Exports of ethanol from the US reached their highest level in four years in 2015.

They totalled 844 million gallons, a slight increase from the previous year and second to the 1.2 billion gallons exported in 2011, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The nation’s imports of ethanol also rose from 73 million gallons in 2014 to 92 million gallons last year.

The EIA states the US remained a net exporter of the renewable energy source for the sixth consecutive year and exported it to 35 countries.

Ethanol is primarily used as a blending component in the production of vehicle fuels in the US.

Demand for ethanol in the US rose last year due to increased fuel consumption, which increased by an estimated 2.7% from its 2014 level, the EIA adds.

Its report states Canada remained the top destination for US ethanol exports, receiving 249 million gallons. That was around 30% of all exports.

Brazil and the Philippines were the next largest importers at 116 million gallons and 72 million gallons.

China “significantly increased” imports of US ethanol volumes – from three million gallons in 2014 to 70 million gallons last year – driven by the growing demand and air quality concerns.