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U.S. ethanol exports hit more than one month high, margins improve

U.S. ethanol exports were strong last week.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says ethanol exports averaged 203,000 barrels per day, the highest in more than a month, rising 80,000 on the week and 29,000 on the year.

That reflects the ongoing strong demand for ethanol from several key trading partners with 2026 exports ahead of the record 2025 pace.

Ethanol production averaged 1.116 million barrels per day, up 41,000 from the previous week and 95,000 from a year ago.

The Iowa State University Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says the estimated operating margin for the typical Iowa plant improved, implying a solid profit.

The Renewable Fuels Association says net inputs of ethanol purchased by refiners and blenders and the volume of gasoline supplied to the market both saw week-to-week declines.

Ethanol stocks of 26.053 million barrels were 62,000 more than the week before, but 981,000 less than last year.

The USDA expects 5.6 billion bushels of corn to be used for ethanol production this marketing year.