Nov 18, 2025
Brazil to Export DDGs and Grain Sorghum to China
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
China recently authorized five corn ethanol facilities in Brazil to export DDGs to China and ten grain facilities to export grain sorghum to China. The measure stems from the signing of the Sorghum Plant Health Protocol (November 2024) and the Protein and Grain Protocol from the Corn Ethanol Industry (May 2025). These measures strengthen the commercial relationship with the main partner of Brazilian agribusiness.
The Midwest region of Brazil accounts for more than 60% of Brazil's grain sorghum production. In 2024, Brazil produced more than 4 million tons of grain sorghum, of which 178.4 thousand tons (4%) were exported according to IBGE. In recent years, grain sorghum has become an alternative to safrinha corn production, especially if the safrinha corn would be planted outside the ideal planting window. Four grain units were authorized in Mato Grosso, four in Minas Gerais, one in Rondonia, and one in Bahia. China is responsible for more than 80% of the global sorghum imports.
As far as DDGs exports are concerned, four corn ethanol facilities in Mato Grosso were authorized to begin exports and one in Mato Grosso do Sul. Brazil is the third largest corn producer in the world and as much as 20 million tons of corn is being used to produce ethanol. One of the byproducts is DDGs (dry distillery grains) which is used in animal rations.
China is the principal destination of Brazilian agricultural exports. In 2024, China imported more than US$ 49.6 billion worth of Brazilian agricultural products.