April US Ethanol Exports Second Largest Monthly Total on Record

OMAHA (DTN) — The U.S. Census Bureau said Thursday U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $263.7 billion in April, up $2.1 billion from March. April imports totaled $338.2 billion, up $8 billion on the month. The resulting trade deficit of $74.6 billion for April was up $6.0 billion from March. USDA later used Census Bureau data to provide more details for exports of ethanol, biodiesel, and distillers grains.

USDA said U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 214.2 million gallons in April, up from 159.3 million gallons in March and up 70% from a year ago. It was also the second largest monthly export total on record. Canada was the top destination in April, accounting for 29% of total exports and was followed by the UK and India. For the first four months of 2024, ethanol exports were up 38% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 60,274 metric tons (mt) in April, up from 45,892 mt in March, but down 59% from a year ago. Canada was the top destination in April, accounting for 90% of all U.S. exports and was followed by Peru. In the first four months of 2024, biodiesel exports were down 29% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 970,164 mt in April, down from 1,055,692 mt in March, but up 25% from a year ago. Mexico was the top destination in April, taking 24% of U.S. exports and was followed by Indonesia and South Korea. In the first four months of 2024, distillers grains exports were up 22% from a year ago.