Washington, D.C., September 2025 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that corn usage for fuel ethanol production reached 456 million bushels in July 2025, reflecting continued strong demand for ethanol as a renewable fuel source.
This figure highlights the growing role of ethanol, primarily produced from corn, in the country’s push towards cleaner, renewable energy alternatives. Ethanol blending mandates and rising fuel consumption have sustained robust corn demand for ethanol production.
Government Policies: Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates and state-level ethanol blending requirements continue to support ethanol production growth.
Energy Security: Increased ethanol use helps reduce dependence on imported oil.
Agricultural Impact: High demand for corn as feedstock has supported farm incomes, although it has also sparked debates on food vs fuel.
Analysts note that while ethanol production provides economic benefits for corn growers, concerns remain about the environmental impact of intensive corn farming and the balance between food supply and fuel needs.
With ongoing advancements in biofuel technologies and government support, corn-based ethanol production is expected to maintain strong momentum throughout the year, contributing to the nation’s renewable energy goals.
