Corn's Many Uses Around the World


By Lyndi Allen • June 11, 2026

As one of the nation’s top agriculture exporters, Illinois ships corn to buyers across the globe—but where is it all going? While corn has many uses domestically, it also has diverse uses around the world. Illinois has an extensive network of waterways, railways, and roads that make it a top location for corn to be exported internationally.


Where is Illinois corn going? (Market Year 2024/2025)

Total Exports

  • ~1 billion bushels
  1. Mexico
  2. 8.64 million tons
  3. 340.0 million bushels
  4. $1.95 billion
  5. Colombia
  6. 4.34 million tons
  7. 170.7 million bushels
  8. $978 million
  9. Japan
  10. 2.59 million tons
  11. 102.0 million bushels
  12. $584 million
  13. Spain
  14. 1.29 million tons
  15. 50.7 million bushels
  16. $290 million
  17. Guatemala
  18. 1.01 million tons
  19. 39.8 million bushels
  20. $228 million


Top Uses for Corn

  1. Mexico
  2. Livestock feed (cattle, swine, and poultry)
  3. Food processing (corn-based products like tortillas)
  4. Colombia
  5. Livestock feed (swine and poultry
  6. Japan
  7. Livestock feed (cattle, swine, and poultry)
  8. Spain
  9. Livestock feed (cattle, swine, poultry)
  10. Food processing (corn-based products like tortillas)
  11. Precooked maize flour (Latin American cuisine)
  12. Guatemala
  13. Food processing (consuming over 220 lbs per person annually)
  14. Livestock feed (swine and poultry)


U.S. grown corn has integrated into the lives of many consumers across the world. These corn numbers only contribute on piece of the picture—other corn exports like corn-based ethanol, dried distiller grains (DDGS), and corn-fed livestock add even more to the total. Corn is used all around us in all parts of the world. 


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

Illinois officials at NCERC news conference
By Lindsay Croke • October 9, 2026
A $15 million investment in NCERC at SIUE will expand the facility and provide opportunities for new bioproducts using corn to scale to commercialization.
National Corn to Ethanol Research Center proposed expansion
By Lindsay Croke • October 9, 2026
Fully funding an expansion of NCERC at SIUE will allow the testing and trials required for new corn products to scale in Illinois.
U.S. Meat being showcased in Tokyo
By John Klemm & Tara Desmond • October 8, 2026
DeWitt County farmer John Klemm shares how exporting beef helps corn and an early look at a slow, wet start to his 2026 harvest.
Corn kernels
By Lindsay Croke • October 8, 2026
Illinois corn farmers are grateful for Governor Pritzker’s effort to lower diesel prices for farmers this fall.
cover crops in the field
By Summary from PCM / Farmdoc Webinar • October 8, 2026
Precision Conservation data shows growing cover crops costs Illinois corn farmers $27.30 an acre to deliver carbon benefits. See how conservation payments compare.
Green combine harvester in a field at sunset, with the sun low on the horizon.
By Lyndi Allen • October 8, 2026
Recent federal and state actions provide potential relief for Illinois farmers facing high costs during harvest, including diesel fuel and grain storage.
anhydrous tanks
By Tara Desmond • October 8, 2026
Wait for 50°F soil, watch the forecast, and give your N a chaperone. Seven fall nitrogen tips to keep your money in the field, not the creek.
Michelle and Shane
By Tara Desmond • October 5, 2026
Farm Babe shares how she got Burger King to drop an anti-cattle ad and why farmers' voices matter.
Shane, Gregg and Danna
By Tara Desmond • October 5, 2026
Carle Health nurses explain the free Vial of Life, a fridge-stored medical info kit that helps first responders act fast in a farm or home emergency.
Green combine harvester cutting corn in a dry field under a clear blue sky
By Lyndi Allen • October 1, 2026
As Illinois farmers enter the harvest season, ICGA is asking state and federal policymakers to find ways to lower the cost of diesel fuel for farmers.
Show More