U.S. Ethanol Exports Hit 209 Million Gallons

USDA data show September ethanol shipments rose 36% from a year earlier while distillers grains exports reached 1.09 million metric tons.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Economic Indicators

Isometric editorial illustration of plain stainless steel rail tank cars on a flat Midwestern rail spur beside a grain-belt facility, evoking U.S. ethanol trade. — U.S. ethanol exports reached 208.99 million gallons in September, up 36% from a year earlier, with Canada the top destination according to USDA data. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

U.S. ethanol exports reached 208.99 million gallons in September 2026, roughly 1% below August but up 36% from September 2025, according to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service data released Nov. 4. Distillers grains exports reached 1.09 million metric tons in the same month.

Why it matters

The figures show sustained overseas demand for U.S. ethanol and distillers grains, a co-product of ethanol production used in animal feed. Export volumes shape domestic producer margins and the national trade balance for agricultural goods.

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service monthly trade data shows 208.99 million gallons of September ethanol exports, up 36% from September 2025 and about 1% below August. The data does not explain the drivers of the year-over-year gain or whether the monthly dip signals a lasting trend.

The players

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

The Foreign Agricultural Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture agency that tracks and reports international agricultural trade data, including monthly export statistics for ethanol and distillers grains.

The details

Canada was the top destination for U.S. ethanol in September at 93.52 million gallons, followed by the Netherlands at 19.38 million gallons and Vietnam at 17.21 million gallons. For distillers grains, Mexico, Indonesia and South Korea ranked as the top three export markets.

September 2025: baseline month for the year-over-year ethanol export comparison.
January through September 2026: period covered by cumulative export totals.
September 2026: month in which the reported export volumes occurred.
November 4, 2026: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service released the September data.

Economic Indicators Trend

The September figures are one monthly update in the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's ongoing export series, which reported a 36% year-over-year rise in ethanol shipments. Continued monthly releases will show whether that pace holds through the rest of 2026.

Ethanol and distillers grains exports affect the revenue of U.S. ethanol producers, which in turn influences fuel and feed input costs. Changes in export demand can shift local production levels at ethanol plants that process corn.

The takeaway

Monthly USDA export releases give a clear read on demand for U.S. ethanol and distillers grains. Tracking them over the coming months will show whether the strong year-over-year gains are sustained.