Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

Lyndi Allen
July 3, 2025

Part Three: Fueling Global Markets, Supporting Illinois Farms

World map showing top U.S. ethanol export destinations: Canada, U.K., European Union, Mexico, and others. Bar graph included.

Trade plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—not only as grain or feed, but also as fuel. Ethanol is a vital export for Illinois corn farmers as 28 percent of the corn grown in Illinois goes to ethanol. Some of that ethanol is shipped to countries around the world looking for affordable, lower-carbon fuel options.


Illinois is home to the largest dry mill ethanol plant in the world, Marquis Energy in Hennepin, IL. Marquis Energy produces more than 395 million gallons of high-octane, high-performance renewable fuel per year, as well as Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) and Distillers Corn Oil. This plant is located right on the Illinois river, exporting ethanol globally.


In the 2023/2024 market year (MY), U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.7 billion gallons, shipping to more than 75 countries.


Top U.S. Ethanol Markets

1.     Canada

·        655 million gallons

·        $1.5 billion

2.     United Kingdom

·        227 million gallons

·        $529 billion

3.     India

·        171 million gallons

·        $394 billion


Trade remains essential for Illinois corn farmers to grow demand and markets. IL Corn supports international trade and trade policies that grow opportunities for U.S. corn ethanol.

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