Exporting Distillers Dried Grains to the US — US Cattle and Hog Feeding Operations

Distillers Dried Grains (DDGS) are a high-protein, high-energy co-product of the ethanol industry, widely used as a feed ingredient in US cattle and hog operations. As ethanol production expands globally, Latin American and African suppliers are increasingly positioned to supply US feedlots and swine operations with cost-effective, nutrient-dense DDGS. This page provides a comprehensive guide for suppliers and buyers navigating the US DDGS import market.

DDGS are produced when grains such as corn, sorghum, or wheat are fermented to produce ethanol. The remaining solids are dried and sold as a feed ingredient. In the US, DDGS are valued for their protein content (typically 27–32% crude protein), digestible fiber, and energy density, making them an excellent partial replacement for corn and soybean meal in ruminant and swine diets. US cattle feedlots use DDGS to enhance feed efficiency and reduce overall ration costs, while hog operations benefit from the consistent amino acid profile and palatability. The US imported approximately 1.2 million metric tons of DDGS in 2022, with a total value exceeding $400 million, primarily from Brazil and Canada (USITC Dataweb, 2023).[1]

Product Specifications and Grades Relevant to US Buyers

US buyers evaluate DDGS based on several key specifications: crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture content, and mycotoxin levels. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provide guidelines for DDGS quality. Typical specifications for US cattle and hog operations include: crude protein (minimum 27%), crude fat (minimum 8%), crude fiber (maximum 12%), and moisture (maximum 12%). Mycotoxin limits are critical, with aflatoxin B1 not exceeding 20 ppb for finished feed (FDA guidance). Color is also an indicator of quality; golden or light brown DDGS are preferred, while dark brown or burnt material indicates overheating during drying, which reduces lysine digestibility. The US Grains Council publishes a DDGS quality guide that outlines these parameters and provides a color reference chart for buyers.[2]

LATAM and Africa Supplier Landscape for DDGS

Latin America is the primary source of imported DDGS for the US, with Brazil leading production due to its large sugarcane and corn ethanol industries. Brazil’s corn ethanol sector has grown rapidly, with DDGS output increasing from 1.5 million metric tons in 2019 to an estimated 3.2 million metric tons in 2023 (Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, 2024).[3] Other Latin American producers include Argentina, Paraguay, and Colombia, where ethanol production from corn and sorghum is expanding. In Africa, South Africa and Kenya have nascent ethanol industries producing DDGS, but volumes remain small and inconsistent for export to the US. However, new plants in Mozambique and Tanzania, supported by international development finance, may increase African DDGS supply in the medium term. Key advantages of Latin American DDGS include competitive pricing due to lower energy costs and proximity to US Gulf ports, which reduces shipping times compared to Asian suppliers.

US Buyer Types — Who Buys DDGS and How They Procure

US cattle feedlots and hog operations are the primary buyers of DDGS. Feedlots with capacities of 50,000 head or more often procure DDGS in bulk via direct contracts with suppliers or through feed ingredient brokers. Procurement decisions are driven by price relative to corn and soybean meal, with DDGS typically priced at 80–100% of corn on a per-ton basis. Large integrated swine operations, such as those in Iowa, North Carolina, and Minnesota, use DDGS at inclusion rates of 10–20% in grower-finisher rations. These buyers require consistent quality, reliable supply, and third-party certification of mycotoxin levels. Smaller operations may purchase DDGS through regional feed mills or cooperatives. The US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reports weekly DDGS prices at major delivery points, including the Gulf, Pacific Northwest, and interior markets.[4]

Certifications and Import Requirements for DDGS

Importing DDGS into the US requires compliance with FDA regulations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. DDGS must be free of adulterants and meet mycotoxin limits. Suppliers should provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each shipment, detailing protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and mycotoxin content. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a valid phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s plant health authority, confirming that the product is free from pests and diseases. Additionally, the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) may require a permit for certain origins. For Latin American suppliers, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service provides a DDGS quality certification program that facilitates market access. The US Grains Council also offers a DDGS certification program that includes third-party auditing of production facilities. Suppliers should also register with the FDA as a food facility and maintain a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) compliance plan.[5]

Pricing and Lead Time Context

DDGS prices in the US are closely tied to corn and natural gas markets. As of early 2025, DDGS delivered to the US Gulf is priced between $220 and $280 per metric ton, depending on quality and volume. Lead times from Latin American suppliers range from 14 to 30 days for containerized shipments, with bulk vessel shipments taking 20 to 35 days from port of origin to US Gulf ports. Seasonal factors, such as the US harvest cycle (September–November), can affect pricing and availability, as domestic DDGS production peaks during the ethanol season. Buyers typically negotiate contracts on a monthly or quarterly basis, with price adjustments tied to CME corn futures or the USDA’s DDGS price index. Suppliers should factor in freight costs, which currently range from $30 to $60 per metric ton from Brazil to the US Gulf, and customs brokerage fees of $200 to $500 per shipment.[6]

How Coppermont Connects Suppliers to Buyers

Coppermont specializes in connecting Latin American and African DDGS suppliers with US cattle and hog feeding operations. Our team provides market intelligence, quality assurance, and logistics support to streamline the export process. For suppliers, we offer pre-shipment inspection services, documentation assistance, and access to our network of US feedlots and swine integrators. For US buyers, we conduct supplier audits, arrange sample shipments, and negotiate contracts that ensure consistent quality and competitive pricing. Our platform tracks shipments in real time and provides a secure payment gateway. Whether you are a producer in Brazil looking to expand into the US market or a feedlot operator in Texas seeking a reliable DDGS source, Coppermont can help. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

Ready to source or supply DDGS? Coppermont connects you with vetted partners across the supply chain. For suppliers, we provide market entry support and buyer introductions. For buyers, we offer supplier verification and logistics coordination. Reach out to our team to get started.