WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – U.S. ethanol exports to China spiked in March despite Beijing’s tariffs, while exports to Brazil plummeted amid continued tariffs.

China’s longstanding tariffs on U.S. ethanol eased somewhat, but despite a remaining levy, Renewable Fuels Association chief Geoff Cooper says exports there took off.

Resulting in more than 48 million gallons going to China, up 31 percent from a February dip and the second-largest one-month total for China. But Brazil was a different story.

Down 32 percent from March. Other big markets like Canada saw an 85 percent boost, India a 13 percent hike in U.S. ethanol imports, while overall March shipments were up 31 percent. Export sales of the ethanol co-product dried distillers’ grains, or DDGS, rebounded 13 percent, with big increases to Mexico, Vietnam, South Korea, and Turkey.