U.S. exports of denatured and undenatured (non-beverage) ethanol set a new monthly record of 152.5 million gallons (mg) in November, according to government data released this morning. Brazil was the leading destination for U.S. product and accounted for nearly half of total shipments for the month. Year-to-date total exports through November stood at 1.02 billion gallons (bg), meaning exports were on pace for a 2011 calendar year total of 1.11 bg. Notably, these exports did not qualify for the ethanol blender's tax credit, as the ethanol was not blended with gasoline prior to exportation.
Denatured ethanol exports totaled 115.4 mg in November, eclipsing the previous monthly record of 104.6 mg set in July. Brazil was the leading destination with 45 mg of imports. Canada followed with 27 mg of imports. Notably, India tallied its first major shipment of U.S. ethanol for the year, bringing in 10 mg of denatured product.
Undenatured (non-beverage) ethanol exports registered at 37.1 mg in November, edging out October's total of 36.9 mg to establish a new monthly record. Most of the November undenatured shipments (72%) went to Brazil, as that nation took in some 27 mg. Jamaica, Mexico, and the Netherlands were among other top destinations.
Data for November U.S. ethanol imports were not yet available, but anecdotal evidence suggests the "Ethanol Shuffle" continued in November.
November exports of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) totaled 538,174 metric tons (mt), the lowest monthly tally of the year. China was the top market (140,741 mt), followed by Mexico (117,108 mt), and Canada (53,458 mt). Year-to-date exports of DDGS stood at 7.08 million mt, meaning exports are on pace for 7.72 million mt for the calendar year. That total would be down 14% from 2010's record exports of 9.03 million mt.
