The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest report on trade data showed exports of U.S. distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a by-product of ethanol production, to all countries are up 6 percent this marketing year, ending Aug. 30. If this pace continues, the export tally for the year should approach 12 million metric tons, near a record set during the 2013/2014 marketing year. 

Southeast Asia as a region has seen DDGS exports rise more than 50 percent this year with notable gains from Vietnam (up 76 percent), Thailand (up 29 percent) and Indonesia (up 42 percent). In fact, at 1.7 million tons so far, DDGS exports to Southeast Asia now exceed those to Mexico (up 18 percent). 

Rounding out the top export markets are South Korea and Turkey with gains of 39 percent and 70 percent respectively, largely due to discounted prices. 

The increased pace of exports is a positive development for overall demand of U.S. grains, particularly in light of the large corn crop nearing harvest and continued robust ethanol production figures.

The U.S. Grains Council, of which the IL Corn Marketing Board is a member, promotes the sale of U.S. DDGS through its market development programs in more than 50 countries. Working to promote all major U.S. feed grains, the Council is able to help customers understand the best possible, and most economical, formulations for their particular needs.