite slipping 4% from December, it is 8 percent more than January 2025.

Canada retained its position as the top destination with a 5% increase to 70.0 mg, with denatured fuel ethanol accounting for 90% of the total and representing two-thirds of all denatured fuel ethanol exports in January. Brazil tripled its imports of U.S. ethanol to 36.4 mg, marking the largest monthly purchase in nearly six years. Exports to the European Union declined 18% to a six-month low of 35.1 mg, with the Netherlands serving as the primary recipient. Exports to India decreased 19% to 12.2 mg, while Colombia jumped 25% to 12.1 mg and the Philippines scaled back 29% to 11.4 mg. Direct shipments to the United Kingdom rose 6% to 8.0 mg. Other key markets included South Korea (7.0 mg, -20%), Vietnam (4.9 mg, up from zero for a 14-month high), and Mexico (4.1 mg, -35%).

In addition U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS) jumped 13% in January to a three-month high of 1.01 million metric tons (mt) amid large swings among major markets. Mexico remained the largest destination with 226,324 mt, up 38% to a 10-month high. South Korea increased 9% to 120,911 mt. Colombia quadrupled to a record high of 104,959 mt. Indonesia decreased 19% to 91,660 mt, while Vietnam declined 12% to an 11-month low of 71,166 mt.