OMAHA (DTN) — The U.S. Census Bureau said Wednesday that U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $209.9 billion in November, down $1.3 billion from October. Imports totaled $259.2 billion, down $7.7 billion on the month. The resulting trade deficit of $49.4 billion for November was down from $55.7 billion in October. USDA later provided more details for exports of ethanol, biodiesel, and distillers grains.
USDA said U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 147.9 million gallons in November, down from 175.4 million in October, but up 43% from a year ago. Brazil was the top destination again in November, accounting for 35% of total exports and followed by Canada and India. In the first 11 months of 2018, U.S. ethanol exports were up 30% from a year ago.
U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 22,036 metric tons (mt) in November, slightly less than October, but up 217% from a year ago. Once again, Canada was the top destination in November, taking 64% of all U.S. exports, followed by Netherlands and Mexico. So far in 2018, U.S. exports of biodiesel are up 9% from a year ago.
U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 1,016,544 mt in November, a little less than October, but up 16% from a year ago. U.S. distillers grains continue to find broad interest with Mexico, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and South Korea listed as the top five destinations, accounting for 58% of exports in November. The first 11 months of 2018 showed exports of U.S. distillers grains up 9% from a year ago.