WASHINGTON — US ethanol exports passed the 1 billion-gallon threshold halfway through the 2024-25 marketing year, increasing 27% from the same period a year ago, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The increase in ethanol sales contributed to an 11% increase in US grains in all forms (GIAF) exports compared to last year’s data, the US Grains Council (USGC) said.

“Passing 1 billion gallons in ethanol exports just six months into 2024-25 is a testament to the quality and versatility of US ethanol,” said Alicia Koch, director of global ethanol export development for the USGC. “It’s a sign that the US ethanol industry is ready and willing to handle increased global demand, and the Council is effectively implementing its international marketing strategies to generate interest in biofuels across consumers and policymakers around the world.”

Canada is the top importer of US ethanol with purchases increasing by about 19 million gallons to a total of 340.2 million gallons. The European Union has imported 78 million additional gallons so far, for a six-month total of 133.6 million gallons.

“Building new demand is a pillar of the Council’s commitment to US producers because of the financial benefits derived from diversified markets for US ethanol, and we certainly see the potential for further breakthroughs in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, the Philippines and others,” Koch said.