Ethanol Facts: Trade

The development, production and sales of biofuels are global in their sweep and scope.  Click HERE to view historical world ethanol production information broken down by country/region.

FACT: In 2012, the U.S. exported an estimated 725 million gallons of ethanol.

Despite a severe drought, 2012 marked the second-highest level of exports on record.  The world's leading importers of ethanol are Canada, the European Union, Nigeria, the Philippines, Jamaica, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.  Emerging markets include Mexico and Peru. 

FACT: As the low-cost producer of ethanol, and with excess supply, the U.S. has emerged as the world's most reliable and cost-effective source of ethanol.

The U.S. ethanol industry leads the world not only in the production and use of biofuels, but also in exporting ethanol as well as livestock feed co-products such as distillers grains. Our success in the worldwide marketplace has helped to secure and sustain the growth of domestic ethanol production from all sources. While a stable and growing domestic market is an important priority for U.S. ethanol producers, the industry is increasingly focused on export opportunities for fuel and feed - especially because the U.S. market remains artificially constrained at 10% unless changes are made.

Last Updated March 2013