Government data released Feb. 6 confirms that U.S. ethanol exports set a new record in 2017, with an astonishing 1.37 billion gallons shipped to more than 60 countries around the world. The 2017 export total was up 17 percent from 2016 and beat the previous record set in 2011 by some 174 million gallons (mg). In conjunction with today’s data release, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) released a detailed summary of 2017 U.S. ethanol export and import statistics.
Brazil was the leading destination for U.S. ethanol exports, receiving 446 mg, or 33 percent of total shipments. Canada imported 328 mg from the United States, while India took in 173 mg. The Philippines and South Korea rounded out the top five destinations in 2017. Export volumes to nine of the top 10 destinations saw increases over 2016 volumes, with Brazil, India, the Netherlands, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates showing the largest gains. Meanwhile, after serving as the third-leading ethanol export market in 2016, China finished just out of the top 10 in 2017, as exports to that nation plunged nearly 90% in the wake of new tariffs being implemented.
