Ethanol Exports Soar

U.S. ethanol exports hit record levels in 2024, with more than 1.9 billion gallons exported, a 36 percent increase from previous years. The exports reached a value of over $4.3 billion, surpassing the previous record set six years ago. Chris Bliley, senior vice president of regulatory affairs, Growth Energy, called it great news for producers, noting that nearly 10 percent of the nation’s ethanol production is now being shipped globally. “This is really important for our overall ethanol production,” Bliley said. “Almost a third of U.S. exports are going to Canada.”  Despite ongoing concerns over tariffs, Bliley expressed optimism about the new administration’s “America First” trade policy. “The president’s executive order aims to address trade imbalances and fairness,” Bliley said, pointing to countries like Brazil, where a tariff of 18 percent is imposed on U.S. ethanol exports, while the U.S. has incentivized Brazilian ethanol imports.