(DTN) -- U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $182.8 billion in April, up $2.6 billion from March, while imports increased $4.5 billion to $220.2 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported early Friday. USDA later provided more details for exports of ethanol, distillers grains and biodiesel.
USDA said that U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 95.5 million gallons in April, up 28% from a year ago and slightly bullish news for ethanol and corn, said DTN Analyst Todd Hultman. China was the top customer, accounting for 36% of April's sales while India and Canada rounded out the top three. In the first four months of 2016, U.S. ethanol exports were up 10% from a year ago.
USDA said that U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 883,572 metric tons in April, down 5% from a year ago. Mexico and Turkey were the top two customers, taking 33% of April's sales. China was a big buyer in 2015, but was third on the list in April with its total imports of U.S. distillers grains now down 56% in 2016 from a year ago. In the first four months of 2016, U.S. exports of distillers grains were down 2% from a year ago -- a neutral influence for corn prices, Hultman said.
USDA said that U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 34,606 metric tons in April, up 2% from a year ago. Canada was the dominant buyer in April, taking 90% of the month's exports. In the first four months of 2016, U.S. biodiesel exports were up 21% from a year ago, a minor bullish influence for soybean oil prices, Hultman said.