U.S. ethanol exports jumped 26 percent in 2016, exceeding 1 billion gallons for just the second time in history, and are expected to remain an important outlet for ethanol refiners again this year despite uncertainty in key world markets.

"U.S. ethanol exports are responding to increased demand for clean, high-octane ethanol to blend into transportation fuel," said Mike Dwyer, U.S. Grains Council chief economist, who oversees the organization’s ...