US Fuel Ethanol Producers Boost Corn Consumption by 10% in May
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its latest report on grain crushings and co-products production, showing that fuel ethanol producers increased corn consumption by 10% in May 2026.
Total corn used for alcohol production and other industrial purposes reached 524 million bushels during the month, up 9% from April and 5% higher than May 2025. Of this total, 92% was used for alcohol production, with the remaining 8% going to other uses.
Corn processed specifically for fuel ethanol production rose by 10% from April and 6% year-on-year to 472 million bushels. Dry mills accounted for 92% of the corn used for this purpose, while wet mills contributed the remaining 8%.
The report also showed that output of several ethanol co-products increased during the month, including condensed distillers solubles, corn oil, and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).