Data released today by the Energy Information Administration show that U.S. ethanol production hit a record 16.22 billion gallons (bg) in 2024, spurred by rising domestic consumption and record exports.
Domestic usage increased to 14.26 bg, the highest level since 2019. As a result, the blend rate (i.e., the national average ethanol content of gasoline) matched a record 10.38 percent, well above the fictional 10 percent “blend wall.” This reflects the continued expansion in the number of retail stations offering E15, a blend containing 15% ethanol that is typically priced at a significant discount to regular unleaded gasoline, together with waivers by the Environmental Protection Agency allowing E15 to be sold year-round.
Ethanol exports surged to 1.92 bg, an increase of more than 500 million gallons, or 37%, over 2023. (For comprehensive information about 2024 exports, please see RFA’s U.S. Ethanol Trade Statistical Summary.)
“The official EIA data released today confirm that 2024 was a banner year for the U.S. ethanol industry,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Our nation’s ethanol producers helped lead the way toward American energy dominance, achieving record highs for both production and exports. The industry is excited to build on this success in 2025 by working with the Trump administration to rapidly expand domestic consumption and continue growing exports to international markets.”
