Based on data from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the United States (US) is the largest producer of ethanol.
In 2023, the US produced 15.55 billion gallons of ethanol, equivalent to 53% of the total global production.
Brazil then ranked second, with an ethanol production volume of 8.26 billion gallons, equivalent to 28% of the total global production.
Meanwhile, ethanol production from other countries is much smaller, as shown in the graph.
According to the RFA, US ethanol production is not only used for domestic needs but also sold to other countries.
In 2023, the US primarily exported ethanol to Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, South Korea, and India.
This US ethanol is used as a blend for fuel to reduce emissions and be more environmentally friendly.
"National commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality continue to create market opportunities for U.S. ethanol on a global scale," the RFA stated in its report.
"Nearly half of U.S. ethanol exports crossed the northern border into Canada. These U.S. shipments, along with Canada’s growing domestic ethanol production, helped satisfy elevated demand driven by implementation of the new Canadian Clean Fuel Regulation and higher blending requirements in Quebec," they said.