DDG, Ethanol Exports Climb

By Katie Micik
DTN Markets Editor

OMAHA (DTN) -- U.S. ethanol exports totaled 64.6 million gallons in May, up 22% from a year ago, according to U.S. Census Bureau trade data. Year-to-date ethanol exports are 6% higher than last year.

"Ethanol exports account for a small portion of corn demand (roughly 300 million bushels in 2014), but the higher pace so far in 2015 is slightly bullish for corn," DTN Analyst Todd Hultman said.

Distillers grain exports totaled 1.171 million metric tons in May, up 9% from a year ago, and the second-highest monthly total on record. In July 2014, the U.S. exported 1.173 mmt. Year-to-date exports are down 9% from 2014.

"864,777 metric tons went to China in May, up 48% from a year ago and a new record high," Hultman said. "That is a bullish factor for U.S. corn demand.

Biodiesel exports totaled 35,915 mt in May, up 23% from a year ago. Hultman said it's "a slight bullish factor for soybean oil." Year-to-date exports are down 13% from 2014.

Katie Micik can be reached at katie.micik@dtn.com

(AG)

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