Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The sun is setting behind the capitol building in washington d.c.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Passes Congress

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Illinois corn farmers will be impacted by many provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Bill that passed in both chambers this week.

Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

By Lindsay Croke • June 30, 2025

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.