(DTN) -- The U.S. exported 1.03 million metric tons of dried distillers grain in October, up 33% from the same month the year prior. Total exports for 2015 are up 7%.
China was the top customer, purchasing 368,656 metric tons, according to a monthly report from the Foreign Agricultural Service. It's based on numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Year to date, China's purchases are up 38%, DTN Analyst Todd Hultman said.
"China accounts for 54% of distillers grains exports in 2015, and that remains a bullish clue that China still needs to buy protein," Hultman said.
FAS said U.S. ethanol exports totaled 70.13 million gallons in October, down 14% from a year ago. Slightly more than 32 million gallons went to China, the top customer in October. Year-to-date exports for 2015 are up 4%.
"U.S. exports of biodiesel and blends totaled 22,642.2 metric tons in October, more than four times last year's amount for October," Hultman said. "Canada was the top buyer, taking 16,691.1 metric tons in October."
2015 YTD exports of biodiesel are up 1% from a year ago.