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Ethanol exports flat in June; Imports from Brazil surge

August 13, 2012

           

U.S. exports of ethanol (denatured and undenatured, non-beverage) totaled 59 million gallons (mg) in June, nearly identical to May export levels, according to government data released recently. Year-to-date exports stood at 426.4 mg, implying an annualized total of 852.9 mg; however, anecdotal information suggests ethanol exports dropped off precipitously in July. Meanwhile, ethanol imports surged in June as U.S. ethanol production slowed in response to higher corn prices. The U.S. brought in 27.8 mg in June, with 91% coming from Brazil. As a result, net exports fell to their lowest level of the year. Denatured ethanol for fuel use accounted for 44.1 mg of the June shipments. Canada was the top destination, receiving 25.2 mg. The United Kingdom (6.9 mg), Brazil (4.5 mg), Nigeria (3.2 mg) and Peru (2.7 mg) followed. Undenatured ethanol for fuel use totaled 14.1 mg in June, with Brazil receiving 9 mg and Mexico taking in 4.9 mg. Denatured and undenatured ethanol exports for non-fuel, non-beverage use totaled less than 1 mg. Distillers grains exports were 697,288 metric tons (mt), down from May. China was the leading customer, bringing in 265,481 mt, followed by Mexico (129,311 mt) and Canada (61,073 mt). Year-to-date distillers grains exports stood at 3.93 million mt, indicating an annualized total of 7.86 million mt for 2012.