US exports of ethanol in April totaled 251 million liters (66 million gallons), down 21% from March, but 62% above those of April 2013, according to US Census Bureau data released Wednesday.
The data includes all ethanol types except for beverage use.
The majority of the US ethanol exports in April -- 190.6 million liters -- were classified as denatured ethanol for fuel use, with most, some 180 million liters, going to Canada.
"April was so high because of Canada," said a trader.
"This number is skewed by the Canada volume, the cars that were stranded all winter broke free," added another source.
Undenatured ethanol exports for fuel use totaled 52.7 million liters with Brazil ranking as the top destination with 35.4 million liters, followed by the Philippines with 10.3 million liters.
Despite soaring production rates and swelling stockpiles, traders are forecasting June exports will decline because of the start of the US summer driving season.
US Energy Information Administration data released Wednesday showed ethanol output at a six-month high of 938,000 barrels/d in the week that ended Friday, while stocks rose to 18.25 million barrels, the highest level in 14 months.
Freight inquiries for June loading have been thin and no fixtures have been reported lately. "An inquiry for 20 million liters to be shipped 1H June to the Philippines was all I heard, no fixtures yet," said a shipping broker.
